A Mother-Daughter Dream in the Kitchen
The Hazleton Kitchen Incubator is proud to welcome its newest client, The Hut, a comfort food pop-up run by Tiffany and Sandy DeAngelo, both Hazleton natives with deep roots in the community – and in the kitchen.
Operating out of the Hometown Farmers Market in Tamaqua, The Hut serves a full day’s worth of delicious meals – from breakfast egg sandwiches, pulled pork and ham barbecue sandwiches, to ethnic favorites like haluski (cabbage and noodles). Their best-sellers include their Coney Dogs, made with ‘Grandma Monica’s’ beloved family chili recipe, and Hut Snax, a rotating lineup of crispy, cheesy baked treats. Guests can also expect homemade soups, seasonal specials, and a full beverage selection.
A Passion for Food and Family
For Tiffany DeAngelo, opening The Hut was the next chapter in a life full of passion for food and family. After stepping away from her career in human resources to become a full-time mom, she returned to the workforce with a new goal: opening a business with her own mom – someone who’s no stranger to entrepreneurship or community involvement. Sandy DeAngelo is well known in the area, not only for her volunteer work but also for her 40-plus years in the hairdressing industry as the owner of a beauty salon in Hazle Township.
Finding the Perfect Spot
The mother-daughter duo always shared a love of cooking and dreamed of one day opening a restaurant together. That dream began to take shape two years ago when Tiffany DeAngelo stumbled upon the perfect location at the Hometown Farmer’s Market.
“I remember driving out there with my daughter on a snowy December afternoon, and the second I saw the space, I just knew,” Tiffany DeAngelo said. “I called my mom and asked if she’d come out of retirement to do this with me – and without hesitation, she said yes.”
Growing with the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator
After previously prepping meals out of The Pines in Hazleton, The Hut needed a new space when the restaurant was sold.
“The Hazleton Kitchen Incubator came along at exactly the right time, and we’re so grateful for the support they’ve provided to help us keep growing,” Tiffany DeAngelo said. “CAN DO’s Nico Makuta seamlessly guided us through the kitchen transition and licensing process and Kitchen Manager John Carsia provided us with an extremely thorough orientation and welcome.”
Looking ahead, The Hut plans to continue building its reputation at the Hometown Farmer’s Market while exploring new locations, markets, and possibly even a food truck. Their focus for now is to grow intentionally and connect with other food entrepreneurs in the community.
“There are so many amazing local food and restaurant businesses in town,” Tiffany DeAngelo said “It’s a tough business but luckily in a small town we all support and promote one another.”
To keep up with The Hut’s weekly menu and specials, follow The Hut on Facebook.
For more information about the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator or how to become a tenant, visit hazletonkitchen.org or contact Nico Makuta at nmakuta@hazletoncando.com.
