By Carrie Nolan-Robson | Executive Director, Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce

A new tradition of honoring community leadership has taken root at the Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce with the launch of the Mary Ann Graf Community Spirit Award — an accolade created to recognize an individual, organization, or business who embodies the dedication to enhancing the well-being of the Northside’s residents, improving the Northside’s physical environment, and elevating the overall quality of life in the area. Sponsored by the son of Mary Ann Graf and the owner of The Priory Hospitality Group, John Graf , the award seeks to highlight leaders whose work fosters sustainable growth, equity, and compassion within the 18- communities of the Northside.

Award recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to revitalizing local neighborhoods, supporting economic and social progress, and creating inclusive opportunities for all residents.

In its inaugural year, the Mary Ann Graf Community Spirit Award was proudly presented to Nikki Heckman, a transformative figure in Pittsburgh’s Northside community and founder of Bistro To Go, on April 25, 2025 at the Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Luncheon held at the Rivers Casino.

Local hero Nikki Heckman honored with Ann Graf Community Spirit Award

For nearly 20 years, Nikki Heckman has been the driving force behind the revitalization of East Ohio Street — once a corridor marked by blight and struggle. Where others saw a declining neighborhood plagued by crime and shuttered storefronts, she saw opportunity, community, and hope. In 2007, she opened Bistro To Go with just two employees. Today, that café has grown into a thriving enterprise employing nearly 150 people — many of them local residents.

Nikki Heckman, owner of Bistro To Go and Spirit Award winner. Photo courtesy of the Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Her impact goes far beyond the walls of her business. Heckman’s entrepreneurial vision has breathed new life into several properties along East Ohio Street, turning neglected spaces into vibrant hubs of activity. Her efforts have brought not only economic revitalization but also a sense of pride and unity to the neighborhood.

“She’s not just creating jobs — she’s building sustainable careers,” said one community leader. Employees at Bistro To Go enjoy wages above minimum wage, along with benefits like paid parking, vacation, and meals. Her leadership style fosters a culture of kindness, professionalism, and collaboration.

Heckman is also a champion for inclusivity. She actively supports local nonprofits, provides discounted catering for mission-aligned organizations, and advocates for local merchants. Under her leadership, the business district along East Ohio Street is experiencing a renaissance.

“The way Nikki cares about people — through food, jobs, or community spaces — is what makes her different,” said a colleague. “Meals are not the only thing she serves; she’s serving love and creating a more inclusive, compassionate Northside.”

The Mary Ann Graf Community Spirit Award will be given annually to a community leader who embodies the late Graf’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and grassroots action. Heckman’s unwavering dedication to the Northside community makes her a natural and deserving recipient.

As East Ohio Street continues to evolve, Nikki Heckman stands as a beacon of what’s possible when love, vision, and perseverance come together. Her story is proof that one person really can make a difference — one meal, one building, and one life at a time.

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