Born in the port city of Punta Alta, Argentina, Fernando Navas grew up experiencing how cooking brings people together. Families would gather for evening meals, business deals were discussed over dinner, and people of different cultures bonded by enjoying the same cuisine.
Immersing himself in the culinary world, Fernando sought out extensive training through culinary education and by working in kitchens across Argentina, Barcelona, and Miami. With this wealth of experience, Fernando founded the Argentinian restaurant Balvanera in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City.
Fernando met his wife and business partner, Meredith Boyle, in New York while both were working in the restaurant industry. The couple shared a dream of opening a second Balvanera location in Meredith’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To make their dream a reality, they sought help from the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). There, Management Consultant Jonny Gamble provided no-cost business consulting, helping them develop a comprehensive business plan and financial projections. With this support, Fernando and Meredith secured funding to expand their business to Pittsburgh.
Balvanera Pittsburgh officially opened for business in November 2023, hiring over 35 employees at their new location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District neighborhood.
Balvanera strives to represent the cuisine and spirit of Buenos Aires – porteña cuisine with influences from the dynamic regions of Argentina. Through their authentic cuisine, they aim to bring together people and cultures in Pittsburgh.