DiMattia's Food Fight Podcast

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!

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#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.