Women & Business Profile: Nicole Ambeliotis McLean

Nicole Ambeliotis McLean
Mediterra Café, Director Of Operations

Every day, Nicole Ambeliotis McLean thinks about a piece of advice from her older brother: “Don’t ever expect someone to do something you wouldn’t do.”

As director of operations for Mediterra Café, McLean wants her team to know she understands their work firsthand and that she can, and would, do it, too. “Except maybe the hot line,” she says, “because those line cooks on a busy Saturday are on another level.”

Mediterra Café features fresh artisan breads and pastries, coffee and seasonal breakfasts and lunches. McLean says, “We focus on creating warm, welcoming spaces” shaped by “consistency, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality,” she says.

McLean began her career with Mediterra in 2011 as the office manager of its wholesale bakery. She later learned day-to-day operations alongside her father when the first café opened in Sewickley in 2018. Mt. Lebanon followed (2020), then Lawrenceville (2023) and Seven Fields (2024).

“Earlier in our journey, the idea of expansion felt disruptive and intimidating, but my perspective has shifted,” says McLean. “I’ve come to understand that growth requires a certain level of discomfort.”

As director of operations, McLean’s role includes developing managers and ensuring consistency across café locations. Her willingness to jump in is part of her larger leadership ethos. She wants to build trust and genuine relationships with her team. She values their strength and dependability.

She seeks the same in her personal life and has also learned not to be too hard on herself for imperfectly balancing parenthood and work. She encourages other businesswomen to do the same. Additionally, she hopes they’ll know that good leadership comes from both kindness and strength and that it’s important to stay true to their values.

Something both McLean and Mediterra value is community involvement. Each day, Mediterra partners with 412 Food Rescue to redirect unsold food to people in need. They also fundraise year-round for the Children’s Fund at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and collaborate with The Bradley Center to collect holiday gifts for underserved children. McLean says, “These partnerships are incredibly meaningful to us and bring a special sense of purpose to the holiday season and beyond.”