Bedner’s voted best South Hills business By Rick Shrum Photos courtesy of Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse
As if owning and running a destination operation weren’t intensive enough, Russ and Melanie Bedner expanded their workload. “I make wine as a hobby and got my winery license,” Russ said. “We sell my wines in the store: five different dry reds, two or three dry whites and some fruit-based.” The couple has added grape expectations to the great expectations they have for their Cecil Township business. And why not?
For three-quarters of a century, Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse has provided diverse wine, flowers, food, food for thought, landscaping and hospitality for residents across the region. They and their employees deserve many toasts and got a rousing one recently. Their operation was voted best overall South Hills business in the Observer-Reporter’s annual Best of the Best competition. Bedner’s was one of three finalists for the award, which was presented at an invitation-only, gala-type honors ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe. The event took place shortly after the family shut down for the season. The garden center will reopen March 29. “It’s always nice to be recognized within the community,” Russ said, appreciative of the public vote. He and his wife, director of finance and marketing, own 66 acres off Coleman Road, 42 of which are farm and farm store. They reside on the gently rolling property, which has a McDonald mailing address, but is near Bridgeville. His father, Robert, and grandfather launched the business in Bridgeville in the 1940s when they opened a farm market. Robert went on his own in 1997 and moved the business to its current location, where it continues to evolve.
SOUTH HILLS LIVING | NOVEMBER 19, 2023 | 12
