North Hills Businesses Of The Year: Early Nominees

ROSS AND WEST VIEW — It's been a roller-coaster year for most businesses in Ross and West View. The coronavirus pandemic has presented several challenges for most local businesses, from the closures in the spring to enduring restrictions and other hurdles that continue this fall.

But many of Ross and West View's Oakmont's best-known businesses have managed to navigate the turbulence with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve. To shine a special spotlight on these local businesses, Patch has asked readers to nominate Local Businesses of the Year.

Here are some of the early nominations in the North Hills:

• Hals, Ross

While noting that the Babcock Boulevard restaurant was the first to have its staff wear masks, Judy Stanton noted in her nomination, "Hal has worked so hard to keep his business open."

• Repurposed, Ross

Wrote Vee Czernues: "This store supports Living in Liberty, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking right here in Southwestern, PA. As much as people want to pretend this isn't happening right in our own back yards, it most certainly is and the kind souls who run and work at this store are helping to give survivors their life back. Through outreach, safe homes and job training, your support of this business helps in eradicating this from our area."

• Large Plain, Ross

"The owner Paul is very personal if you ever get a chance to talk with him. The pizza is the best in the North Hills," Tiffany Robbibaro wrote. "The staff he has working is great and definitely remembers their customers. Also open late and were able to deliver during the pandemic."

• Sweet Mary's Ice Cream, West View

Wrote Cheryl Silinskas: "Sweet Mary's was one of the first to adapt to mask wearing, gloves, and safe distancing of customers without complaining. In fact, they expressed how happy they were to keep everyone safe and still give us something sweet and summery."

• Blueberry Pharmacy, West View

"Kyle and his team are helping us all save so much money on prescriptions," Nina Mule Lyons wrote. "He will work with you to find quality generic alternatives. He has has drawings and promotions and stays in touch with his clients. A new concept to keep drug prices down. Highly recommend."

• Mandy's Pizza, West View

Wrote Maryann Lucas: "Parents of kids with food allergies would be lost during this pandemic without Mandy’s. They’re the only business in Pittsburgh who we absolutely trust to be safe. This includes their pizza, wings and allergen-free desserts."

Is there a business you'd like to nominate? Just complete the form below.