For this week’s Small Business Spotlight, I chose to focus on a newer business that recently entered the Pittsburgh small business scene. Lola’s Eatery is a new breakfast/brunch spot located on Penn Ave in Lower Lawrenceville. This spot focuses on serving Mexican and Filipino inspired dishes along with delicious baked goods. The menu ranges from house-made doughnuts and bagels to breakfast noodles and AM eggrolls. The menu is flavorful and super affordable. Although Lola’s Eatery is not currently open to the public due to the statewide COVID19 shutdown, they are still offering custom order pick-ups via email (info@lolaseatery.com). Lola’s has only been open for a few months, but owners Max Becerra and Zoe Rieder are determined to keep business flowing and customers happy during this time.

I had the opportunity to ask owners Max & Zoe how the COVID19 is changing their business and how they are adapting to it. 

What is your favorite part about running a small business? 

Just one? Oh man, that’s tough!!! We’d probably have to say “Waking up in the morning” is our favorite part. That distinct feeling of real purpose & profound pride. Knowing that you have vocation where you’re fortunate to do what you love most. 

Since starting “Lola’s Eatery”, we have not only grown exponentially (as a people) through the challenges we’ve faced but more so the amazing people! We might have never made friends, let alone met them if it weren’t for Lola’s. Working your butt off for 14, 16-hour days becomes super rewarding when you finally get to see the excitement/happiness in the interaction you have with others. Yeah, you will have that one-off on “Yelp” but generally people are supportive and truly want you to succeed. Simply put it’s honestly a privilege to go to bed exhausted… knowing that you have earned your sleep.

What is your business doing differently during the shutdown? 

We considered changing the name from Lola’s Eatery to Lola’s Bakery. We are mainly doing bagels, donuts, pastries and cakes since the restaurant has not been open to the public. We have been asking people to email custom orders at least one day in advance for pick-up only. We are really trying to promote proper social distancing procedures. 

What is some advice you’d give to local shoppers right now?

Just keep doing what you’re doing, do your best to remain current on the news, take care of one another and don’t be afraid to reach out to your local business; especially your favorite ones. Ask how you can support them as we all try to weather this calamitous storm. 

What is some advice you’d give to other small business owners? 

After barely opening in December, we were just starting to find our stride when this global catastrophe hit. So to the businesses in the adolescent chapters of pursuing their dreams all we can say is that: 

That this will pass. In the meantime don’t fixate on how bad it is, but put that energy into reaching out to your future customers, get your hands dirty. 

Set realistic goals that work towards your dream. We often overestimate what we can do over a long period while underestimating what we can accomplish in a single day. 

This economic bind serves as an opportune time to get to know, like really get to know and understand your staff like you never have before. Take advantage of it.

Most importantly make the most of your customer interactions, whether it be on a social media platform or talking from a six-foot distance. Put full effort into making that transaction memorable for them and let them know how grateful you are for their support. Chances are they probably aboard the struggle bus as well. Good Luck, we are here for you.

What are some of your favorite local businesses in Pittsburgh? 

Well, one of the many great things about Pittsburgh is that they take care of their own, everyone is always willing to help & support one another. To name a few of the many, in no particular order: DiAnoia’s, Engine House 25 Wines, Garabarino’s, Ineffable Cà Phê, Pizza Taglio, we could go on all day.

You can check out and support Lola’s Eatery here:

Website: https://www.lolaseatery.com/

Instagram: lolas_eatery

Facebook: Lola’s Eatery  

As always, stay safe & healthy Pittsburgh. We will get through this!