Con Alma was born from a vision to give Pittsburgh’s jazz scene a true home—a place where music, food, and community come together in a way that’s both immersive and unique. We set out to create an environment unlike any other in the city, with vinyl records spinning, no TV screens to distract from the vibe, and a focus on high-level food and cocktails. Since opening our doors in June 2019, we’ve poured our hearts into making Con Alma a cultural hub for jazz lovers and the restaurant community alike.

But just as we were finding our rhythm, COVID-19 hit in March 2020, forcing us into survival mode. We fought to keep the music alive and our team together, even as the world changed around us. In 2021, we took a leap and opened a second location downtown, hoping to expand our reach. Unfortunately, keeping both locations open for too long stretched us thin, and the financial strain began to take its toll. Even after closing our Shadyside location, the debts and challenges kept piling up. In this industry, one slow week can threaten everything, and one slow month can be devastating. Despite outward appearances, we’ve been fighting to stay above water, and the threat of closing our doors has never felt more real.

We’ve tried to raise funds before, but unexpected setbacks stopped us short. Now, after years of hard work and dedication, we’re turning to you—our community—for help. The funds we raise will go directly toward settling debts, securing payroll, and covering the countless expenses that keep Con Alma running. This funding will allow us to achieve more stability for the first time in years, and we will then be able to continue to develop Con Alma’s authentic vision.

We believe in what Con Alma stands for and the space it holds in Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received so far, and we humbly ask for your help to keep the music playing and the doors open.