Corey Austin Talks About Lola’s Growth and South Hills Vibes

I talk with Corey Austin, the manager at Lola’s, a staple in the South Hills dining scene. Corey has been part of the team for seven years, starting from a host position and working her way up to management. She talks about the growth and changes at Lola’s, including the addition of an outdoor bar last year, a feature that has quickly become a favorite of locals.

Corey shares the challenges and rewards of the food industry, particularly in South Hills. She explains how the community’s warm atmosphere makes it a great place to work, despite the constant rush of customers. The vibe, she says, is always positive, with everyone coming together to make the busy environment work.

Lola’s, known for its artisan pizzas, has a dedicated following, and Corey talks about their occasional forays into small events like the Bridge Road Festival. While the kitchen isn’t large enough for full-scale catering, they still find ways to connect with the community through smaller-scale events.

As a manager, Corey has learned the importance of nurturing employees and creating a supportive work environment. She talks about the satisfaction of helping new hires grow and move up within the company. Despite needing to hire new staff, particularly in the kitchen, the restaurant’s popularity continues to draw in applicants.

Corey ends by expressing gratitude to the community for their support and invites everyone to stop by, emphasizing how much she enjoys seeing familiar faces.