Former Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward — with wife Lindsey — signed autographs and posed for photos with most of the 300-plus guests at Ward's new restaurant on Aug. 18.
The launch party of Table 86 and Vines Wine Bar in Seven Fields included a $6,000 donation to Helping Hands Foundation, which Ward created to focus on improving literacy among inner-city youth.
“I chose Pittsburgh for this restaurant because it's home to me. I will be around,” said Hines, who lives in Atlanta. “You might even see me behind the bar or in the kitchen at times.”
Ward's teammates on the venture are Howard Shiller (with wife Angela Bucci Shiller) and Dan Lindner (with wife Larna and daughter Madeline).
“Hines is one of the beloved sons of Pittsburgh,” said Howard Shiller. “He is well-respected and endeared in this town.”
Among the notables: Ward's agent Andrew Ree, executive chef Scott Croyle, general manager Howard Gardner Jr., Louis Lipps, Amy Baron Brourman, Shawn Rumbaugh and Haley Ponsonby, Bridgette Gardner, Brandi Frye, Danielle Howell, Dana and Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, TiAnda and Mel Blount and Sarah and Brett Keisel.
“This restaurant is Hines' vision,” Ree said. “It will be part of his legacy in this town.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at jharrop@tribweb.com or 412-320-7889.
