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Food Fight Podcast
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Inspired by DiMattia's Food Fight on Facebook, this podcast is the first and only dedicated food podcast in the Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) area, but it's not just for locals! While we highlight the vibrant food scene in NEPA, we also explore culinary trends, food culture, and dining experiences from all over. Whether you're tuning in from near or far, the podcast brings you a unique, in-depth look at everything from local hidden gems to international flavors. Featuring interviews with chefs, restaurateurs, food critics, and passionate foodies, our episodes provide expert tips, mouthwatering recommendations, and fresh takes on the ever-evolving world of food.
52 Episodes
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On Episode 81 of the Food Fight Podcast, I sit down with Vinnie Archer, owner of The V Spot in Scranton, PA.
Vinnie and I talk about the origins of The V Spot, his journey through the restaurant, business, and service industry, and how a late start as a bartender unexpectedly turned into a career and ultimately a successful bar and local staple.
We get into the current state of the food and bar industry, breaking down the reality of rising food costs versus menu prices, and how business owners are forced to make tough decisions just to stay afloat. Vinnie shares real, honest insight into how these challenges affect day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability.
We also talk about being strong in NEPA, the importance of good bar food, building community, and why fair prices matter — not just for customers, but for the people behind the bar and in the kitchen.
This is a grounded, honest conversation about hard work, timing, resilience, and doing things the right way in a tough industry.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
In this episode of the Food Fight Podcast, I sit down with one of the creators of SportzWire, one of Pennsylvania’s most active and trusted sources for high-school sports coverage. With over 7,000 posts and a rapidly growing audience, SportzWire has become the go-to home for D2, D4, and D11 athletes, parents, and fans.
We talk about:
How SportzWire got started
The early days of covering local games
What motivates them to highlight young athletes
The grind behind their nonstop content schedule
Their impact on the community
The future of local sports media
The stories you don’t see behind the scenes
This episode pieces together our conversation about community, sports, storytelling, and passion — all built right here in Pennsylvania.
SportzWire is a perfect example of what happens when you stay consistent, stay local, and stay committed to shining a light on the people around you.
👉 Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Food Fight Podcast episodes!
FOLLOW SPORTZWIRE:
Instagram: @sportzwire
Facebook: SportzWire
FOLLOW DIMATTIA’S FOOD FIGHT:
FB • IG • TikTok: @dimattiasfoodfight
Podcast available on all platforms 🎙️
#SportzWire #FoodFightPodcast #HighSchoolSports #PennsylvaniaSports #NEPA #LocalMedia #AthleteSpotlight #Episode80
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
Get ready for a fast-paced, high-energy episode of DiMattia’s Food Fight Podcast as Brian sits down with none other than Johnny Popko — a true NEPA media legend.
From his wild days at The Weekender, to the heartbeat of NEPA’s club and entertainment scene, Johnny brings stories that are equal parts hilarious, chaotic, and iconic.
We dig into his career in radio, his impact on social media, and how he helped shape the modern NEPA entertainment landscape. And of course… we couldn’t let him leave without talking fast food, including a full breakdown of Burger King that’ll have you craving a Whopper before the episode ends.
If you love NEPA stories, behind-the-scenes media talk, and a little fast-food chaos, this episode is your next must-listen.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
This week on the Food Fight Podcast features one of my closest friend and training partner, Keenan Powers from Scranton, Pennsylvania. This “Fight for Life” episode dives deep into Keenan's recovery journey — the battles he fought, the choices he made, and the strength it took to become the man he is today.
He opens up about the role his fiancée Patty played as a positive force in his life, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helped anchor him on the path forward and how that path was shaped by Good Tree MMA
This was a raw and emotional conversation where both of us shared our own stories of recovery, resilience, and redemption. One of the most powerful episodes we’ve ever recorded.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring mother-and-daughter team behind Salt & Honey by Marin, one of NEPA’s most creative family-run food businesses. What started as a passion for making beautiful grazing boards has grown into a full-scale operation — from private events to festivals across the region.
We talk about how they built their niche in a crowded food scene, what it’s like running a family company, and the process of figuring out which festivals and events are truly the right fit. From balancing creativity with logistics to keeping their brand authentic and local, this conversation dives deep into the business side of food done with heart.
It’s a story of teamwork, risk, and staying sweet through the grind.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
This week on the Food Fight Podcast, Brian sits down with Chris Coyne of Old Forge — owner of Dooley’s Pub & Eatery and promoter of the upcoming Mohegan Fall Brawl this Saturday at Mohegan Pennsylvania.
It’s an episode packed with fight talk, local pride, and a touch of small-town politics — all in good spirits. From growing up in NEPA to running one of the area’s favorite pubs and promoting some of the best boxing action around, Chris brings his trademark energy and passion for the fight game.
Tune in for a fun, fast-paced conversation about boxing, community, and what it means to keep the local scene alive. 🥊
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
In this special milestone episode of The Food Fight Podcast, we step inside one of Wilkes-Barre’s most historic landmarks — The Stegmaier Mansion — now home to a new fine dining experience that’s redefining elegance in NEPA.
Joining the show are the Mansion’s General Manager and Head Chef, who share their stories of passion, perseverance, and creativity. We dive into the rich history of the Stegmaier family, the restoration of this incredible property, and how the team has transformed it into a culinary destination blending tradition with modern artistry.
From their early beginnings in the world of food and hospitality to the challenges of launching a new fine dining concept inside a historic space — this conversation celebrates heritage, ambition, and the evolving NEPA food scene.
I’m sitting down with Chef Dylan from Blackfin in Dallas, PA — a chef who’s bringing new energy and creativity to a local favorite. We’ll talk about how he’s been revamping the restaurant, adding pizza to the menu, and at the same time keeping the tradition alive.
His goal? To turn Blackfin into a true Back Mountain destination — a place people travel for, not just stumble upon.
🔥 This one’s got passion, fresh food, and local pride written all over it!
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
I am sitting down with Dean Kline, owner of the Mountaintop Pub & Eatery in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania.
From transforming the old Shalimar Motel into one of the area’s most popular local spots, to serving up pub-style favorites and live entertainment, Dean has built something special for the Mountain Top and Back Mountain communities.
Stay tuned for a great conversation about food, hometown pride, and the heart behind one of NEPA’s newest gathering places! 🍔🍺
In this week’s episode of Food Fight, I’m honored to welcome my longtime friend Johnny Jones, manager of Mangia Bistro & Bar. Johnny and I share roots in Old Forge, Pennsylvania — we grew up just a short drive from each other — so this conversation is as much about home and history as it is about food.
We talk about what it’s like growing up in a small town, navigating the food scene “in the street,” and the kinds of meals and flavors that stick with you. Johnny gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Mangia — how the kitchen works, menu decisions, and what it takes to maintain consistency in an ever-demanding industry. We also get candid about our pet peeves (from late tickets to overused garnish clichés), and reflect on what it means to build something meaningful in a region that raised us.
Mangia Bistro & Bar, located in Scranton, is part of the Benny D Hospitality Group. Their menu is a celebration of Italy’s culinary diversity: you’ll find classics like bucatini carbonara, lobster ravioli, paella valenciana, chicken parmigiana, and more. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Patrons praise its warm ambiance, thoughtful service, and creative menu.
Whether you’re curious about the day-to-day of restaurant management, want to hear two hometown friends reminisce, or just love hearing a good food story, this episode is for you. Come for the flavors, stay for the friendship.
In this episode, I sit down with Joe Wascavage, the owner and baker behind Cinnfully Sweet. We first met at the Wing Fling, where I got the chance to taste his gluten-free product line—and it blew me away.
Joe shares the story of how his business started humbly with homemade cinnamon buns sold door-to-door in his neighborhood. What began in a family kitchen has since transformed into a full-scale baking operation. Today, that same kitchen produces for local businesses across the region, with big plans to grow beyond Northeastern PA.
We dive into the journey of turning passion into a business, the challenges and rewards of baking for the community, and what’s next for Cinnfully Sweet.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
On today's episode of DiMattia’s Food Fight, we’re going beyond food and into something even bigger — the fight for life. My guest’s child is living with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a rare genetic condition that can cause arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the body. These are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that can lead to serious complications.
We’ll talk about what HHT is, how it affects families, and most importantly, how awareness can save lives. Early diagnosis and treatment are key — and so is sharing stories like this one.
This is a conversation about strength, resilience, and the power of community. Don’t miss it.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
In this episode, we sit down with Lenny from Little Lenny’s Cheesecake to talk about the highs, the lows, and the fight behind the flavors. Lenny opens up about the heartbreaking decision to close his beloved Dallas bakery while standing by his wife during her battle with cancer.
He shares how he first got his start in the food business, the tough lessons learned from the “school of hard knocks,” and what it really takes to chase a dream in the culinary world. But Lenny’s story isn’t over—he’s now planning a comeback, this time by teaching people the craft of making his famous cheesecakes at home.
It’s a conversation about resilience, passion, and keeping the sweet things in life alive—even after setbacks.
On this episode of the Food Fight Podcast, we’re heading to Scranton to talk about a sauce that started in a family pub and grew into a regional favorite. Peggy’s Marinade & Dipping Sauce began as a house wing sauce recipe at Kelly’s Pub and Eatery, but it quickly turned into something much bigger — bottles on supermarket shelves, Scranton pride on every label, and flavors that have gone far beyond the original.
I sit down with the creators behind Peggy’s to hear how the idea was born, what it took to bottle up their first 7,200 sauces, and the challenges and wins of turning a local favorite into a thriving business. From the Electric City sign on the bottle to bold flavors like Parm & Garlic and Sweetheat, this is the story of how passion, family, and a little Scranton grit turned into Peggy’s Marinade & Dipping Sauce.
If you love wings, food business stories, or just want to support a true Scranton original, this episode is for you.
This week on the Food Fight Podcast, we’re bringing you the story behind Happy Boy Scotch Sauce, Scranton’s own small-batch hot sauce. I sit down with the founders to talk about how a simple recipe turned into a bottled product with big flavor.
We cover everything — from the early days of formulating the sauce, to the challenges of bottling and scaling, to marketing a small business in a tight-knit community. It’s a conversation about more than just hot sauce — it’s about local pride, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build something spicy from scratch in NEPA.
If you’ve ever thought about launching your own food brand, or you just love a good hot sauce story, this one’s for you.
In this episode of Food Fight, I sit down with Jeff, president of the Felittese Association, to dive into the history and traditions of the Felittese Festival—a celebration that has been bringing Old Forge, PA together for over three decades.
We talk about the festival’s Italian roots, its connection to Felitto, Italy, and how last year’s event continued to grow the tradition. This year, the Felittese Festival (September 12–14, 2025) promises incredible food—like gnocchi, soffritto, sausage & peppers, and Old Forge pizza—plus live music, raffles, and community fun at the Felittese Chapel Grounds.
And don’t miss a brand-new highlight: the Food Fight vs. Gridiron Club Pizza Eating Contest on Saturday night! 🍕🔥
Come check out the vendors, grab some Italian favorites, and be part of one of NEPA’s most beloved traditions.
(Note: at the end of this episode you’ll hear me say the festival is tomorrow—but we decided to release this episode two weeks early, so please disregard that.)
On this episode of Food Fight, we head to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to spotlight one of the region’s most beloved institutions—National Bakery. Since opening its doors in 1946, National has been serving up fresh, preservative-free breads and rolls that became a Sunday morning tradition for countless families. From their famous hard rolls to crusty Italian loaves and rye, their bread has earned iconic status across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
A few years ago, the bakery entered a new chapter as it was taken over by new owners who kept the tradition alive and made it their own family business. We talk about the history, the recipes that built its reputation, and how the new generation is honoring decades of craftsmanship while keeping Scranton’s bread legacy alive.
If you grew up in NEPA, chances are National Bakery has been a part of your table—this episode tells the story of why.
In this inspiring conversation, Laura Gentry Carter walks us through her journey—from experimenting with recipes at home to becoming the creator and Chief Granola Officer of My Sister’s Granola. She passionately describes how her brand is built on a mission to deliver the perfect harmony of flavor and texture, anchored by genuine ingredients and craftsmanship. Listeners get an inside look at how R&D, production, and thoughtful development contribute to a product that’s as wholesome as it is delicious—and how the business continues to grow, fueled by community support and Laura’s unwavering devotion.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
This Week on The Food Fight Podcast: Jaka Bird & The Ronald McDonald House
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend Jaka Bird—Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt, community advocate, and proud representative of the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
We dive into the incredible work being done at the Ronald McDonald House and how it personally impacted Jaka and her family. From its history to its daily operations, you’ll get an inside look at how this organization supports families in their greatest time of need.
But that’s not all—we also throw down a review of the long-awaited McDonald’s Snack Wrap, with none other than Grimace making a surprise appearance in the studio! 💜🌯
And of course, no Food Fight episode would be complete without a bit of BJJ talk. Jaka and I reflect on our shared martial arts journey—starting around the same time, earning our purple belts together, and how MMA and jiu-jitsu have transformed our lives from the ground up.
This one’s got food, heart, and fight. Don’t
In this episode, we sit down with Angelo Genell and Amanda Krappa to dive into the rich history of the iconic Arcaro & Genell in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. We talk about what it was like growing up in Old Forge, the hometown known for its legendary style of pizza. Angelo and Amanda share why the dining room closed after COVID, what it meant to have President Trump stop by for a slice, and break down exactly how authentic Old Forge pizza is made — including the difference between using a classic pizza oven versus a conveyor belt oven.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Luca Pizza: 200 Wyoming Ave. West Pittston, PA 18643
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
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