WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - A much-loved, family-run business in Lehigh County is bringing its cheesesteaks, chopped cheese sandwiches and other mouthwatering eats to a venue near you.
SMP Mini Mart, which opened in November 2022 at 1341 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township, this week debuted its new deluxe food trailer – outfitted with stainless steel appliances, a digital menu board and custom design.
Husband and wife owners Chad and Nancy Sankari intend to bring the trailer to local fairs, festivals and other public events and also make it available to rent for private functions such as weddings, birthday parties and graduation celebrations.
“We are so blessed that the community has embraced us and that our business continues to grow,” Chad said.
“None of this would be possible without their support. So, we really try our hardest to go above and beyond in terms of putting out an amazing product because our customers are the best and also deserve the best. We take pride in every single item that we serve. So, bringing this mindset along with our delicious food to more people in the Valley – by way of this food truck – just seemed like the logical next step.”
SMP Mini Mart, which is part fast-casual eatery and part convenience store, is an outgrowth of the Sankaris’ more than decade-old wholesale business, SMP Wholesale, which distributes items to nearly 60 Lehigh Valley area gas stations and convenience stores.
SMP is named after the first letter of each of the couple’s three children - Sarina, Milana and Pierre.
“The idea for this mini mart and eatery originated because we already had the product,” Nancy said.
“So, we thought, ‘Since we already have the product, why don’t we have our own store?’ We’re both also really into food and decided that adding really good sandwiches to the mix would complete the concept.”
Initially, SMP Mini Mart offered primarily cold hoagies and sandwiches, along with a few hot breakfast sandwiches.
A few weeks after opening, however, a customer’s cheesesteak request led to the Sankaris bringing in a grill and expanding the menu to include more hot selections.
The eatery’s menu has continued to grow over the past year, and the Sankaris recently installed another grill to accommodate the increasing orders.
“We’re so grateful for everybody’s support,” Nancy said.
“When we started this, we didn’t expect it to turn into what it is today. The menu that we have today is about a year in the making, as we’ve continued to add more items month after month.”
The Sankaris label the “SMP” cheesesteak (featuring onions and a mix of wiz and Cooper cheeses) as the business’ top seller, with the chopped cheese sandwich (hamburger, American cheese, sauteed onions, green peppers, special seasoning, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayonnaise) coming in a close second.
A variety of beef and chicken cheesesteaks are available, including specialty varieties such as Buffalo ranch chicken, Western BBQ bacon chicken and Boom Boom chicken (chicken, onions, jalapenos, pepper jack, Boom Boom sauce, lettuce and tomato).
Customers also can enjoy other specialties such as a gyro and garlicky chicken parm sandwich (featuring homemade cream of garlic sauce), along with hoagies – made with sliced-to-order meats – such as grilled chicken, Italian and turkey and cheese.
Other menu highlights include traditional and boneless wings, hot dogs, burgers, sliders/bowls and breakfast sandwiches (available all day) on your choice of croissant, Kaiser roll or bagel (everything, plain or sesame).
Hoagies, cheesesteaks and sandwiches are available in 8- and 12-inch sizes, with rolls being delivered fresh each morning from Corropolese Italian Bakery & Deli in Montgomery County. Special sandwiches are also regularly featured.
“Whatever rolls we don’t use at the end of the night, we donate to local food banks,” Chad said.
“We also donate gift cards to local fundraisers and charities. We enjoy giving back to the community because this is our home. I grew up in North Catty, and she grew up in Whitehall. So, we want to help our neighbors and friends as much as possible.”
SMP’s new food trailer is offering a condensed version of the eatery’s full menu, and customers can choose which items that they would like featured at their event.
Popular picks include beef and chicken cheesesteaks, chopped cheese sandwiches, Jersey Shore fries and Papa Sarge’s Homemade Pierogies, with the latter being made in Bath.
“Our food truck menu is customizable,” Nancy said.
“So, whatever you want, we can make it happen. You’d also pick what size sandwich that you’d like – 8- or 12-inch.”
Chad describes SMP Mini Mart as a “New York-style eatery,” with tables situated next to retail displays and an open kitchen where staff can interact with customers.
Philadelphia Eagles jerseys and decor are displayed indoors, and additional seating is available at outdoor picnic tables, which will be expanding in the coming weeks.
The business carries a wide array of snacks, like candy bars, cookies, chips and pretzels, along with chilled beverages such as soda and juices, personal care products such as toothbrushes and hair spray, over-the-counter medicine, tobacco products, lottery tickets and household products such as pens, batteries and plastic utensils.
The kitchen is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
“There is a great possibility that the truck will be open on-site from 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday nights,” Chad said."
“It’s not set in stone yet, but we’d announce that on social media if it’s happening. There’s a 100% chance that during football season – when the Eagles have later games – that the truck would be open outside.”
For the latest SMP Mini Mart updates, follow the business’ Facebook page.
To book the SMP food trailer or for more information, call 610-443-3002.
Bethlehem news
‘Fresh and delicious’: Bethlehem’s newest sushi, hibachi restaurant drawing big crowds
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Foodies are flocking to a new full-service restaurant – offering sushi rolls, hibachi dinners and other made-to-order Japanese specialties – in Northampton County.
Kyoto Sushi & Hibachi Steak House, serving freshly prepared sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes, opened May 9 at 2342 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem.
The renovated building previously housed other restaurants, including Tokyo Do Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar and, most recently, Noval Kitchen, an eatery specializing in Cantonese cuisine. Full story here.
‘Very excited’: 18-year-old Liberty grad opens new Bethlehem restaurant
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Just a year after earning his diploma from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, a driven, business-minded teenager has notched another significant accomplishment in the city.
Abdul S. Wali, 18, can now call himself a restaurateur as he and his father, Mohammad Wali, opened a fast-casual eatery, Sizzling Bites Halal Grill, at 2 p.m. Monday at 312 E. Third St. Suite 102 on Bethlehem's south side.
The space previously housed Dinky's Ice Cream Parlor & Grill, a restaurant offering homemade ice cream, burgers, fries and more, which husband and wife Norman and Jill Matthews shuttered in January as they transitioned the business to a mobile operation. Read more here.
New restaurant coming soon to former J’s Steaks & Subs spot in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A new destination for burgers, rice platters and other fresh eats will soon welcome foodies in Northampton County.
Elias Grilled Chicken Over Rice, a fast-casual restaurant serving made-to-order cheesesteaks, sandwiches, rice platters and more, is expected to open in about a month at 2140 Stekfo Blvd. in Bethlehem, co-owner Sayed Muhammad said.
The space previously housed a J’s Steaks & Subs eatery, which closed in the winter. Read more.
‘Amazing spot’: Popular Allentown pizza shop planning 2nd location next to Bethlehem brewery
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A popular Allentown restaurant – serving up specialty pizzas, pasta, cheesesteaks and other Italian and American staples – is looking to serve more customers in the Lehigh Valley.
The Pizza Joint, a four-year-old, family-run eatery at 1239 Airport Road in Allentown, is planning to open a second location in late summer at 325 Broadway in south Bethlehem, operating manager Dino Carlino said.
The new location, The Pizza Joint Bethlehem, will operate in a renovated space that previously housed a Metro by T-Mobile store.
It will operate adjacent to Seven Sirens Brewing Company, and the two businesses plan to work in tandem to create a “vibrant food and craft beer scene,” Carlino said. Full story here.
Foodie finds
New Lehigh Valley shop serving up custom waffle sticks, fruit bowls, smoothies and more
HELLERTOWN, Pa. - A new fast-casual eatery is offering “simple and fresh” drinks and snacks in Northampton County.
Smoothie & T Bar, offering freshly prepared fruit bowls, smoothies, iced teas with fresh fruit purees, Belgian waffle sticks with various toppings and more, opened Friday at 56 W. Water St. in Hellertown.
The counter-service business occupies a renovated space that previously housed Chefmeals and The Shop!, a business offering empanadas, “Phat Subz” sandwiches and more, which moved to 60 S. Main St. in Phillipsburg in April. Read more here.
‘Dream fulfilled’: Mom of three creating delicious, dazzling treats at new Lehigh Valley bake shop
U. MOUNT BETHEL TWP., Pa. - A new sweet spot is serving up cakes, cookies, cream puffs and more in Northampton County.
Sweet Luxe Cake Design & Bake Shop, a family-run bake shop specializing in custom cakes and also offering other sweet treats such as scones, fruit tarts, muffins and macarons, opened April 6 at 2989 N. Delaware Drive in Upper Mount Bethel Township.
The renovated space previously housed Middle Village Bakery, a more than 25-year-old bakery that closed in 2023 following the owner’s retirement. Read more.
Lehigh County news
Popular Lehigh Valley brewery opening new taproom, moving another. Here are the details
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A popular craft beverage producer will soon debut two new Lehigh County taprooms – a brand-new venture and a reimagined venue at a familiar location.
Illumination Brewing, a premium microbrewery offering craft beer and alcoholic seltzers, is planning to hold a grand opening of its latest venture – the West End Taproom – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at 2114 W. Tilghman St. in Allentown’s West End.
The building previously housed Greenhouse Enoteca, an Italian-inspired restaurant specializing in dishes prepared with local ingredients, which shuttered in late 2022 after nearly four years of business. Full story here.
'Super excited': Beloved Brass Rail to reopen at new spot in Allentown
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — An iconic Lehigh Valley business — known for its tasty cheesesteaks and hot dogs — is finding new life in Allentown.
The Brass Rail, a family-run, full-service restaurant that closed in June 2022 after more than 90 years of business in Allentown, will reopen in a fast-casual format at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market this summer, owner Mark Sorrentino told 69 News on Tuesday.
The Brass Rail's new stand, featuring counter seating and a few nearby high-top tables, will operate on the market's lower level. Read more here.
'High-quality desserts': Emmaus grad opens new gourmet Italian ice shop
EMMAUS, Pa. - A new shop is helping foodies beat the heat with a cool treat in Lehigh County.
Hank’s Italian Ice Co., a year-round store offering more than 50 flavors of gourmet Italian ice crafted from premium ingredients, held a soft opening on Sunday, May 12, at 303 Main St. in Emmaus.
Owner Aedan “Hank” Merrill of Emmaus started Hank’s about a year and a half ago as a solely mobile operation, bringing his Italian ice tricycle cart to local fairs, parks, businesses and other venues along with private events. Read more.
Plan for new Wawa in Whitehall moves forward
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. -- Whitehall Township planners granted preliminary land development approval for a proposed Wawa convenience store.
The planning commission met Wednesday night at the administration building.
The site for the proposed store is located at the MacArthur Road and Mickley Road intersection. It would occupy the former Sears Auto Center, which will be demolished. Full story here.
Berks, Monroe counties
'New, modernized' Outback Steakhouse to hold grand opening in Berks
SPRING TWP., Pa. — Outback Steakhouse will celebrate its newest destination for Bloomin' Onions next week in Berks County.
The full-service, Australian-inspired steakhouse chain, known for its "juicy steaks, spirited drinks and Aussie hospitality," will welcome guests to its new restaurant at 4 p.m. on May 21 at 2789 Paper Mill Rd. in Spring Township, according to a news release.
The redesigned restaurant, which features a smaller footprint and modern Aussie atmosphere, is relocating from its former location at 1101 Woodland Rd. in Wyomissing. Read more here.
'Not to be missed': Poconos resort to host Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival, featuring 70-plus vendors
TOBYHANNA TWP., Pa. - A popular resort - featuring signature restaurants, retail shops and an indoor waterpark – will showcase its premier dining options along with dozens of local and national wine, beer and spirit brands during a new festival this weekend in the Poconos.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, at 250 Kalahari Blvd. in the Pocono Manor area, will host its inaugural resort-wide Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.
The retro-inspired festival, sponsored by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, will have a 1970s “Peace and Love” theme and will feature food and drink samples, chef demonstrations and live entertainment, according to a news release. Read more.
