Welcome back to Pittsburgh Introductions! The place where we introduce you to locals who are making an impact and building a real sense of community in our neighborhoods.
This edition’s Yinzer is Grant Bendis of Yellow Bridge Vintage. He just launched a Pitt-themed line, which is perfect for football season. He’s got crewnecks, hoodies, crop tops, and tees. Plus other drops outside of Pitt as well.
Vintage is so back, and he’s capturing the trend perfectly. You gotta check him out if vintage is your vibe. Even if it’s not, his designs are Pittsburgh-focused so it’s a great way to rep our city!
If you’d like to introduce yourself to the community, you can take the questionnaire.
What’s the name of your business?
Yellow Bridge Vintage
What made you decide to start it?
I’ve always had a love for Pittsburgh sports and design, especially the creativity found in vintage sportswear. A lot of that feels like a lost art now, so I wanted to create something new while still keeping that retro feel. With so much team merchandise feeling cookie-cutter, I felt like there was an opportunity to do something different.
What excites you most about what you’re doing?
The support I’ve gotten from people in Pittsburgh has probably been the most exciting part. We’re a city that’s deeply rooted in tradition, so creating new things that are received well is pretty sweet.
If you weren't working on this, what would you be doing instead?
I actually work full time at American Eagle designing creative for the website and emails. So either way, I’d probably still be doing something in design.
What's something that your neighbors would be surprised to learn about you?
Before design, my first love was basketball. I managed to score over 1,000 points in high school, but didn’t quite have the jumper to take it any further.
Is there a business or project you'd like to take on if you had more time?
I currently have an official licensing deal with Pitt, and I’d love to eventually expand to other colleges.
Who are the people in the community that you respect or look up to the most?
Being from Pittsburgh and working in the apparel industry, John Geiger is definitely someone I look up to. Seeing someone become nationally recognized while still showing love for this city is inspiring. I also have a lot of respect for Bucco Bantr, who I’ve recently had the chance to make collab tees with.
What businesses are your favorite in Pittsburgh?
Zeds is definitely one of my favorites. They have some great curated items, and I’ve gotten a lot of ideas just from shopping there. Brave Bean Coffee Co. is another local business I’ve been lucky enough to create collab tees with.
What's your go-to restaurant right now?
I'm a fan of The Yard in Market Square.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love playing pickup basketball and try to get to the gym when I can. But realistically, if I have free time, a lot of it ends up going toward the business.
What local place do you think more people should know about?
Round Corner Cantina in Lawrenceville.
If you had an out-of-town friend visiting for a day, where would you take them?
I think everyone needs to see PNC Park at least once, so I’d probably start there and hang around the North Shore. Kennywood is another Pittsburgh experience you can’t really get anywhere else.
What's a small thing about Pittsburgh that brings you joy?
I think it’s how genuine the people are. Pittsburgh is a decent-sized city, but it still has that small-town feel where people are kind and support each other.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about moving to Pittsburgh?
It’s a very welcoming city with a great culture. Just don’t be a Cleveland or Baltimore fan.
How can readers find more about you?
All I can really ask for is engagement on social media and word of mouth. Sharing a post, telling a friend, or just interacting with what I put out goes a long way.
You can find him on Instagram and his website here.
Someone forwarded this to you? Subscribe here.
Want your event featured? Submit it.
Interested in giving your business a boost? Advertise with us.