Pittsburgh Coffee Shop Will Open in Former Bank
A Jewish learning center and cafe is scheduled to debut at 4300 Murray Avenue in early 2027.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Judaism
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The upcoming Shoresh project will transform a former First National Bank building into a combined coffee shop and Jewish learning center. The site in Pittsburgh's Greenfield neighborhood is expected to open its doors to the public in early 2027.
Why it matters
The venture addresses a local desire for community amenities after Greenfield residents consistently requested a cafe in surveys conducted throughout 2023 and 2024. By adapting an informal, traditional model, the founders aim to fill a commercial gap that has existed in the area since 2020.
The facility is located at 4300 Murray Ave. and features a former bank vault slated for conversion into a classroom. Renovations currently include replacing the teller area with an L-shaped coffee bar.
The players
Mark Asher Goodman
He is a 49-year-old rabbi and the co-founder of Shoresh who has lived in Pittsburgh for eight years.
Frances Lasday
She is the 32-year-old co-founder working to develop the combined cafe and Jewish learning center.
Greenfield Community Association
This local organization conducted business preference surveys to gauge neighborhood demand for new retail services.
The details
Shoresh will operate as a hybrid space, offering coffee and kosher baked goods on weekdays while hosting Hebrew and Talmud classes during evening hours. The founders are currently training on home espresso equipment as they finalize the transition of the space.
Timeline
The Greenfield neighborhood lost its last local cafe in 2020.
Community business surveys were conducted throughout 2023 and 2024.
Shoresh is expected to open in early 2027.
Culture Shift
This project mirrors a growing trend of adaptive reuse where community-focused organizations occupy vacant commercial real estate to revitalize local social hubs. It reflects a shift toward multi-use spaces that blend retail commerce with educational and spiritual programming.
Greenfield residents can expect a new daily gathering spot that provides both beverage service and evening adult education classes. The arrival of the shop restores a dedicated cafe space to the neighborhood for the first time in several years.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates how community survey data can directly inform the repurposing of vacant neighborhood infrastructure. Residents looking to influence local business development can participate in future community association polling efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about local religious life and community initiatives in Judaism.
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