“Excellence in Coin-Operated Amusements Since 1932”

About

H. Lazar & Son, Inc. is a third generation, coin-operated amusement company founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1932.  We offer a full spectrum of coin-operated amusements on a revenue sharing basis to bars, restaurants, bowling centers, universities and family entertainment centers in Western Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Westmoreland,  Washington, and Armstrong Counties). Amusements include TouchTunes jukeboxes, soft-tip darts, pool tables, and PA skill games, sports and prize games, as well as other miscellaneous games.

We also provide amusements (music and games) for corporate events and private parties.

H. Lazar & Son, Inc. operates numerous dart leagues/tournaments (both in-house and traveling), as well as having the exclusive rights to Partners Promoting Darts (PPD) in Western Pennsylvania.  PPD is an organization that operates remote dart leagues culminating in a national tournament with over $800,000.00 in prizes.  Since we also have exclusive rights to Club Lucky tournaments in Western Pennsylvania, only players on H. Lazar & Son’s Golden Tee games are eligible to play in Club Lucky contests and tournaments.

As an industry leader in the coin-operated amusement business, H. Lazar & Son, Inc. is an active member in a variety of trade associations, including the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA),  Pennsylvania Amusement and Music Association (PAMMA), Club Lucky (a consortium of promotions-minded and professional coin machine operators from across the nation), Partners Promoting Darts (PPD), and Pennsylvania Video Gaming Association (PAVGA), whose purpose is to legalize video gaming terminals in liquor-licensed establishments.

In 2012, Dale Lazar received the prestigious “Operator of the Year” award by Play Meter Magazine and in 1996, H. Lazar and Son, Inc. was awarded the “Operator of the Year (Domestic)” by Williams Industries. Since 2008, Dale Lazar has been serving on TouchTunes’ prestigious Operator Advisory Board (OAB).

An affiliated company, ATM Advantage by H. Lazar, LLC, is a provider of ATMs that supports many of H. Lazar & Son’s accounts.

 

Our Games

Below are the amusements we typically use in bars and restaurants. Selection is individualized for each business and is based on a thorough review, discussion and agreement with the business owner.

Jukeboxes

Soft-Tip Darts

Pool Tables

PA Skill Games




Sports Games

Prize Games

ATMs

VGTs

Our History

H. Lazar and Son, Inc. is a full line, coin-operated amusement business founded by Hyman Lazar in the early 1930's. In the 1950's Hyman's son, Berrnie, assumed ownership of the business. In 1977 Hyman’s grandson, Dale, entered the family business comprised of only Bernie and Sam Loverde (mechanic/technician). Dale subsequently bought out his father and assumed full ownership of H. Lazar & Son, Inc. in 1986.


Jukeboxes have been the core of H. Lazar & Son, Inc., beginning with our first Rock-Ola jukebox playing 78’s in 1936 to jukeboxes playing 45’s; then 33 1/3 Little LP’s; then CD’s; and today digital music.

Our company has a long history of charitable donations, which parallels the evolution of the jukebox. Below is a select listing of our charitable jukebox donations.

In the early 50’s, we donated a “78” jukebox to an orphanage located in the North Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

In the mid 60’s we donated a “45” jukebox to B’nai Israel Synagogue. In 1970 we donated a "45" jukebox to the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children.

In the mid 90’s, we donated two “45” jukeboxes to a skilled nursing home, Canterbury Place (Incidentally, this was the final residence of Dale’s parents). This contribution formed the basis for future jukebox donations to skilled nursing homes.

Eighteen years later, in 2012, H. Lazar & Son, Inc. donated three “CD” jukeboxes to the Charles Morris Nursing Home.  These donations evolved into the Jukebox Memories Project, a national program of community minded operators who donate CD jukeboxes with hits exclusively from the 50’s through the 70’s to dementia units in skilled nursing homes.

In 2012, we arranged a donation by Charles Goldstuck of TouchTunes of a digital jukebox for Rainey Institute in Cleveland. (Lee Lazar, Dale's brother, is their executive director.) Rainey Institute is dedicated to providing Cleveland’s inner city youth with a nurturing and skill based education program in the performing and visual arts.

In 2015, we donated a TouchTunes jukebox providing digital music to the residents and staff of the Ronald McDonald House located adjacent to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. This donation was made in memory of Ella Russano, the daughter of our staff member, Anthony Russano.


Our President

Dale Lazar, President of H. Lazar & Son, Inc., grew up in the coin-operated amusement business. Prior to college, he worked summers and holidays with his father, Bernie, learning all aspects of the business.

Dale earned a BA from Case-Western Reserve University with a major in Economics and Psychology and a minor in Mathematics. He went on to earn an M. Ed in Special Education for the Blind and Visually Impaired at the University of Pittsburgh.

Following graduation, he taught blind and visually impaired children as an itinerant teacher in central Pennsylvania for five years.  During his teaching tenure, Dale presented papers on visual perceptual training and abacus instruction; produced a training film on Braille instruction; and developed a game for the blind which was produced and distributed internationally for forty years.

In 1977, Dale left teaching and joined his father, Bernie, and his sole employee, Sam Loverde, at H. Lazar & Son, Inc.; thus establishing the third generation in the family business. Under Dale’s direction, H. Lazar & Son, Inc. grew from an operating company of eighty games in 1976 to a peak of more than one thousand in 2005. In 2012, Dale was recognized as the PlayMeter Magazine Operator of the Year.

Dale has served for more than thirty years as a Board Member of the Pennsylvania Amusement and Music Machine Association (PAMMA) and has served three separate terms as a Board Member of the Amusement and Music Operators of America (AMOA), where his focus was industry education. In addition, Dale is a founding board member of the Pennsylvania Video Gaming Association (PAVGA). Lastly, Dale has been serving on Touchtunes prestigious Operator Advisory Board, (OAB) since 2008.

 

Our Staff

H. Lazar & Son, Inc. is blessed to have such a dedicated and multi-talented staff.  Organizationally, our staff provides meaningful input into the myriad decisions made every day as we strive to provide our customers with the highest level of personal service, integrity and professionalism.

Jeff Sorice is our Senior Route Manager who began working as a mover for H. Lazar & Son in 1978.  He has worked in and contributed to every aspect of the business. His calm demeanor is appreciated by all our customers.  One of Jeff’s lesser known skills is his uncanny ability to mimic voices.

Dave Hart is our Director of Operations and is responsible for managing the overall business operation.  Like Jeff (a childhood friend), he has worked in all aspects of the business, except for service, which he has attempted on numerous occasions.  He has been working for H. Lazar & Son since 1982.

Roman Sukner is our Senior Technician who has been working for H. Lazar & Son since 1991.  He is a gifted technician and has considerably pride in his level of workmanship.  No project is too challenging or too small for Roman. He has often repaired what was once thought to be un-repairable.

Kathy Maslaney is our Office Manager and has been working for H. Lazar & Son since 1992.  She is a beloved employee and relates warmly to both our employees and customers.  Her enthusiastic and exceptionally friendly demeanor is relished and appreciated by all.

Alfred “Rocky” Rockymore is our Moving/ Maintenance/ Service Specialist.  He wears multiple hats contributing to all aspects of the business.  Likability and dependability are infused in Rocky’s DNA. Like Kathy, he has been working for H. Lazar & Son since 1992.  His engaging and warm personality is especially appreciated by our customers.

Anthony Russano – In Loving Memory (1976 -2018) our beloved IT specialist who employed his competency and skills throughout all aspects of our company.  He began working for H. Lazar & Son in 1999.  He was recognized as one of the most knowledgeable TouchTunes technicians in the United States and was often consulted with the development and tech teams at TouchTunes.

Will McLane is our Operations Manager, as well as an occasional collector and service technician.  He has been working for H. Lazar & Son since 2006 and is the only 21st century hire. Our accounts have a special understanding and appreciation for his commitment and management skills.

Lynn Lazar has been working for H. Lazar & Son since 1998.  In spite of the fact that she generally works on an as-needed basis, her contributions are invaluable. Her specialties are organizational efficiency, IT, business writing and strategic planning.  On rare occasions, she assists in working through a bookkeeping avalanche.  Her position can best be described as Executive Assistant.

Sam Loverde, our Mechanic Emeritus, was hired in 1954 and was the first employee of H. Lazar & Son.  He worked with H. and Bernie for four years.  Upon H.’s death in 1958, Sam worked exclusively with Bernie for approximately 20 years until Dale joined the business in 1977.  Sam had a gift for repairing almost anything.  Trained as an electrician, Sam was also a capable plumber, concrete mason and carpenter. Sam retired in 1997 after working for H. Lazar & Son for forty-two years.

Tony Zekas is our Dart League Coordinator. His dedication, friendliness, and professionalism are appreciated by both our accounts and dart league participants.

Testimonials

"H. Lazar has provided me with outstanding service for over 50 years…"

Ronnie Ferragonio
Owner
Willee’s I & II, Ferragonio’s Pizza (three locations)

I first began doing business with Bernie Lazar in 1965 at my first pizza shop. I had the pleasure of having him in seven of my businesses. He was a great man and I loved spending time with him. Bernie was a man of integrity with a comforting presence, who I had the utmost respect for. He had a beautiful soul. READ MORE

"Dale, the owner, is personable, always available to make suggestions…"

Emery Kubrin
Lifelong Family Friend/Game Distributor Salesperson
B. D. Lazar Company, Atlas Music & Novelty

I have had the pleasure of knowing four generations of Lazars: Hyman, Bernie, Dale and Brent. It has been my pleasure to interact with them for over 75 years! I first met Bernie in 1940 at the old YMWHA in Oakland. I was new to Pittsburgh, fresh out of high school, and Bernie offered his friendship to me, a friendship that grew to be something very special for me.READ MORE

"…great company to have for our business…"

John Winters
General Manager
VFW Morningside-Post 3945

Morningside VFW has been doing business with H. Lazar and Son for a long time and I am very pleased with their business practices and the services they provide. If we have any issues they are right on it and their office and service personnel are outstanding … great company to have for our business!

"Dale has always had the support of a more than exemplary, committed and loyal staff…"

Gregg Caliguiri
Matt Turbiner
Partners
Shady Grove/Social/Walnut Grills

Dale and his company, H. Lazar & Son, are at the forefront of today’s every-advancing technological world. We have followed his lead for more than 25 years knowing he always has his finger on the pulse of the amusement industry/business. READ MORE

"H. Lazar and Son has embodied and exceeded my expectations on every facet of businesses partnering."

Mark McCandless
Proprietor
Wildlife Lanes

“PROFITS, SERVICE, IMAGE, RELATIONSHIPS and RETENTION are what I believe to be the essence of any successful business. H. Lazar & Son has embodied and exceeded my expectations on every facet of businesses partnering. READ MORE

"Dale runs a first class operation."

Christine Chergi
Retired Manager
William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh

“Dale runs a first class operation. All his staff shares his business philosophy; they have the highest integrity and have always provided us with great service and the latest equipment. We’ve become friends and we feel like we are part of a family.”

"They are professional, experienced, helpful and efficient."

Marty Mundy
Entertainment Consultant
Entertainment Unlimited

As a corporate event and party planner, I have worked with H. Lazar & Son for over 25 years. I have used a wide variety of their equipment from sports games, pinball machines to vintage arcade games. From the receptionist Kathy to the staff and set-up crew, Rocky, Anthony and Will, everyone is a pleasure to work with. READ MORE

"…looking forward to continuing our long and prosperous relationship!"

Bob Cenci
Owner
Cenci’s Pizzeria & Bar-Wexford & Cranberry
Brush Creek Inn

Dale Lazar and his staff have been servicing my bar/restaurants since 2010! We have had an excellent partnership since they did the first installation. Anthony, Dave, Roman, Will and Rocky are actively involved in the success of my companies and make themselves available whenever needed. READ MORE

"The Lazar Family’s reputation for quality service and pleasant/efficient employees…"

Andy Shaffer
President of Shaffer Entertainment Columbus, OH & Indianapolis, IND
Past-President, AMOA

I have had the pleasure of knowing Dale Lazar for my entire career, over 27 years. The Lazar Family’s reputation for quality service and pleasant/efficient employees, represents the character of and upbringing from Hyman Lazar, dating clear back to 1932. READ MORE

"I appreciate the quality of our long-term business relationship…"

Steve Zumoff
Owner
Double Wide Grill, Tiki Lounge, Beehive

My partner, Scott Kramer, and I have been a customer of H Lazar for over 25 years. There are many important things that a bar or restaurant should expect from a vendor: currently popular games in good condition, prompt service, a knowledgeable friendly staff, timely payments of commission and finally a hands on owner who understands the vending business. H. Lazar has always provided these services to my businesses. I appreciate the quality of our long-term business relationship, knowing that I have associated with a knowledgeable and professional vendor.

“I have known Dale Lazar, as a highly respected businessman and business owner for over 20 years.”

Ron Sofranko
Principal, Sofranko Advidory Group, LLC
Partner, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille

“ I have known Dale Lazar, as a highly respected businessman and business owner for over 20 years. I have trusted his company, H. Lazar & Son, to be far above the industry standard in knowledge, quality of operations and timely service. Dale has done an outstanding job of retaining and putting his employees first, which is definitely evident in the long-term success of H. Lazar & Son.

I will continue to use Dale’s company and services as my preferred choice in his industry.”

75th Anniversary Celebration

H. Lazar & Son, Inc. celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007 at Green Oaks Country Club in suburban Pittsburgh.  It was a gala celebration highlighted by a jukebox from every decade of its existence beginning in the 1930’s and continuing into the 2000’s… ten jukeboxes spanning two centuries!

75th Anniversary

B. D. Lazar Company

Hyman Lazar, Dale’s grandfather, founded H. Lazar & Son Inc. in 1932.  Prior to starting H. Lazar & Son, Inc., he along with his father, Solomon, owned a small dry goods/confectionary store that catered to immigrants working in Pittsburgh’s steel mills.

B. D. Lazar Company photos are included in this website to provide historic and familial perspective since there are no surviving early photos of H. Lazar & Son, Inc.

Hyman's two brothers, B.D. and J.D., owners of B. D. Lazar Company, were in the wholesale candy business.  This business evolved into a distributor of candy machines and scales and later evolved into a distributor of pinball machines (non-electronic) and jukeboxes (78’s).  In fact, B. D. Lazar Company was among the first distributors of Gottlieb pinball machines and Rock-Ola jukeboxes in the world.  B. D. Lazar Company later extended its distribution network to include offices in Philadelphia and Scranton.

Although B. D. Lazar Company is not part of H. Lazar & Son, Inc., it represents an extended family legacy in the coin-operated amusement business.  Actually, it was H.’s two younger brothers, B.D. and J.D. who encouraged him to enter the coin-op business world.  H.’s first purchase was a non-electronic pinball machine, which he delivered by streetcar to his first location, a drug store. H's first jukebox purchase was a 1936 Rock-Ola jukebox which resides in Dale's jukebox collection and can be seen in the first photo in the History section above.



Gallery of Historic Photos

[NOTE: to begin the slide show and see the caption, simply click on the first historic photo.]

 

Get in Touch

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Emery Kubrin

Lifelong Family Friend/Game Distributor Salesperson

D. Lazar Company, Atlas Music & Novelty

 

I have had the pleasure of knowing four generations of Lazars: Hyman, Bernie, Dale and Brent. It has been my pleasure to interact with them for over 75 years! I first met Bernie in 1940 at the old YMWHA in Oakland. I was new to Pittsburgh, fresh out of high school, and Bernie offered his friendship to me, a friendship that grew to be something very special for me. After WWII Bernie recommended me to B D Lazar Company, a distributor of coin-operated amusements, for a part time sales role, placing a machine called “You Play We Pay” on a route. I have very fond memories of placing, loading and collecting this machine. That part time role soon became a full time job. Bernie was a man of his word and if he told you he would do something he did it, respecting the needs of others in business and in his personal life. Everyone liked Bernie. The business later changed when Dale got active. He brought a modern approach and, as we all know, H Lazar and Son grew under his leadership to what it is today. But my best memory of Dale is as a fine person. When his father and mother had to move to a nursing home, Dale visited them daily and made sure their living area had a feel of home by hanging familiar pictures on the walls of his room. And to this day, Dale enlivens the lives of nursing home residents, staff and visitors through his jukebox donations and the Jukebox Memories Project.

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Ronnie Ferrangonio

Owner

Willee’s I & II, Ferragonio’s Pizza (three locations)

 

I first began doing business with Bernie Lazar in 1965 at my first pizza shop. I had the pleasure of having him in seven of my businesses. He was a great man and I loved spending time with him. Bernie was a man of integrity with a comforting presence, who I had the utmost respect for.  He had a beautiful soul.

The service was always exceptional.  Whatever I requested he provided and often he upgraded games before I had an opportunity to even make a request.  H. Lazar & Son has provided me with outstanding service for over 50 years. The employees have been excellent, without exception.  I wish all my suppliers/vendors were as good as H. Lazar & Son.  Lastly, I am proud to say that Dale is walking in his father’s footsteps.

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Gregg Caliguiri and Matt Turbiner

Partners

Shady Grove/Social/Walnut Grills

Dale and his company, H. Lazar & Son, are at the forefront of today’s every-advancing technological world.  We have followed his lead for more than 25 years knowing he always has his finger on the pulse of the amusement industry/business.  In any successful business, it is important to be able to rely on individuals that make up your team.  Dale has always had the support of a more than exemplary, committed and loyal staff enabling him to succeed and provide his customers with the best possible service.

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Mark McCandless

Proprietor

Wildlife Lanes

 

“PROFITS, SERVICE, IMAGE, RELATIONSHIPS and RETENTION are what I believe to be the essence of any successful business. H. Lazar & Son has embodied and exceeded my expectations on every facet of businesses partnering. Their employee’s ability to perform and communicate about equipment, service, current marketing trends and industry legislation has proven to be an asset to our business.  H. Lazar & Son has certainly satisfied my business needs and the demands of our customers. Their commitment to success has not changed in our two decades of doing business and I am certain that they will continue to provide us with many years of profitability and valued friendship.“

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Marty Mundy

Entertainment Consultant

Entertainment Unlimited

 

As a corporate event and party planner, I have worked with H. Lazar & Son for over 25 years.  I have used a wide variety of their equipment from sports games, pinball machines to vintage arcade games. From the receptionist Kathy to the staff and set-up crew, Rocky, Anthony and Will, everyone is a pleasure to work with. They are professional, experienced, helpful and efficient.   I know the equipment will always be in top condition and delivered on time. Dale, the owner, is personable, always available to make suggestions and is willing to work with me on any last minute changes.


We are more than pleased with the quality of the service, equipment and the ease of working with the company.  I look forward to our continued business relationship.

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Bob Cenci

Owner

Cenci’s Pizzeria & Bar-Wexford & Cranberry

Brush Creek Inn

 

Dale Lazar and his staff have been servicing my bar/restaurants since 2010!   We have had an excellent partnership since they did the first installation. Anthony, Dave, Roman, Will and Rocky are actively involved in the success of my companies and make themselves available whenever needed.  The most important part of our relationship is the trust that we have established over the years!  We know that we can count on each other to make every thing perfect. I am more than satisfied with H. Lazar & Son and am looking forward to continuing our long and prosperous relationship!

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Andy Shaffer

President of Shaffer Entertainment Columbus, OH & Indianapolis, IND

Past-President, AMOA

 

I have had the pleasure of knowing Dale Lazar for my entire career, over 27 years. The Lazar Family’s reputation for quality service and pleasant/efficient employees, represents the character of and upbringing from Hyman Lazar, dating clear back to 1932.

 

Family Businesses are very special and to have a 3rd generation company with such high quality is somewhat unique. H. Lazar & Son serves Western PA with as much pride as I’ve had the pleasure of encountering anywhere in the entire US. 

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