Vito Gerasole Puts
The BIG EASY refers to the animal hospital’s New Orleans background,
the ‘Pop’ in Old School Soda Pop
For Vito Gerasole, there’s nothing like twisting Jay Lioon is the owner and creative artist behind Vinoglam, a made-to-order, hand-painted custom a glassware company. Whether you’re open bottle cap,
since owner and operator Dr. Aileen Ruiz relocated to Pittsburgh after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. But The BIG EASY title also aptly describes the clinic’s take on helping animals in need, with a boundless, open heart.
Jay Lioon Believes in Great, Lasting Impressions By Megan McLachlan
Ruiz brings years of industry experience to Pittsburgh. In 1998, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Florida International University. After graduation, she attended Ross University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Soon after, she took on an internship in New Orleans, where she happily lived until Hurricane Katrina. She moved to Pittsburgh to rebuild her life and bring a bit of NOLA flair to the Steel City.
looking for the perfect gift or a party favor, Lioon can provide you with a personalized present. She works closely with each client to make sure their design is exactly the way they want it. Lioon believes in lasting impressions and that’s what Vinoglam, and her business style in general, are all about.
hearing that “psst” sound, and enjoying one of Red Ribbon’s bubbly refreshments. This simple gesture, which is an automatic action for so many, is what initially piqued his interest and convinced him to purchase the 112-year-old Natrona Bottling Company when it was on the brink of extinction.
In 2010, Ruiz opened The BIG EASY as Pittsburgh’s first, and currently only, Hispanic veterinary hospital. In addition to being a full-service medical facility, it also offers in-house diagnostics and surgical facilities. And she doesn’t turn away any animal. Some dogs have even become full-time residents of Dog Daze, the establishment’s daycare and boarding section. So Ruiz saves dogs’ lives in a physical sense and even emotionally, providing them with a forever home they so desperately need. Since 2010, The BIG EASY has only continued to grow and offer more services to pets and their owners. The new Dog Daze Café allows dog parents to enjoy Cuban pastries and coffee while their furry friends are groomed. Nearly 40 dogs are in doggy daycare every day, often reaching full capacity on the weekends. Pittsburgh is lucky to have a professional like Ruiz, someone with such BIG EASY affection and experience, watching over its area animals.
Aileen Ruiz
BIG EASY Love in the 'Burgh 20
“This is the pop my parents and grandparents grew up on, and I thought this gem should not be ignored,” says the self-proclaimed “Sultan of Soda.” In 2010, Gerasole took the reins of the bottling plant located in the Allegheny Valley, which produces Red Ribbon soda pops. “There is nothing like our product for hundreds of miles. There are only a handful of small bottling plants left in America that produce soda pop in the manner we do.” Natrona Bottling Company utilizes Pinpoint Carbonation, a process in which dry ice helps carbonate the beverages. Pinpoint Carbonation creates “tiny bubbles” as opposed to the larger, gassier bubbles produced through CO2 infusion. The recipes are the originals, include pure cane sugar, and every small batch is mixed by hand with vintage machinery. These unique differences give Gerasole’s products a crisp, smooth balance and refreshing quality.
The BIG EASY 12 McCandless Avenue For more information on Ruiz, her story, and her animal hospital, visit www.tbeah.com
Natrona Bottling Company 91 River Avenue in Natrona. natronabottling.com @natronabottling
Business continues to grow for this little jewel tucked in Pittsburgh’s back pocket. Natrona Bottling Company products can be purchased as far west as Chicago and locally in Giant Eagle grocery stores. Recently, Gerasole moved into craft bar mixing, with Jamaica’s Finest Ginger Beer being a favorite in the expanding Pittsburgh bar scene. Gerasole also added Seltzer, Tonic, and Mint Ginger Ale to the company’s repertoire.
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