(00:57) Step through the door of Dagny's Eatery in Carnegie and you'll quickly discover it's not just another sandwich shop. It's an extension of owner Dagny Como herself, who creates an atmosphere so welcoming you might forget you're not actually sitting in her home kitchen.

Located on East Main Street, this cozy spot represents a brave pandemic-era pivot from banking to food entrepreneurship. Running a one-woman operation means Dagny handles everything—taking orders, preparing food, serving customers, and cleaning up—all while maintaining genuine conversations with everyone who walks through her door. "It's almost like you're performing," she explains, but this performance comes naturally as she multitasks with intuitive ease.

(21:22) What makes the food special isn't complexity but attention to detail. From "The Ray" sandwich with its game-changing pepperoncini relish to the legendary "Daci Cake" (think Hostess cake "on steroids"), everything is made from scratch with care. Many items carry deep personal significance, like sandwiches named for her grandparents whose photos hang in the shop alongside family heirlooms that bring Dagny joy as she works.

Beyond the daily menu of breakfast items, hot sandwiches, and made-from-scratch sweets, Dagny brings out her Blackstone grill during Carnegie's community events to serve smash burgers, hotdogs, and cheesesteaks. These gatherings represent everything she loves about her adopted neighborhood—its walkability, diverse businesses, and tight-knit support system. Whether you're a regular whose order she knows by heart or a first-time visitor, Dagny's passion for feeding people well shines through in every bite.

(34:07) Later in the show, do you have that true favorite restaurant? Autumn Pawelec shares her love for Alla Famiglia in Allentown. Plus Chef Fernando Canales of the Fairmont Pittsburgh shares a favorite at-home dish that you can do as well. Hope you have a big appetite!

Support the show

Liked the episode? We'd love a coffee!