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Client Testimonials


"I recently purchased my liquor license through Specialty Group and I couldn't be any happier with the entire transaction process. Not only did they assist me with the purchase of the license but then they also guided me seamlessly through the entire liquor license transfer process, including all of its ups and downs. They are referred to as a one-stop-shop and that is definitely the truth! I would recommend Specialty Group to anyone without hesitation."

John Petropoulos
Opa! - Castle Shannon, PA


"Using Specialty Group was the BEST decision that we could have made when we decided to open a new restaurant. Without the knowledge of Ned Sokoloff and his staff - this process would have been impossible for us to do on our own. Thank you Specialty Group!"

The Village Inn
Clinton, PA


"We knew that once we opened our restaurant, it would be most profitable with a liquor license. After talking to our good friend about his experience of getting a liquor license through Specialty Group, we knew that we weren't going to use anyone else but Specialty Group to get our license. We have our liquor license now and we're so very pleased with the services that Specialty Group offered us. We couldn't have done it without them! They are the best."

Alice Almanza-Serrano
La Hacienda Mexican Grill - West Mifflin, PA


"After all these years, I finally decided it was time to open my business with a liquor license and I wanted to do things the right way. I knew that Specialty Group would take care of me and get the job done quickly and I was right because I had heard that from others. My liquor license transfer was completed in just 40 short days by them. My friends at Specialty Group always went above and beyond the 'call of duty' for me. If you want any liquor work done or need a liquor license transfer - Specialty Group is the way to go - LOOK NO FURTHER!"

Rich Zelinsky
Mr. Zzzz's Pizza - Muse, PA


"Working with Specialty Group has truly been a wonderful experience for us. From the first day of the beginning of the liquor license transfer, we couldn't have been happier. The staff at Specialty helped us every step of the way, and then some. We could never have done this without them. Finally our business will be the success that we have always dreamed of."

Taboo Nightclub
Pittsburgh, PA


"Specialty Group helped us procure a highly qualified buyer very quickly, discretely and professionally. They have the complete package with everything we needed from their listing materials, advertising brochures, wonderful support staff, as well as their ability to handle all papers and final issues in closing the deal. Thank you Specialty Group!"

Former Owner of Carson Street Deli
Pittsburgh, South Side


"I have been through many closings but never one as smooth as the one with Specialty Group. If I'd have known about you guys years ago, I would have contacted you much sooner. As a Seller in this transaction I couldn't have been more pleased."

Owner
Champs Bar & Grill


"Thank you again for your extra efforts in concluding this transaction. I would also like to commend you and your staff for their courteous and professional assistance. It was a pleasure to work with you and your firm in this matter."

John J. Morgan, Esquire
Attorney at Law
River City Inn - Pittsburgh, Market Square


"Now that we are two months past closing I would like to express my thanks for your great efforts relating to the sale of Barry's Public House. As you can imagine, it is not easy to come to a decision to sell one of the more successful taverns in the City's South Side. When I reached this rather painful decision to sell, I wanted more than competence, I wanted Specialty; specifically, Terri Sokoloff. Within two months, I accepted a very favorable offer to purchase. Terri, your excellence throughout the process of transfer was wonderful. You are the A team...thanks."

Thomas Barry, Esquire
Former Owner of Barry's Public House
Pittsburgh, South Side


“We want to thank you for all that you did to make our dream come true. Your professionalism, dedication, knowledge and friendship helped us through some crazy, confusing times. Thanks Ned for your expertise with the PLCB! All of you were great, especially Terri locating the bar, and working hard to make sure it all worked out. But we have to say a special 'thanks' to Joi - our guardian angel - through all this. Her perseverance, knowledge and ability to answer the same question at least 5 times in one day was truly a blessing - and she did it all with a smile. What a great company you have. I know all of you must get so excited and feel enormous personal satisfaction every time you lead one of us rookies to the plate. Couldn't have done it without you. We will never forget you!"

Gary & Debi Hodill
Owners of R Bar
Dormont, PA (Allegheny County)


"We have opened our Beer Distributor. At our first meeting together, I didn’t think this could happen.  I looked online and I saw the name Specialty Group everywhere; we did some research and decided that there wasn’t anyone better to do our work and find us a license and guide us through the process.  Our dream has finally come true, thanks to the good folks at Specialty Group."

Herk's Beer
Wexford Pennsylvania


"Specialty Group found a liquor license for me and handled all the work necessary with the PLCB. I came to Pittsburgh from Ohio and I had no idea how to handle anything relating to the liquor license. Specialty Group's expertise and quick turn around of the licensing process allowed me to focus on building my new Japanese Steak House in the Monroeville Mall. All the people at Specialty Group worked really hard to help me and I am happy that I used them, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs help in the restaurant business (especially finding a liquor license)."

Steve
SAWA Steak House
Monroeville Mall - Upper Level
Monroeville, PA (Allegheny County)


"We were so impressed and thankful for Specialty Group. When we decided to open our first Pizza Fusion and we knew we needed a liquor license, we went to Specialty Group and they made sure that we had everything we needed when we needed it and kept the process going smoothly. We can't say enough good things about Specialty Group"

Gray & Wende Goncz
Pizza Fusion
Gibsonia, PA (Allegheny County)


"Specialty Group has been our liquor license broker for two of the StonePepper's Restaurants constructed in Pennsylvania and has handled both license transfers Inter-Municipally as well as through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. We were thoroughly satisfied with the results we received in both instances and would recommend the services of Specialty Group to anyone."

Jeffrey W. Joyce

StonePepper's Grille
Adams Township (Butler County)
Upper St. Clair (Allegheny County)



“Specialty Group has been an integral part of our success in leasing the retail space at The Cork Factory. Development in this environment is challenging enough, but as an "out-of-town developer" (Chicago), it can be all the more difficult to wrap your arms around the unique characteristics of each retail market. Specialty Group provided us with the education and knowledge crucial to identifying suitable tenants in the City of Pittsburgh. Our goals for the retail space were acknowledged and aggressively pursued through hard work, attention to detail, consistent follow up and a shared determination to create a successful, urban, mixed-use development for Pittsburgh. Specialty group promised a high level of service, a loyalty to the client (so important in this cyclical industry) and above all else.....results. And they delivered!”

Katie Pliscott
Director of Leasing
McCaffery Interests



"Terri,  I wanted to thank you and your team for assisting us in the purchase of our new restaurant. Especially  you and how you went that extra mile for us in negotiating our lease. When I first met you and we talked about what we were looking for you hit the mark immediately. Not long after our first meeting, the previous owners accepted our offer and here we are a few months later after renovations and we are extremely busy in the perfect location. Joi and Ned were also instrumental in getting our liquor license expedited. Thank you to you and your team for helping make our dream come true. I hope to see you at Bistro 19 soon!! "
 Many Thanks,

B DeFrancis
Bistro 19, Proprietor


"'My wife and I wanted to come back to our home town of Pittsburgh and start up a restaurant/lounge. We had no idea where to start. The Specialty Group not only helped us find the perfect business and location, but they also helped us negotiate the complicated tasks involved in the liquor license transfers. They helped make a daunting and overwhelming process simple and efficient."

Eric Stern
Owner of Brillo Box
Bloomfield


"We trust Specialty Group to expertly handle ALL our business needs, and have for the past 20 years.  Why?  Because one relationship does it all." 

The Clark Bar -Angelo Lamatrice


"Being a small business owner, especially a restaurant in this current economy, has not been easy. Over the 16 years we've been in business, Specialty Lenders has always been there."

Deborah Doucette
Owner of Clark Bar and Grill
Pittsburgh North Shore

 


"We have seen Specialty Group sell other places on the South Side and when it was time to sell mine, I called them.  They were very detailed and dealt with several buyers that didn't disrupt by business.  Specialty advised me of my options and worked hard to find a perfect buyer that would also be a tenant for my building.  They also assisted with my lease.   They worked quickly and confidentially, and kept me updated to the status of the transaction.  I would strongly recommend them if you're thinking about selling.'"

Eli Kasan, Former Owner of Eli's
Pittsburgh, South Side




"When I worked with Specialty Group, they did a great job, they were fast and very professional - they made my day! and from now on they are going to MAKE ALL MY DAYS!  For anyone who reads this or is interested in getting a liquor license, Specialty Group is the best place to go!  Don't even think about it, just GO, and you will be very happy!

Abe Mendoza
Mendoza Express - Bethel Park, PA
 


"Terri, John and I want to thank you for all the great effort and energy you put forth in selling Caffe' Giovanni.  Without you, we are certain that things could not have gone as smoothly as they did.  As usual, you and your staff were the ultimate in professionalism.  We would recommend you to anyone who wants to sell or buy a restaurant.  The liquor license transfer went so very quickly, we were amazed.  We thank and salute you, as always, no one could do a better job.  With our gratitude we are as always."

John and Nancy Vennare
former owners of Caffe Giovanni
Mt. Lebanon, South Hills (Pittsburgh, PA)


"I just want to thank everyone at Specialty Group for all of there help!  From conception to closing, everyone at the office was extremely knowledgable and assisted me in all of the needed paper work and requirements.  I will highly recommend Specialty Lending to ANYONE trying to buy a business.  As a matter of fact, I will be using them again when I expand my business!  Thank you to everyone there."
 
Dana Acton
Grasso Roberto
www.grassoroberto.com
412.818.2584
412.687.2014


"There are no better people in this world to help anyone start a new Restaurant, or existing Restaurant, with a Liquor License in this era of difficult times. We've been very fortunate to know Ned Sokoloff and Specialty Group. We feel like he's part of the family, as Specialty Group has always been there for us, from the beginning, to help us reach our goals. We can't say enough good things about the Sokoloff's.''

Lori and Vasillis Kontoulis
Owners of Cafè Frappe and Little Athens
Sewickley

"I knew that in order for my new restaurant 'China Palace' to be a  complete success, I had to be able to offer my customer's a glass of wine with dinner.  I knew that the only one who could help me with a liquor license was Specialty Group.  They made my experience with getting a license and bringing it into McCandless such an easy process.  I would recommend Specialty Group to anyone anytime.  Special thanks to Joi for all her hard work, Excellent Job!--"

Michael Chen
Owner of China Palace
Wexford, PA - McCandless Township


"We were introduced to Terri Sokoloff at a business function two years ago.  We had several concepts in mind and a few partners for our new venture into the Bar/Restaurant business.  My partners and I are in the Technology Sector so all of this was new to us.  When I told Terri that we were interested in getting into the business, she and her staff really listened to what we wanted and presented the best fit for our concept that met our budget.  Specialty Group moved quickly, they put the deal together for us and accommodated all of the partners with our busy schedules.  We hired Specialty Group to process the PLCB transfer and Specialty got a quick approval for us.  It was a pleasure to work with Specialty Group and if you're thinking about getting into the business, I would definitely call them."

Ron Langer
Quagmire's Bar & Grill
Pittsburgh - South Side


"Specialty Group- The best service, the fastest ones and the honest ones, if you need a liquor license or transfer of one, come to Specialty Group; they are the best!"

Milaim Ballanca
Villa Ballanca


"Specialty Group made the licensing process seem so easy for us. We know how to run Tiger Town Pizza, and Specialty Group was the expert in transferring the license to us. We would never have known even where to begin the license transfer process, let alone do it all and keep our business running. We are completely satisfied with Specialty Group and would recommend them to anyone."

Ken & Jamie Filotei
Tiger Town Pizza
McKeesport, PA (Allegheny County)



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