Meet Our Dining Vendor Partners
Our distinctive dining program brings together a rich blend of family-owned businesses, local entrepreneurs, and top university foodservice providers.
Matt and Vanessa Marietti
De Fer Coffee and Tea
Bio
De Fer Coffee & Tea, founded by CMU alumnus Matt Marietti (TEP 2010) and his wife Vanessa, aims to bring high-quality, ethically sourced coffee and tea to Pittsburgh while fostering community. Since its founding in 2016, De Fer has expanded to five locations, including a flagship in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, where they roast fresh coffee daily. Operating the café in Hunt Library holds special meaning for Marietti, who spent countless hours drinking coffee, studying, and preparing for a career that would ultimately lead him back to Carnegie Mellon University. Vanessa leads the innovative food program and graphic design.
Judah and Chaya Cowen
The Edge Café, Tahini, and Zebra Lounge
Bio
Judah and Chaya Cowen are the heart and soul behind Carnegie Mellon University’s family-operated, kosher dining concepts: Tahini, The Edge Café, and Zebra Lounge. Since 2019, the Cowens have brought their passion for exceptional kosher dining to campus, blending tradition with culinary innovation. They also own Elegant Edge Catering, a premier catering company renowned for high-end, custom-designed events that emphasize fresh ingredients and meticulous presentation.
Kevin Huber and Mike Clarkson
The Exchange
Bio
Kevin Huber (right) has been an integral part of the CMU campus community for 22 years. Alongside The Exchange—a campus dining staple previously known as Gingers—Kevin has managed several other popular but now-retired dining spots, including Gingers Express and Stephanie's. Mike Clarkson (left), has been Kevin's right-hand man for 23 years. Mike oversees daily operations at The Exchange, and is a familiar and welcoming presence to their many regular patrons.
Shah and Mirthea Nevisi
El Gallo de Oro
Bio
Shah and Mirthea Nevisi first met as college students in Maine. After graduation, they moved to Mirthea’s hometown in Mexico, where Shah, originally from Iran, immersed himself in the local culinary culture. When they later relocated to Pittsburgh, the couple opened Fajita Grill, sharing their vibrant Mexican cuisine with the community. In 1997, they brought their popular offerings to Carnegie Mellon University, where they now operate El Gallo de Oro—a beloved campus dining option for 27 years.
Wei Fei and Lailanie Chen
Hunan Express and Revolution Noodle
Bio
Hunan Bar was founded by owner Wei Fei & Lailanie Chen in 2011 in South Oakland. In 2021, the Chen's expanded their business to CMU, opening Hunan Express and Revolution Noodle. Married since 2003, Wei Fei and Lailanie have been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years, owning and operating 19 franchises across Pittsburgh, Youngstown, and Grove City.
Their menu offers authentic Hunan and Sichuan cuisine, featuring delicacy dishes, hot pot, vegetables, and bubble teas. Known for its rich variety and high-quality fresh ingredients, Hunan Express and Revolution Noodle have become a favorite for those seeking a true taste of Chinese cuisine.
Lauren and Chad Townsend
Millie's Homemade
Bio
Lauren and Chad Townsend founded Millie's Homemade in 2014. Over the years, Millie’s has expanded to 14 scoop shops across Greater Pittsburgh and beyond, launched a food truck, started franchising, and introduced pints to local grocery stores. Dedicated to local sourcing, Millie’s uses dairy from heritage-breed cows in Western Pennsylvania and crafts all products at its factory in Homestead, just across the river from Carnegie Mellon University. CMU hosts Millie's first Coffee 'n' Creamery concept, which uniquely combines a scoop shop with a coffee bar.
Sam Patti
La Prima Espresso Co.
Bio
Sam Patti is the founder and owner of La Prima Espresso Company, Pittsburgh's renowned coffee roaster and Italian-style espresso bar. With a commitment to high-quality coffee and sustainable practices, Patti has grown La Prima from a small espresso bar, opened in 1988 in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, into one of the city’s most beloved coffee brands. Known for its authentic Italian espresso, La Prima sources its beans from sustainable and ethically managed farms, supporting communities around the world.
Patti’s passion for coffee began during his travels in Italy, where he was inspired by the Italian approach to coffee culture—focusing on quality, community, and craftsmanship. Patti is dedicated to the local community and actively supports local food initiatives, partnering with organizations that promote sustainable agriculture and fair trade.
Patti’s passion for coffee began during his travels in Italy, where he was inspired by the Italian approach to coffee culture—focusing on quality, community, and craftsmanship. Patti is dedicated to the local community and actively supports local food initiatives, partnering with organizations that promote sustainable agriculture and fair trade.
Mary Gonzales and Braden Walter Jr.
Redhawk Coffee
Bio
Redhawk Coffee was founded in 2016 when Braden Walter Jr. and Mary Gonzales combined their love of coffee and hospitality to support their family by launching their first coffee truck. Since then, Redhawk has quickly gained a dedicated following, becoming one of Pittsburgh's most beloved roasters and cafés. With locations in Oakland, Sharpsburg, and Uptown, Redhawk joined Carnegie Mellon's dining program in 2023, opening a café in the newly constructed Scaife Hall to bring their craft coffee to the campus community.
Abdullah Salem
Scotty's Market Operated by Salem's Market & Grill
Bio
Abdullah Salem is owner of Salem’s Market and Grill, and operator of CMU's first campus grocery store, Scotty's Market. Known for his commitment to quality and service, Abdullah upholds his family’s 30-year tradition of providing fresh and delicious halal cuisine and a welcoming experience to the community. Passionate about continuing Salem’s legacy, Abdullah plays a key role in both the market’s expansion and its dedication to serving Pittsburgh’s diverse community. His efforts help ensure that Salem’s remains a trusted destination for high-quality halal foods and cultural authenticity.
Jamie Rodgers, Maurry Mendelovich, and Michael Garner
Stack'd Underground and Dessert Bar Operated by the Mero Group
Bio
Mero Restaurant Group was founded in 2011 by University of Pittsburgh alums and college roommates Jamie Rodgers and Maurry Mendelovich, and, soon after, partner Michael Garner. The group started with the Stack'd Burgers concept, bringing their take on gourmet custom-built burgers to the Shadyside neighborhood. The Mero Group joined CMU in 2023 with Stack'd Underground and Dessert Bar, bringing together customer favorites from their Oakland restaurants—Stack'd, CHiKN, and Melt'd. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy burger, spicy Nashville Hot Chicken, a tasty grilled cheese, or a fresh salad, Stack'd Underground's got you covered.
Harjit Singh
Taste of India
Bio
Harjit Singh has been serving the CMU community for 33 years at Taste of India, a popular campus dining location known for its authentic Indian cuisine and vibrant flavors located in Resnik Food Hall. He also operated Taste of India restaurant located on Penn Avenue in Lawrenceville for over 30 years.