WHO IS MORT?
Mortimer Charles Lebowitz was the grandfather of one of our owners. He started a series of discount department stores in the Washington D.C. area (Morton’s), the last of which closed in the early 1990s. More than that though, he was a remarkable man who never wavered in his beliefs across several challenging eras in the D.C. area. We think that his ethos of tolerance and standing up for what is right, no matter the consequences, is worthy of both fond reflection and emulation. An obituary that ran in the Washington Post following Mr. Lebowitz’s passing in 1997 recalls his life and accomplishments.
OUR MANAGER
Michelle
A Dormont resident of 24 years and lifelong south hillzer, brings her love of food, cooking, and hand crafted items to Mort’s. A mother of 2 humans and several furry and feathered creatures, she loves music, amusement parks, and Halloween. Her other hobbies include supporting her girls’ interest in horseback riding, collecting and working with crystals, teaching meditation, providing intuitive readings, and the study and practice of energy and sound as healing tools. Michelle is excited to help create a space of support and sharing for the local community.
OUR FOUNDERS
Sarah
A mom of 3, loves to cook and considers herself to be a major foodie and farmers' market devotee. When she's not running the kids to soccer (yes, an actual soccer mom) or making delicious dinners, she's probably at the barn with her horse, Scout. She and her husband (Chris) also have two dogs and own Bridge City Beverage. Sarah believes that food connects us all and, by sharing, creates a community.
Emily
A mom of 4 littles and the co-founder and President of 1:11 Juice Bar. Raised in Nebraska in a small rural farming town, she knows the importance of local growers and producers having outlets for their goods. She has spent many Saturdays at the Mt. Lebanon Uptown farmers market, which allowed her to cross paths with Sarah and her husband. It's been a dream to expand 1:11's reach into the South Hills market, and what better way than to incorporate many vendor friends in the process. When Emily isn't working on operations and the growth of the company, she is spending time with her husband Bruce, and running to soccer games and activities (another bona fide soccer mom). She is excited to be raising her kids with access to more fruits and vegetables and it just reinforces her belief that good, local and fresh food (and juice) is for everyone.
WHAT IS MORT’S FRESH & LOCAL?
Mort’s Fresh & Local is an evolving answer to a need that we see in the South Hills; specifically, where can someone buy the great items that are available at local farmers markets until the early fall?
Our idea is to offer vendors the opportunity to continue to serve their loyal customers in a temperature controlled environment and offer products (e.g., fresh pressed juice, locally roasted coffee beans, bagels, etc.) on a schedule that meets their needs.
At Mort’s you will also find consistent, everyday products at the front of the store in addition to a rotating cast of vendors toward the back.
Our goal is to bring our community a concept and experience that is worthy of bearing Mr. Lebowitz’s name.