Why did you decide to start-up a business in Ambridge?
Police Station Pizza was originally opened by my uncle Tony Dippilipo in the early 1950’s. He soon asked my dad to join a few years later and eventually, my dad took over the business after my uncle went to work in the mill. In time, I was given the opportunity to take over the business; pizza has been in my family for generations.
How easy was it to start your business? 
Since my family has owned the pizza shop for decades, it was not a hard physical transition for me or the business. Although, I will say that there was a steep learning curve with the new responsibilities that came along with ownership. Pizza takes a lot of work and time, we come in early every day to ensure fresh quality for our customers. We were also able to open a franchise in Robinson, PA thanks to our success here in Ambridge.
 
How welcoming was the community?
The community has always been welcoming to us. Growing up in Ambridge has allowed me to form a lot of friendships in this town and they appreciate the hard work that goes into making this pizza.
What is the value of having your business in Ambridge versus a town such as Beaver?
I think that no matter where you are, you will be successful if you make a good product. Although, Ambridge is valuable because of the good people that live here and the great connections that can be made. Also, the rent is cheaper here than it is in Beaver and other similar areas; Ambridge is clearly full of potential for businesses to thrive in.
 
How have you been impacted by the community of Ambridge after opening this business? 
Ambridge is a great town. I love the community and the support that we receive from them and the surrounding areas as well.
 
Make sure to check out Police Station Pizza on Facebook!
 
Contact Info
Address: 1007 Merchant St, Ambridge, PA 15003
Phone: (724) 266-3904
https://www.facebook.com/Police-Station-Pizza-118337328250902/
Written and Submitted by: Christina Phelgar


Below are past stories and videos from posted on Ambridge Connection : 

• Pizza House 'Police Station Pizza' Honored by Ambridge Borough 
• Former Ambridge Pizza Shop Owner Remembered as Loving Father and Husband
• Super Bowl Food:  What Are You Having?
• Ambridge Fireworks Tradition is Making a Comeback
• Winners Announced Ambridge Connection 30 Days of Giveaways 
• ​45th AAHS Class Holds Reunion
• Virtual Grand Opening​

Why did you decide to start-up a business in Ambridge?
While I have been in business for over 30 years, I have been in Ambridge for about 12 years. I’m originally from Mt. Washington and now live in Economy. Starting out, I was working for an eyeglass maker in Pittsburgh but was sick of the overcharging that was taking place. That’s when I chose to move on by myself and started selling my glasses to eye doctors. Over time, I have made it a point to only sell to families and individuals that come in for new glasses or that just need their current glasses fixed. My business started in Economy but I decided to move down to Ambridge because there was a more affordable rent opportunity in my current building, thanks to my dear friend, Joe.
 
How easy was it to start your business?
Since the business was already existent, I didn’t have too much to worry about because I already had all of the materials and most of my customers followed me when I moved to Ambridge. A lot of my business comes from the surrounding areas but I do receive a decent customer base from Ambridge as well.
 
How welcoming was the community?
The community was welcoming when I came to Ambridge. As a glasses maker, I am more of a niche market so I think that the town appreciates that I am able to pull in a variety of people.
What is the value of having your business in Ambridge versus a town such as Beaver?
The commute is great and in a small town like this, networking occurs very easily and I can advertise merely by word of mouth. Ambridge presented me with the best opportunity to continue running my business.
 
How have you been impacted by the community of Ambridge after opening this business? 
This is a very friendly community. It has been easy to form relationships and I have been glad to be in business here for so long.
 
Make sure to stop by Kappy Optical and check them out on Facebook and Yelp!
 
Contact Info
Address: 295 13th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003
Phone: (724) 266-4927
Specialty: Sunglasses & Eyewear

Written and Submitted by: Christina Phelgar

Why did you decide to start-up a business in Ambridge?
At the point that my two partners and I decided to open, there was a need for this type of business in the community. There were several bars that had served the community in the past but there were not any non-smoking bars in the area where family and friends could gather. We wanted to bring a safe, friendly, smoke free, neighborhood bar and restaurant to Ambridge. The idea for Bridgetown Taphouse came about after my partners and I had met at one of the old local bars, Rook’s. Since all three of us are from Ambridge and our families have owned businesses in Ambridge, we have a vested interest in this town.
 
How easy was it to start your business? 
This building was an existing bar that we were able to revamp and renovate via private funds. We also received a lot of support from Joe Kauer (Township Manager) and Rob Matzie (State Representative) as we went through the process of acquiring our permits and liquor license. As a result, Bridgetown opened March of 2015.
 
How welcoming was the community?
The community was very welcoming and through word of mouth, we were able to have a strong Facebook presence before even opening. Our business has received a lot of support from the people of Ambridge and surrounding areas. As a community, we should always be fostering a welcoming environment.
 
What is the value of having your business in Ambridge versus a town such as Beaver?
The proximity to Pittsburgh and Allegheny County in general is huge. We can pull in a lot of business from surrounding areas because of our geographic location, not to mention our access to the airport. Ambridge also has better taxes, cheaper real estate, and the buildings are easy to rehab.
 
How have you been impacted by the community of Ambridge after opening this business? 
There are so many people who support Ambridge and all of the local business owners have a friendly, working relationship with one another. There is a lot of mutual respect and reciprocity amongst us. I have also gotten to see the development that Ambridge is going through after growing up here and seeing the positive changes that have occurred since my childhood.
 
Make sure to check out Bridgetown Taphouse on Facebook!
 
Contact Info
Address: 939 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA 15003
Phone: (724) 385-0287
www.bridgetowntaphouse.com
Written and Submitted by: Christina Phelgar


Below are past stories and videos from posted on Ambridge Connection : 

• Bridgetown Taphouse Set to Open in Ambridge
• Ambridge Library Marks Oktoberfest with Fundraiser
• In Photos:  Ambridge Halloween Parade
• ​ Five Local Businesses Team Up to Hold Valentine's  Bar Crawl​
• Where is the Best Fish Sandwich?
• Spooktacular: Halloween Events in the Area
• This Sunday: Wing Competition in Ambridge 
• Ambridge Chosen for Netflix Original Series
• Ambridge Fireworks Tradition is Making a Comeback
• Ambridge Wing Off a Success 
• Meet the Republican Candidates for Beaver County Courthouse
• December Celebrations, Fundraisers, and More

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Why did you decide to start-up a business in Ambridge?
It was a community I lived in and had purchased a second historic home that needed restoration. I saw the Historic District as a neighborhood that was a good economic investment choice because of the location of Old Economy Village as well as the Historic Landmark designation which opened up tax credits and other funding options for business start-up.
 
How easy was it to start your business?  It was a process and a learning curve to uncover what resources would best fit the restoration project--from finding an architect to working with HARB and to finding out what local ordinances were required for opening a business. Resource contacts were helpful and welcoming along that process, both local, county and state offices.
 
How welcoming was the community? The local neighbors were thrilled to have the building undergo the transformation and helped support me to get the word out once the store eventually become a reality.
 
What is the value of having your business in Ambridge versus a town such as Beaver?
Property in Ambridge is very affordable and the location to Pittsburgh is a plus. In addition, the main resources I needed, i.e. contractors and building supplies are all within the community.
 
How have you been impacted by the community of Ambridge after opening this business?  My personal commitment is to continue building the Historic District and to educate others about the value of investment in the District. I welcomed several other antique shops that have since opened and believe that the area can easily become a destination for shoppers. Plus the bonus of having a national museum in the neighborhood is invaluable. We are all working together to support each other and have found we can network to share business promotions and outbound marketing efforts.  
 
Make sure to check out Akulina’s and connect with them on Facebook!
Contact Info
Address: 260 13th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003    
Phone: (724) 312-0708
Specialty: Buying and selling antiques and collectibles
Written and Submitted by: Christina Phelgar


Below are past stories and videos from posted on Ambridge Connection : 

• Ambridge: A Place to Find Antiques and Collectibles 
• Annual Plant Swap Set for Saturday in Ambridge
• Annual Wine Tasting to Be Held in Ambridge Historic District
• Annual Wine Fundraiser Raises Money for Historic District Plaques
• Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale
• Local Things to Enjoy this Weekend ​
• Spring Fest: Ambridge Historic District  Joins Beaver County History Celebration Weekend

Why did you decide to start-up a business in Ambridge?
Preservation of Harmonist homes. These are the only houses like this in the world. You can go anywhere but this type of quality and uniqueness in terms of both location and the buildings is something that you can’t find anywhere else. This was my third home (and I will be starting my fourth soon) that I have restored and as I worked on them, I recognized the importance in letting the buildings speak to me in order to do them justice in the restoration.
How easy was it to start your business? 
While it was not an easy process, there is so much to be learned from renovating historic homes. When we bought this house in 1998, it was a pigsty. Using our private funds, we worked hard over the years to restore Heslet House to its original glory. Of course, the house could have been finished faster but we wanted to make sure to be historically accurate/respectful of the original structure; and life got in the way as well. My friend and master carpenter, Jason Korvick, taught me this saying in working on houses, "You can have two of these three, “Good. Fast. Cheap.” We chose good and cheap (though cheap didn’t exactly pan out). One very important note that must be stressed is that you need to do plenty of research and you need to be a planner in order to take on historic home renovation.
 
How welcoming was the community?
The community was pretty welcoming, we have gotten a lot of positive feedback from both the town and our guests. Most of our guests are from out of state but we also have a lot of people who are originally from Ambridge and in town on visits that stay with us as well. The Borough has also come a long way in the past few years and we have experienced such a positive difference in its management.
 
What is the value of having your business in Ambridge versus a town such as Beaver?
The Historic District. Without it, we wouldn’t have this amazing Harmonist home. Our intentions have always been to restore and renovate it rather than to remodel it because when you remodel, you lose a national treasure. The Heslet House is one of a kind and we wanted to maintain and restore the original character and fabric of the house in a modern and livable context. We want to share this beautiful building that we have with the community, it would be a crime not to. It’s like having a masterpiece and keeping it to yourself, you can’t hide treasure under a bushel basket. As a result, our hope is that people are inspired by the potential of these homes and are emboldened to do the same thing.
 
How have you been impacted by the community of Ambridge after opening this business? 
Though every community has its issues, the people of Ambridge are beginning to understand that there must be change in order to develop and flourish. Now that the Borough is growing and we have committees working together to see a change in Ambridge, it is encouraging to own a business here. Thanks to the rich history of Ambridge, when you stay at Heslet House, you are able to hear all of the interesting stories about the community and the legacy of the Harmonists.
 
Make sure to check out Heslet House on Facebook!
Contact Info
Address: 1427 Church St, Ambridge, PA 15003
Phone: (724) 241-3993
http://heslethouse.com
Written and Submitted by: Christina Phelgar


Below are past stories and videos from posted on Ambridge Connection : ​

• Visiting Ambridge, Need a Place to Stay ?​
• Spring Fest: Ambridge Historic District  Joins Beaver County History Celebration Weekend

Why did you decide to start-up a business in Ambridge?
I grew up with baking in the family so it was only natural to continue on with the business. When we moved to the downtown, it was clear that the bakery was a need in the community. We have been baking forever and felt that it was right to fill that void.
How easy was it to start your business? 
It was fairly easy to open the business, especially with our prior experience. The bakery moved from the Historic District in February of 2009. I used private funds to open the business and also carried over a lot of the tools and supplies that my family had already owned.
How welcoming was the community?
The community was very welcoming. We tend to be the busiest in the mornings and over the weekend and I can definitely say that we have received more business in this location than we did at our old bakery.
What is the value of having your business in Ambridge versus a town such as Beaver?
Owning a business in Ambridge is much cheaper than it is in most other places and with the right business, you can draw people in from all over. I wouldn’t want to go somewhere like Beaver or Sewickley because of their yuppie attitudes. Ambridge is not superficial.
How have you been impacted by the community of Ambridge after opening this business? 
The community has impacted me because I have been able to form a strong connection with my customers. I have also been able to take over the Crime Watch committee in town and experience other organizations in Ambridge as well. I would love to see the people of Ambridge come out more to shop locally along Merchant Street.
 
Make sure to check out Stangl’s Bakery on Facebook!
 
Contact Info
Address: 572 Merchant St, Ambridge, PA 15003
Phone: (724) 266-5675
https://www.facebook.com/Stangls-Bakery-108853058102/
Written and Submitted by: Christina Phelgar


Below are past stories and videos from posted on Ambridge Connection : 

• Ambridge Memories: Stangl's Bakery
• Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale
  
• ​Spotlight: Congrats Around the Community 
  
• ​45th AAHS Class Holds Reunion
  
• For Signs of Old Ambridge, Look Down

Why did you decide to start-up a business in Ambridge?
We love Ambridge for its historical value. I worked as a lighting engineer for 38 years and when it came time to retire, my wife and I decided that we needed something to keep us busy; even though we knew very little about making pizza. Now, we are glad that we did because we have been in Ambridge for 14 years. I love the people and the social nature of the town.
How easy was it to start your business? 
It was a fairly easy process. We got a loan to help open the business and also used our own funds. The Borough was very welcoming.
How welcoming was the community?
Back when we opened, the community was not as involved but as we became more active in the community, it served as a springboard. We have even increased the sales of the previous owners by three times their amount. While there were some difficulties coming from our corporate office, the people within the community have been wonderful and very respectful of our business.
What is the value of having your business in Ambridge versus a town such as Beaver?
Ambridge is irreplaceable. The historic value, ease of establishing relationships, and the character of the town are what keep us here.
How have you been impacted by the community of Ambridge after opening this business? 
We have been impacted in a very positive way. Because of the community, we have enhanced our business in terms of growth, skills, and sales. We especially get a lot of support from the police and firemen, and love to give back to the community in any way that we can. The ease of becoming involved in Ambridge has been my favorite part. My wife and I are on multiple boards and committees in town. One thing that’s for sure, we will stay a part of the community until we die.
Make sure to check out Vocelli Pizza and connect with them on Facebook!
Contact Info
Address: 447 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA 15003
Phone: (724) 266-7000
Website: www.vocellipizza.com/ambridge_pa
Specialty: High quality products ranging from artisan pizzas to baked subs, salads, appetizers, and more!
Written and Submitted by: Christina Phelgar


Below are past stories and videos from posted on Ambridge Connection :