DiMattia's Food Fight Podcast

In this episode, we sink our teeth into one of NEPA’s hottest (and tastiest) summer transitions: the Swoyersville Chicken Wing Fling!

I sat down with two of the dedicated operators behind the event to talk about how this once small-town idea turned into a sizzling two-day celebration drawing thousands.

We explore the origins of the Wing Fling, which launched in 2023 to support local parks and playgrounds—and has already helped add inclusive equipment like “mommy & me” swings.

Beyond the wings themselves, the Wing Fling has quickly become a major community happening:

🍗 A fierce wing-eating contest, where local legends go head-to-head for bragging rights.

🎶 Live music and entertainment all weekend.

🍰 Food vendors serving everything from traditional flats & drums to wing hoagies, stromboli, and desserts.

🏆 Competitions, kids’ games, and local businesses getting in on the fun.

We also talk about why wings are so beloved in NEPA—from neighborhood bars with secret sauces to backyard cookouts—and how the region has quietly become its own wing capital, complete with signature flavors and fan rivalries over who does it best.

And there’s more than just food on the table:

The 2025 Wing Fling, happening July 26–27 at Roosevelt Softball Field, is aiming to raise $10,000 to keep upgrading Swoyersville’s parks.

The buzz is building on social media, with over 1,300 followers on Facebook hyping up the contests, live music, and festival favorites.

Organizers are still welcoming volunteers—so it’s truly a community effort from sauce to cleanup.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Wing Fling is more than a fundraiser; it’s a symbol of local pride, teamwork, and the magic that happens when people come together over something as simple—and delicious—as a chicken wing.

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 dive into Chef Ryan’s remarkable journey — from Pennsylvania to California with just a few bucks in his pocket, to cooking alongside Gordon Ramsay. We explore his passion for food, his mother’s love for cooking, and how those shared roots brought them together to open their own restaurant. It’s a story of risk, resilience, and the flavors that keep family at the heart of it all.

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 Food Fight, we welcome the family behind R Bar & Grill, a beloved family-owned hotspot in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. What began in 2011 as a tiny space with just eight tables and a modest wing lineup has grown into a local legend—now located in the Alden Manor complex—with room for up to 150 guests and over 80–100 wing flavors on the menu .

The journey of starting small and scaling up as a family-run business

The brainstorming behind dozens of wing flavors—from classic hot BBQ to wild creations like Chocolate Bacon, Sriracha Basil, and Everything Bagel

Insights on daily operations, community engagement, and pivoting from a corner bar to a full-service grill with banquet hall

Fresh takes on cheesesteaks, wings, and the camaraderie that comes from cooking—and recording—a meal together

The R Bar & Grill isn’t just about quantity—it’s about quality. Reviewers rave about their banquet hall, kid-friendly atmosphere, and staff that goes the extra mile for allergies or special requests (). And when Wing Night lands on a Tuesday—50¢ wings and all—you’ll want to call ahead: they’re frequently fully booked .

Whether you’re a foodie, entrepreneur, or just love a good family success story with fries on the side, this episode covers it all—plus eight hearty cheesesteaks and a ton of laughs.

Tune in to learn how passion, flavor innovation, and family bonds can turn a small-town corner bar into Nanticoke’s go-to flavor destination—one wing at a time.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with the owners of The Frogtown Chophouse, a celebrated restaurant nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. From how their partnership formed to the creation of a true destination dining experience, we dive into the origins of the business, the highs and lows of running a chophouse, and the impact of COVID on the hospitality world.

Whether you’re a food lover, aspiring restaurateur, or just someone who appreciates a great steak, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build and maintain a standout restaurant in a competitive market.

Tune in and get a behind-the-scenes look at The Frogtown Chophouse story.

This Week on the Food Fight Podcast: We’re joined by Joe, the local owner of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels — and he’s not alone. His wife and business partner joins the conversation as we dive into their journey running not only a pretzel franchise, but also a smoothie shop and a Cinnabon location. From managing multiple food businesses to navigating the unique challenges of operating inside a mall during the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode is packed with real talk about hustle, resilience, and the sweet (and salty) side of entrepreneurship.

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, I sit down with my new (but longtime familiar) friend Mike Baresse to talk all things Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Northeast Pennsylvania scene. Mike shares his unique journey that blends martial arts with music—from coaching boxing and training on the mats to organizing concerts, booking bands, and keeping live music alive in the region. We dive into how our paths overlapped for years without ever actually meeting, until now.

A great conversation about grit, creativity, community, and the unexpected ways lives intersect.

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 Mike, the owner of Buddy Clark’s Tavern in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. We talk about his journey from working as an equipment manager for the local Yankees to diving into the food and bar scene. Mike opens up about the challenges of launching a small business, keeping the lights on through COVID, and what it really takes to run a neighborhood spot. It’s a conversation about hustle, heart, and hometown pride.

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 premiere episode, we sit down with Matthew Moss, the visionary behind Moss Family Farms and Bistro in Shickshinny, Pennsylvania. Matthew shares his incredible journey through the food world — from his early days in the restaurant industry to earning his culinary degree at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York.

We dive into his experiences leading kitchens across the country, including his role as head chef at the Under Armour headquarters. Matthew opens up about what brought him back to Pennsylvania, the philosophy behind his farm-to-table approach, and what it means to build something sustainable and community-driven from the ground up.

This episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a deep love for food, family, and hard work. Don’t miss it.

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!

We’re back with Part 3 of our Foods of Pennsylvania series — and this time, we’re recording from our brand-new studio! In this episode, we dive into one of the state’s most legendary debates: Wawa vs. Sheetz. Which one reigns supreme in the hearts (and stomachs) of Pennsylvanians?

We also explore why Pennsylvania is known as both the Pretzel Capital and Snack Capital of the World, home to iconic brands that have shaped American snacking for generations.

And since we can’t help ourselves, we also touch on a topic close to our hearts — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — and how it ties into life, discipline, and maybe even your favorite post-training snacks.

Tune in for a deliciously local episode with plenty of flavor and a side of rolling!

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 John Tabone, the passionate force behind Bar PAZZO in Scranton, Pennsylvania. We dive deep into the highs and lows of the restaurant business—from the hustle of pre-COVID operations to the challenges of navigating the post-pandemic industry. John shares his perspective on how the restaurant world has evolved, what’s changed in the kitchen and the dining room, and how the workforce itself has shifted. We get candid about the new wave of employees, including the rise of self-proclaimed “chefs” and “sous chefs” who may not have earned those titles. It’s a real, unfiltered look at the state of the restaurant world from someone who’s lived 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!