Walking into Bankrupt Bodega's eclectic new space in Bloomfield gave me similar vibes to hanging out at my local skate shop as a kid. Given the tube televisions, vintage cameras and clothing, and colorful images hanging on the walls, it was like stepping back in time. But owner Pat Bruener has concocted the perfect space in the 120+ year-old building for his new venture, which will have its official grand opening on Sat., April 10: a combination throwback shop, film lab, and gallery, featuring his own ongoing exhibit, Searching for Pittsburgh Nostalgia. 

Pat Bruener loves taking photos of Pittsburgh, particularly its architecture and blue-collar communities. “I spend a lot of time around different neighborhoods, like Braddock and Hazelwood,” he said. “I grew up in Forest Hills.” To bring more attention to his work, he started printing his photos on T-shirts and hoodies and selling them online. People liked them, so he took them to markets and festivals to promote. “That was really cool for me to meet the customers firsthand and more fun and interesting than selling online,” he said.

Pat Bruener is going for broke with Bankrupt Bodega. In April he opened the business at 4120 Main Street in Bloomfield. It’s a retail shop/art gallery/event space/film processing lab all packed into 300 square feet.

On Mon., May 18, Bruener announced his 412 Miles For 412 Food Rescue fundraiser, for which the local photographer will attempt to ride 412 miles (rain or shine) to raise money for 412 Food Rescue's new program, Community Takeout. The program supports restaurants during the pandemic by providing compensation for restaurant workers to create single-serve meals that will then get distributed to local families in need.

Pat Bruener will bike 60 miles per day for the next week to raise money to feed the hungry.

“Mostly I’ll be taking the trails out past McKeesport. That’s a great way to pace myself and get a lot of miles in. But I certainly have a few days planned when I’m going to do more city rides,” Bruener said.

"Bankrupt Bodega is bringing together community, charity, and artistry through fashion." 

For seven days in May, G1|CW will be home to Bankrupt Bodega’s newest pop-up project, The Bloomfield Corner Store.  

The Bloomfield Corner Store, an arts and music pop-up event created by Bankrupt Bodega, holds its closing night event at Gallery One | Collective Works. The event includes a performance by the Jason Greenlaw & John O'Brien jazz guitar duo