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Written by Aleita Hermanowski Photography by Julie Kahlbaugh
Owner of Bistro-to-go, Nikki Heckman and Manager, Brandon Jackson
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| Issue 11
Food is Nikki Heckman’s vehicle for doing good. In 2007 she and her husband, Stanley, opened Bistro to Go, a restaurant and catering company where entrepreneurship, commerce and compassion converge to strengthen their Northside community. With high tin ceilings, colorful décor, and a warm, homey atmosphere created by designer Robert Sands, customers can’t help but feel at home the minute they walk in the door.
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Nikki’s passion for what she does is evident. Before launching Bistro to Go, she provided food service for nearby Allegheny Center Alliance Church and other nonprofits. Her love of the people of the Northside motivated her to do more. “We see people on the streets who have lost their way in life. Whether it’s addiction, childhood abuse, or poverty, ‘there but for the grace of God go I.’ It could be me,” says Nikki. “It’s not about becoming a savior. I stand beside people and show them how to save themselves. In my opinion it’s entrepreneurship and commerce that can do that,” says Nikki. “Teaching job skills is paramount to changing people’s lives. It’s not only job skills that people gain from working here. They also learn how to communicate and live life.”