Priory Hospitality Group Marks 40 Years as Pittsburgh Family Business Icon

PITTSBURGH — The Priory Hospitality Group (PHG), Pittsburgh’s only operator of independent historic boutique hotels and event venues, is marking its 40th anniversary in 2026 with a full calendar of celebrations, exclusive promotions and community events.

Founded in 1986 by Ed and Mary Ann Graf, the company began when the couple — then new to the hospitality industry — purchased a vacant 19th-century Benedictine monastery and transformed it into the European-style Priory Hotel. Over the decades, the PHG has expanded the original property, added the elegant Grand Hall at the Priory event venue, and acquired the historic Mansions on Fifth Hotel in Shadyside. The family-owned group has become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh hospitality, blending historic charm with modern luxury while playing a key role in revitalizing the Deutschtown neighborhood on the North Shore.

“For 40 years, the Priory has been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh hospitality, blending historic charm with modern luxury,” said John Graf, president and CEO of the Priory Hospitality Group. “We’re excited to share our anniversary with our community through unforgettable events and offers that celebrate love, tradition, and fun.”

Anniversary highlights include:

• Legacy of Love Romance Package — Available now through April 30, couples can enjoy an overnight stay for $229 per night (plus tax). The package features chilled champagne, a gourmet charcuterie board, a dozen fresh roses upon arrival, and an optional grab-and-go breakfast delivered to the room (subject to blackout dates and availability).
• Steel City Draft Watch Party Experience — On Thursday, April 23, coinciding with the opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, football fans can attend an upscale watch party at the Grand Hall at the Priory. Located just one flat mile (a 6-minute drive or scenic 20-minute walk) from the official Draft Theater on the North Shore, the event will feature live first-round coverage on multiple large screens, an intimate panel discussion, meet-and-greets, memorabilia and insider stories with Pittsburgh Steelers legends from the legendary 1970s Black & Gold era, including Rocky Bleier, Jon Kolb, Larry Brown, John Banaszak, and special guest Marianne Noll, wife of legendary head coach Chuck Noll. Proceeds will benefit Adventures in Training with a Purpose (ATP), a Christian nonprofit founded by Jon and Caleb Kolb that supports physical and mental health programs for civilians, veterans and first responders.
• French and Italian Wine Lover Parties — Starting the third Thursday in April and continuing through October, the Priory’s outdoor garden courtyard will host evenings of exquisite wines, paired bites and live entertainment.
• Summer Pop-up Concerts — Beginning in June, free monthly outdoor music performances will take place under the stars in the courtyard.
• Founders Day — On June 7, the group will honor founder and owner Mary Ann Graf on her birthday with special tributes, giveaways and reflections on The Priory’s storied history.

Additional promotions and surprises are planned throughout the year. The Priory Hotel, a 42-room boutique property and TripAdvisor Hall of Fame inductee, has been named Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Best Boutique Hotel” for 2024 and 2025. Its Grand Hall has earned “Best Wedding Venue” honors and “Best of the Knot” designation every year since 2006. Mansions on Fifth has been recognized as the “Best B&B-style boutique hotel” for 2024 and 2025.

For more information, details on events or reservations, visit www.thepriory.com or call 412-231-3338. Additional websites include pittsburghsgrandhall.com and mansionsonfifth.com.