Heinz or Bust: How Our City's Favorite Ketchup Became King
Can you imagine sitting down with a crispy plate of fries, reaching for your trusty bottle of ketchup, and watching it explode? It was a real problem in the late 19th century! But our very own H.J. Heinz figured it out — or rather, he had one very special fan who did it for him. We're with writer Sam Lin-Sommer of Gastro Obscura to talk about how it all went down.
Check out his story, “When Every Ketchup But One Went Extinct,” which draws a ton from a book by Andrew F. Smith called “Pure Ketchup: A History of America’s National Condiment.”
Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Where To Get Pittsburgh’s Best Ice Cream
Pittsburgh's ice cream and soft serve shops are opening for the season! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit, an...

Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways
If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form...

Is Heinz Worth the Hype?
Heinz ketchup has a chokehold on Pittsburgh. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the brand on the table and in any g...

Your Guide to June 2026 in Pittsburgh
Summer in Pittsburgh means neighborhood festivals, yard sales, and so much more! This June, we're checking out movie series, signing up f...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Where would Pittsburgh be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just...

Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy
After almost three years of debates and hearings, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to close nine school buildings and make other...

The Weird Things You Can and Can't Do in a Pittsburgh Backyard
Want to get a little ambitious with your backyard this summer? Maybe you're thinking of getting a beehive or some chickens, or you've dec...

Why Pittsburghers Love Cleveland
Looking for a low-cost, easy getaway this summer? Look no further than Cleveland! From free art to giant pastrami sandwiches, there's a l...

The Best Indian Food in Pittsburgh
Love Indian food, but want to indulge beyond butter chicken and naan? You're in luck! City Cast contributor Aakanksha Agarwal is joining...

Lion McBaby Face, Catena’s Defeat & Inclusionary Zoning Returns
A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan...


