Ben & Helene Welling

Ben Welling spent 25 years thriving in the corporate world, building a career across leadership, sales, and marketing. In January, after an unexpected layoff, he realized it was the perfect time to chase a lifelong dream—opening a restaurant that would bring joy, comfort, and a sense of community to the Pittsburgh suburbs.

Helene Welling has dedicated her career to supporting families, working closely with parents and children in foster care. Together, Ben and Helene have grown a beautiful family of nine, including adopting their youngest three children from foster care—a reflection of their love, compassion, and commitment to family.

With Bennie’s 9 Diner, Ben and Helene have created more than just a place to eat—they have built a space that embodies their mission: to bring people together through great food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming environment where everyone feels like family.

Our diner is guided by our core values:

Family – creating an environment where every guest and team member is treated like one of our own.

Quality – serving delicious, freshly prepared meals that delight every time.

Hospitality – going above and beyond to ensure our guests feel welcome and valued.

Passion – bringing energy, creativity, and love to everything we do.

Pride – taking pride in our food, our diner, and our community.

Generosity – giving back to our guests, team, and neighborhood whenever possible.

Fun – embracing joy, laughter, and a lively spirit in our diner culture.

Teamwork – supporting one another to create a smooth, enjoyable experience for all.

Integrity – always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

At Bennie’s 9 Diner, every plate, every smile, and every interaction reflects Ben and Helene’s commitment to family, community, and making every guest feel at home.