• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

  • (724) 216-9160
  • Ask about a loan today
MENU
Hide Search
  • Home
  • Loans
    • Small Business LoansThe Progress Fund provides financing from $20,000 to over $1,000,000 to people who are starting, expanding or buying small businesses.
    • Get Loan ReadyLet us help connect you to the right resources to grow your business.
    • Ask About a LoanExplore your loan options.
    • Resources for EntrepreneursOur small business experts can help you plan your business start-up or a new type of venture.
    • FAQFind answers for commonly asked questions about us, how to apply for a loan, our loans, and technical assistance.
    • Application FormsContact us first before submitting the forms.
  • Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
    • Explore Borrower Map
  • Stories
  • About
    • About UsThe Progress Fund provides financing and business coaching to help people like you to grow businesses and create jobs for the region.
    • StaffThe Progress Fund staff combine lending experience with dedication to help small business owners.
    • ImpactsThe Progress Fund makes a difference.
    • Praise by OthersWe have provided financing to help people grow their businesses. Learn what people are saying about us.
    • Board of DirectorsOur Board of Directors combines experience and dedicated community service.
    • History and AwardsThe success of our work has brought notoriety and awards for community development impact.
    • Our SupportersWe rely on financial support of state and federal agencies, private foundations, and commercial banks.
    • Community DevelopmentWe have been creating opportunities along the Nation’s Trails since 2007 as well as redeveloping key properties in key communities.
    • The West Newton StoryCommunity development loans and real estate developments projects have supported the start-up and expansion of small businesses that are changing the future of the community.
    • EmploymentView our current job openings.
  • Contact
  • 724-216-9160
  • Display Search
Home Borrowers Restaurants The Italian Oven

The Italian Oven

Location:

4129 Glades Pike
Somerset, PA

County:

Somerset

Description:

Business Expansion

Total Project Cost:

$310,000

Visit Online:

  • Follow us on Facebook

The Progress Fund was exceptionally good to work with. The people I’ve dealt with have been cordial, cooperative, and knowledgeable.

Lee Newell, owner – The Italian Oven

People

The Italian Oven is a Somerset County tradition and now a family affair, thanks to the Newells and Bakers, who took over the chain’s original location in 1998. Sheila Baker worked for the Italian Oven Corporation until she convinced her husband Don, her sister Tammy Newell and Tammy’s husband Lee to join the business. Though Lee is a banker himself, he knew the group would find its best help by turning to The Progress Fund for expansion monies, which they did both in 1998 and now in 2005. Now the facility is ready to serve the county’s burgeoning tourist trade.

Progress

The Progress Fund’s $310,000 loan will be enough to expand the restaurant’s seating capacity from 150 to 225 and put in an 80-seat banquet hall. That will allow the two couples to bring motor coaches and other large parties to their already popular facility.

Impact

The Italian Oven now has 12 full-time and 20 part-time employees, growing by an additional 20-25 during its peak seasons — summer and winter. “We’ve been able to expand the workforce by three additional servers and two additional back of the house cooks per shift, thanks to The Progress Fund”, says Lee Newell. With more than 150 pasta combinations available at the restaurant already, the choices of traditional Italian fare could hardly expand. But now Newell is confident The Progress Fund’s help will “allow us to handle buses as well as private parties. We would expect our revenue to grow $200,000 over a 12-month period.”

View Story as PDF
More Restaurants Stories

Restaurants

Previous borrower The Inne at Watson’s Choice
Next Borrower John Williams European Pastry Shop

Signup for our eNewsletter

See the latest news on our borrowers, stay up to date on events and more.

Privacy Policy

Footer

  • Home
  • Small Business Loans
    • Ask about a loan
    • Application Forms
    • Resources for Entrepreneurs
  • FAQ
  • Our Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
  • The Progress Fund Stories
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Impacts
    • Praise by Others
    • Board of Directors
    • History and Awards
    • Our Supporters
    • Community Development
    • The West Newton Story
    • Employment
  • Contact Us
The Progress Fund

Main Office

724-216-9160
425 W Pittsburgh St
Greensburg, PA 15601-2211

Connect With Us!

  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Linkedin
  • Follow us on Instagram

Footer

Copyright © 2025 The Progress Fund. All Rights Reserved.
Equal opportunity provider and employer.
|
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Non-Discrimination Statement
|
Website by FWE
Scroll Top of Page