View details of this raise on Seedstage

Washington, PA

Completing renovations to open a Downtown Washington coffee, wood fired pizza, gelato, and winery experience.

• Downtown Main Street launch: Proceeds are intended to complete renovations and allow the business to open for operations in Downtown Washington.
• Wood fired pizza and espresso: The concept combines espresso service with wood fired pizza and fast service lunch offerings.
• Gelato and baked goods: A gelato bar and baked goods round out a menu designed for quick, in-house enjoyment.
• Seasonal local sourcing with Italian ingredients: The menu evolves seasonally using local farms while incorporating ingredients imported directly from Italy.
• Owner operating experience: Mark Kennison has developed Downtown Washington for more than 15 years, including multiple Main Street openings such as the original Upper Crust.

The Upper Crust 2.0 is raising capital to finish renovations and open for business in Downtown Washington, bringing refreshed amenities to Main Street. The restaurant concept pairs espresso service with wood fired pizza and fast service lunch offerings, alongside a gelato bar and baked goods. An in-house winery partner supports wine service as part of the food and beverage lineup. Menu items are planned to evolve seasonally and draw from local farms, while also including ingredients imported directly from Italy to support consistent recipes and flavors. The goal is to complete the build-out so the venue can begin operations with a full guest experience that combines coffee, pizza, desserts, and wine in one walk-in location.

Mark Kennison, owner, has spent over 15 years developing Downtown Washington and opened several Main Street businesses, starting with the original Upper Crust in 2010. Additional ventures include the Italian Market, now Deli on Main; Rachel Rose’s coffee shop and bakery, now Chicco Baccello; The Presidents Pub and Grille; and Nineteen North. Kennison also formed a development company to acquire downtown real estate and co-founded The Dreamers Company, a local non-profit focused on community development. With the space roughly 75% complete, the raised proceeds are intended for food inventory, alcohol inventory, winery supplies, payroll and training, marketing and branding, and a soft opening budget.

Company Info

The Upper Crust runs a downtown coffee and wood-fired pizza concept with gelato, baked goods, and wine service through an in-house winery partner.

The Upper Crust operates a coffee shop and fast-service dining venue featuring wood-fired pizza, an espresso program, a gelato bar, and daily baked goods. It offers lunch-focused options designed for efficient counter service, with a menu that blends classic pizza flavors and rotating seasonal items.

The business sources products from local farms for an evolving seasonal selection, while also incorporating high-quality ingredients imported from Italy. An in-house winery partner supports wine service alongside the food menu, creating a paired experience for guests seeking casual dining and beverage options in a downtown setting.