When starting their own restaurant in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Jennifer and Jeremy Shearer aimed to bring something different to town. Jennifer grew up in the area and felt something was missing from the local restaurant scene, which she says included a surplus of sports bars. The couple seized the opportunity and soon found themselves playing an important role in helping to revitalize the city’s central business district.
“We wanted to offer a different kind of dining experience, to serve great food and drinks in a unique atmosphere,” she said.
By all accounts, they have achieved just that. Since opening in 2013, Press Bistro has become one of the most popular restaurants in Johnstown, offering an “inspiring dining experience.” It’s the place to go for residents whether they want a mid-day coffee, a quick lunch or a more leisurely dinner complete with a craft beer or cocktail and live jazz or blues music on the weekends.
Jennifer is in charge of Press Bistro’s menu that she describes as modern American fusion. Signature plates include Korean Tacos, Chicken and Waffles, Thai Enchiladas and Ramen Bowls and other bistro fare includes a variety of small plates, salads and sandwiches. Her ability to successfully meld different flavors and ethnic cuisines is evident in her Neighborhood to Nation recipe submission, which is this year’s Recipe Winner in the Entrée category.
For Jennifer’s Strawberry Cornbread Panzanella, she takes a new twist on a classic Italian bread salad. Using Gold Medal™ Honey Cornbread Mix, Jennifer adds brown sugar and poppy seeds and grills the cornbread to make out-of-this world croutons. Then she adds the strawberries, bacon bits, feta cheese, candied pecans, a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a garnish of basil and mint for a savory touch.
With all of Press Bistro’s dishes, Jennifer is proud to offer her customers a menu of artisanal food that is really fresh and made from scratch. She also credits her restaurant’s success to an amazing staff—many of them have been with the restaurant since the beginning.
And as if being one of this year’s winners in the Neighborhood to Nation Recipe contest isn’t exciting enough, Jennifer and her husband are opening a microbrewery this July located just steps away from the Press Bistro.
Notes
Address: 110 Franklin Street, Johnstown, Penn.
Website: http://www.pressbistro.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PRESS.bistro/