The Story
Common Plea Catering was founded in 1987 by Dave Anoia and has grown into one of Pittsburgh's most respected full-service catering and events companies. Based Downtown, Common Plea handles everything from corporate events and wedding receptions to nonprofit galas and private dinners across the Pittsburgh region.
The company is known for elevated seasonal menus that draw from Pennsylvania's agricultural bounty, a farm-to-table approach to catering that was ahead of its time. Common Plea also operates restaurant concepts and manages food service for several Pittsburgh venues and institutions.
Anoia's influence on Pittsburgh's food scene extends beyond catering. He has mentored generations of chefs, supported local farmers and producers, and helped raise the overall standard of food service in the region. Common Plea's success demonstrates that Pittsburgh can support sophisticated hospitality businesses.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
If you have attended a major event in Pittsburgh in the last 35 years, there is a good chance Common Plea catered it. From corporate galas at the Convention Center to weddings at the Pennsylvanian, Common Plea is the invisible hand behind Pittsburgh's best events.
Dave Anoia is one of Pittsburgh's most important food industry figures, not because of a flashy restaurant, but because of the infrastructure he has built. Common Plea's relationships with local farmers, its training of young cooks, and its standard of excellence have elevated the entire Pittsburgh food ecosystem.