Good Cheer Holiday Bar
THE OFFICIAL CHRISTMAS BAR OF PITTSBURGH BREWING, LOCATED AT RUGGERS PUB - PITTSBURGH, PA
In 2020, I conceptualized Good Cheer, a holiday takeover bar at Ruggers Pub, blending Pittsburgh’s cherished Iron City Beer with a yuletide extravaganza. The goal was to creatively strengthen the partnership between Ruggers Pub and Pittsburgh Brewing, and the idea was met with immediate approval. With the growing success of holiday pop-ups in Pittsburgh, I pitched transforming the pub into a festive Iron City wonderland—and four years later, it's become a staple of the city's holiday season.
From the outset, my focus was on creating an immersive, unforgettable experience that offered customers something new—an opportunity to engage with brands they already love, like Iron City, in an exciting way. I specialize in crafting such one-of-a-kind brand experiences that help businesses grow by reaching new customers and legitimizing their brand. Through partnerships, like the one between Ruggers Pub and Pittsburgh Brewing, we’ve been able to build a stronger presence for both brands in the local market.
A key element of Good Cheer is the total transformation of Ruggers Pub into a Christmas wonderland. The bar is completely overhauled through a multi-day process, where I handle decor purchases, design, and buildout. It’s not just about the decorations—I use my fine art skills to paint iconic features like the faux wood fireplace and windows that have become the heart of Good Cheer’s aesthetic. These pieces have added a unique touch that keeps the atmosphere fresh and memorable, even encouraging Ruggers Pub to keep the fireplace year-round.
Alongside the design, I worked closely with Ruggers Pub to craft a local menu that highlights Iron City and IC Light, celebrating Ruggers’ rock ‘n roll and Pittsburgh’s Yinzer culture. With the inclusion of seasonal specials and festive cocktails, including the popular IC Light cocktail, customers can enjoy affordable drinks while embracing the holiday spirit. The concept doesn’t stop with the menu—public relations, special events, and community involvement, like partnerships with Toys for Tots, have become core aspects of the overall experience.
Good Cheer continues to stand out as Pittsburgh’s official Christmas bar for Iron City, a testament to how crafting memorable experiences through strategic partnerships and creative thinking can elevate a brand. The project reflects my expertise in combining artistic vision and brand strategy to create something truly unique and engaging. As we continue to grow and evolve, Good Cheer will remain a special place for Pittsburghers to celebrate the season with great drinks, good cheer, and community spirit.
Good Cheer is a standout, one-of-a-kind experience, showcasing my expertise in creating immersive, brand-driven environments that delight customers and build stronger partnerships.
Work Completed
Concept creation and initial pitch to Ruggers Pub and Pittsburgh Brewing to transform the bar into a holiday takeover.
Managed multi-day decoration buildout, ensuring every inch of Ruggers Pub was transformed.
Designed and created fine art pieces for the space, including faux wood fireplace and window paintings.
Collaborated with Ruggers Pub on a locally-inspired menu, highlighting Iron City and IC Light.
Handled public relations, social media campaigns, and press releases.
Orchestrated special events, including Santa photos, and charity initiatives like Toys for Tots.
Worked with Pittsburgh Brewing to create original Good Cheer designs for the event including menus, apparel, and more.
Ensured the most bang for the buck by managing decor budgets from both sponsors and internal funds.
