Restaurateur Nick Koustis offers a straightforward recipe for stunning success: keep the menu simple, with finely honed choices that are fresh, creative and casually priced; insist on personal and engaging service; and provide a casually elegant, experiential ambiance to appeal to Pittsburgh’s younger generations. While this culinary entrepreneur clearly knows how to build on a name — the popular Ditka Restaurants are also lodged under his Restaurant Holdings’ umbrella — it’s the hometown approach to serving Pittsburgh’s appetite for a memorable culinary experience that’s cemented his and partner Pat McDonell’s reputation. By evolving with the city and staying on the cutting edge of culinary trends, they’ve grown their brand into a multi-location, million-dollar business.

Juniper Grill