Nana's New York Hot Dogs

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

So, always one to enjoy a day, a moment, a thought...I struggle now. My touchstone, my split apart, my yin. He said I was self entertaining, that i didn't know how to be sad, that i was his joy in life...I hope to be having a life memorial in the next few weeks at the Elks. He would love you all to surround me...he gave me Nana's. We need to write a book...the warmest gossip spot on the Northside. We were community

10/18/2025

It saddens me to share that Rich Fest, Nana’s husband, passed away on October 15, 2025. Those who knew Rich enjoyed his company and his long meaningful conversations. He was the kind of person who believed in second chances and would give you the shirt off his back. He was deeply loved by many, especially by Nana, and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

https://www.laughlinfuneralhome.com/obituary/Richard-Fest

A celebration of life memorial for Rich will be announced at a later date.

06/29/2024

Had someone I felt "trustworthy"...never completed anything. We deodorized and dehydrated, but he never applied the kilz layer. he talked about it incessentally, just didn't do. Still remnants of smoke!!! As he was pitching his next ideas
Support for roof...he made it 8 inches, did I mention roof support. Engineer & architect say 16 inches is safe. None of the small jobs completed, even thou I asked when, he told me, I follow up...he is on new idea. No bathroom, employee wash sink, 3 wash sinks (he clogged with joint compound) all discombobulated, hand sink sitting in corner. These, I asked, were expected to be complete before valentine day. Told they would be completed that day. Came back several days later...not even begun to be finished. Still undone...soooo depressed over this..my fault, I take responsibility, I was more involved in my husband's burn clinic appts and his many, many operations. He would not give work to my employees think he wanted no communication with me by friends/employees..he wanted me to listen to his grade school level tattling and no one else. I thought "shady", but had to get to hospital ..I find my people can do anything with instruction (yea, really amazing crew)you know nanas was sometimes held together mcgyver style

Now, their boss is calling to make it right...b/c, you know, I am a great nana to my community.i am experiencing fear and distrust. difficult for me...really feel the need to do this above board. I would love all the great
Help I can get, just not sure it is viable. Must pass city PGH codes. I always did and now I need a good contractor who colors inside the lines.
I must admit that I am working quite hard to not be bitter, revengeful, or angry...I am, but controlled. I think all the good will outweigh the bad...you know me... everything is going to be fine
Soon...deciding between 2 contractors.

Fun fact...I must admit how happy I am not hu***ng a hot grill with our high temps! first time in 10 yrs ...each summer hotter than the last. So...not this summer, but we are trying

02/02/2024

Thank you to everyone who has shared and donated to our GoFundMe. In light of being completely railroaded by the bank and unable to access fund from our insurance company we humbly ask that you continue to share the GoFundMe and help us meet and exceed our goal. It’s disgraceful that Huntington National Bank is taking advantage of our tragedy. They are suppose to help small businesses. Not railroad them.

My name is Danielle. My parents Rich and Karen own a Hot Dog Shop that is well known in the N… Karen Dobrzynski needs your support for Let’s bring Nana’s back

02/02/2024

GOBSMACKED...so what bank just casually mentions that my fire insurance $ will only be released after they use it to close out the remainder of my building MORTGAGE (not repair the "asset"). Current and have not been late on MY obligation of a monthly payment...so why???

Bad faith Huntington National Bank Who in this business world actually has the small biz owners back? This is why small businesses are dying

01/20/2024

I found this on NewsBreak: ‘The Pitt Building’ in Downtown Pittsburgh is now Black-owned

THE PITT BUILDING ON SMITHFIELD STREET IS NOW BLACK-OWNED BY THE GREENWOOD PLAN, A NON-PROFIT, WHOSE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS KHAMIL BAILEY. (PHOTO BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)...

01/10/2024

Watch for Nana and Rich doing an exclusive interview with Tom Garris from WTAE channel 4 at 4, 5 and 6.

01/08/2024

So, another Monday post fire. Have not heard 1 word from insurance adjuster or who she uses for her estimates...it takes time.
Meanwhile...we have begun (adjuster is upset). We are clearing out and disposing of EVERYTHING, setting up dehumidifiers, ionizers and purifiers. We will need a team to "chem clean" everything...this is a moment to shine, Northside.
My husband (& I), have post surgery appts Tues/wed...expect several more surgeries. He cannot use his hands...both hands...think about that.
Just wanted to post an update that, yes, we are trying to do SOMETHING...we are Northside strong.
Hugs & kisses....nana

01/03/2024

Good morning everyone...life is great!!!!!
Update on our fire...we are putting a crew together to speed up the smoke/clean process with our subcontractor...we need about 15 people in 2 weeks (first must dehumidify, ionize, & purify). We will concentrate on Nana's (my husband's 25 year eBay stamp biz is tragically gone...it subsidized Nana's for 10 years!!)
If interested in helping, please let us know & private mail your name & phone #...Dot & Dani will know how to gather the info & we will GET IT DONE...
On the personal front, this is so difficult. My husband, turns out, has 3rd degree burns on both hands and shoulders (thank you for getting me out!!!!!)
We are scheduled for his 2nd surgery this Friday...expect another surgery, plastic surgery and physical therapy over the next YEAR!!! No good deed goes unpunished. As his nerves regrow, I expect the pain to increase...he is my hero...
Please, keep us all in your thoughts and prayers and remember Nana love and community will overcome these obstacles

Hugs & kisses...Nana


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12/23/2023

Merry Christmas everyone, it's me, Nana. Thank you all!!! Sorry if I ramble.

Tuesday, I watched my dream, blood, sweat and tears, burn.
So what brought me here...it was never the $....we all need it to live. No, it was the history, the kitzch, the neighborhood. And...I just love people...all people. I love our stories. We are so different & diverse, wonderfully unique individuals. We love, hurt, and come together in community.

The Northside community...well, they show up, represent, & take care of...well, more people. For that, I honor you as a community. I always said we rocked, but actually you represent the best of human nature.

So today, the 4th day of the rest of my life, I am still meeting with inspectors...structural integrity stuff. But it sounds hopeful for rebuilding. However, the holidays slow this whole process down and I am just learning to navigate the confusing world of insurance. We will get this.

So please, while you enjoy your holidays, keep my family in prayers that we do overcome the fire, & my employees Dot, Kelly & Raheene in prayer because, damn, Federal is hard enough & now they are in limbo...at Christmas!

Fire is a crazy experience...I am angry, sad, disappointed, depressed, heartbroken & worried. It is also cleansing.
I pray we return to serve the Northside. I have no regrets. You are the best...you welcomed me into your community and I love that you are a part of the "Nana" family. I truly love my life at Nana's.

This is a hard ask...I am used to giving, not asking. We started a go fund me. There is never a good time for devastation, but Christmas...it really sucks, especially for my employees...you know them. While there will be so many incidentals to cover (I can't begin to wrap my head around that), and yes, we have insurance, but Dot, K & Raheene also need our support. My husband (who should heal fine from his burns) lost his 25+ year eBay stamp collector business completely.

As I always do, I send you all good thoughts. I am so thankful you have been a part of my life & I feel so humbled by the outpouring of love.
Thank you & love you...hugs & kisses

Mayor Ed Gainey

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