Students Help Launch Point Park-Themed Restaurant Near Campus

"The experience the students had working with Wolfies was invaluable as it provided a real-world client experience that supplemented what they are learning in the classroom. They had the chance to see what it was like to work closely with a client, just like they would on the job, and to be a part of something really exciting that they can add to their college and life experiences."

Camille Downing, M.A., lecturer, School of Communication

Point Park University students now have a restaurant they can call their own.

When restaurant owner Bob Wolfinger decided to open Wolfies Pub — located just steps from campus near Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh — he first met with Steve Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business, asking to connect with Point Park University students for their input.

From menu and music entertainment ideas to social media and campus history décor recommendations, students and staff in the Rowland School of Business and School of Communication, soon jumped in to help with the launch of Wolfies Pub this spring.

Bison Media, Point Park's PRSSA student-run integrated communications agency, implemented a research campaign and developed a communications plan.

"The experience the students had through Bison Media working with Wolfies was invaluable as it provided a real-world client experience that supplemented what they are learning in the classroom," said Lecturer Camille Downing, M.A. "They had the chance to see what it was like to work closely with a client, just like they would on the job, and to be a part of something really exciting that they can add to their college and life experiences."

Since the launch, students have also been helping to schedule live entertainment at the restaurant. Each Thursday, Pioneer Records, Point Park’s student-run record label, presents an open mic featuring pop-rock band Young Lungs.

“With a designated Point Park Alumni Room, Wolfies is a great spot near campus for our students and alumni to connect. Wolfies also helps us tell our story externally and allows the general public to learn more about Point Park,” Tanzilli said.

Hear from Students Involved with the Launch

Morgan McCoy

Degree earned: B.A. in public relations and advertising, April 2019
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts High School

"Having the chance to work with an outside client enhances and reinforces what we learn in the classroom. Including this opportunity on my resume is another way to set me apart from the competition. Employers have been so interested in the work I've done outside of the classroom."

Emma Christley

Degree pursuing: B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, April 2021
Hometown: Butler, Pa.
High School: Butler Senior High School

"I was involved in the first meeting with Bob when he explained his vision. I worked on creating an email marketing campaign and attended taste tests to try the new menu and share feedback. This experience has taught me so much in terms of working with a team, seeing an idea develop from the ground up and how important projects like this are to a community like Point Park."

Courtney List

Degree earned: B.A. in PR and advertising, April 2019
Hometown: McKeesport, Pa.
High School: Serra Catholic High School

"My favorite part of this experience, besides the delicious food tasting, was seeing the restaurant come together from start to finish. It was an amazing opportunity to be part of the marketing efforts and to be on this team."

Amber Montz

Degree pursuing: B.S. in sports, arts and entertainment management, April 2020
Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C.
High School: Terry Sanford High School

"My role was to help book live entertainment for open mic nights each Thursday at Wolfies. I really enjoyed working behind the scenes and seeing how everything comes together!"

Kelsey Eiseman

Degree earned: B.A. in PR and advertising, April 2019
Hometown: North Huntingdon, Pa.
High School: Norwin High School

"In addition to helping with research, I worked with Bob on several design elements. I was fortunate to add real-world design experience to my portfolio as that is something employers are always looking for during the interview process."

Madison Vranish

Degree earned: B.A. in PR and advertising, April 2019
Hometown: Canonsburg, Pa.
High School: Canon-McMillan High School

"My favorite part of this experience was working with a real client in Downtown Pittsburgh. I helped with the social media and marketing plans prior to the grand opening. My career goal is to own a business in the future, and this project allowed me to explore the many components necessary to reach my dreams."

Students Help Launch Point Park-Themed Restaurant Near Campus Tuesday, May 7, 2019