It can be said that some of our greatest ideas come to us while waiting at a stoplight. This was true for Coleen Baldwin more than seven years ago.
Coleen Baldwin (far right) pictured with her mother, Tootsie.
“My husband and I were sitting at the red light on 5th and Locust and we happened to notice a “for sale” sign on the building...it was always a dream of mine...” said Baldwin, who turned her dream into a reality by opening the doors of Tootsie’s Diner in 2015.
“Tootsie” as you may have guessed it, is a beloved family member, “My mom’s name is Tootsie; we use a lot of her recipes at the diner,” Baldwin explained.
With numerous awards and honors, Tootsie’s namesake is certainly making her proud. In Summer 2021, the family-run restaurant was ranked among Pittsburgh’s Top Ten Best Diners by UNATION and they have been featured twice on Pittsburgh Today Live, which has its own menu item called the PTL Scrambler.
Though Baldwin is humbled by the recognition, she says it's really her support system who are to thank.
Tootsie’s hardworking team.
“This is the hardest job I have ever had. I have to thank my staff and my husband for all their hard work, and our customers - who we call friends - because without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Baldwin says that is especially true given the impact that the COVID-19 closures had on the restaurant industry as a whole.
“I feel very lucky to have survived the hardest part of our journey,” she said.
The former executive vice president for a real estate title insurance company believes this is what she’s meant to do.
“When I lost my job after 28 years I was devastated. But I figured it out, everything happens for a reason.” She continued, “This business has taught me so much about humanity. I’ve learned so much about people.”
One of her biggest lessons so far has been around staffing. “I wish someone would have told me that hiring people and keeping people would be so hard. Especially finding people that want to work as hard as we all do.”
She also said the early days of establishing the business were a learning opportunity. “It takes a while to get your feet under you.” For new business owners she suggests patience and hard work, and reassuringly adds “...it will come.”
From partnering with other business owners to running charitable events for special causes like the Scheuermann’s Disease Fund, being a good neighbor and supporting her peers is something that is very important to Baldwin.
“I’m very proud that I can help other businesses. I love to give back to other businesses and be part of the community. We’re so appreciative of their support.”
With a different special every weekend - like Banana Bread French Toast and San Diego Eggs Benedict, to name a few - there’s something for everyone at Tootsie’s. Plan a trip to the diner soon for breakfast or lunch to find your new favorite.
Tootsie’s Diner is located at 701 5th Avenue in the Coraopolis Business District. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 7am-2pm and Sunday from 8am-2pm. Find them online at www.tootsiespghdiner.com.