ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The owners of a popular produce stand are bringing another delicious concept – featuring sourdough melts, fresh-cut fries and other tasty eats – to the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.
The Market Grille, offering freshly prepared melt sandwiches, signature hot dogs, sides and more, is expected to open in early January at the 1825 W. Chew St. market, co-owner Bubba Swartley said.
The new eatery will be owned and operated by Swartley and his brother-in-law, Cori Citro. The pair also runs the neighboring Red Barn Family Produce stand at the market.
The Market Grillewill feature seating for around 48 customers at booths, tables with chairs and an eating counter, Swartley said.
It will occupy an updated space that previously housed Scotty’s Shore Shack, which closed earlier this month.
“The concept will focus on sourdough melts, including pulled pork, pulled chicken and pulled beef, which will be served with a hot dipping sauce that you dip the sandwich in as you eat it, kind of like you would with a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup,” Swartley said. “We’ll have hot sauces like barbecue that you can dip the sandwiches in.”
The Market Grille also will offer salads, sides such as fresh-cut fries and loaded fries and various types of hot dogs, including Chicago-style dogs and signature varieties with unique toppings, Swartley said.
The melts will be available on sourdough bread or Texas toast, and the partners will source fresh fruits and vegetables from their produce stand for several menu selections, Swartley said.
“We’re also going to do a patty melt instead of a traditional cheeseburger,” Swartley said.
“We’re looking to do things that nobody else at the market is doing, and we may partner with Clover Farms at the market and offer some of their specialty burgers.”
Red Barn has been operating at the market since 1985, and Swartley and Citro took over operations about two years ago.
The produce stands sells a wide array of fruits and vegetables, including carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, apples, strawberries and watermelon, sourcing locally grown items as much as possible.
“We get as much local produce as we can,” Swartley said. “It’s harder in the winter, but we carry about 75-80% local produce through the summer. We actually grow some in Lehighton, where I’m from.”
Swartley is familiar with the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market, having previously worked at the Stoltzfus Amish Deli stand for about 10 years prior to taking over Red Barn with Citro. Swartley’s father also worked at the deli while he was growing up.
Citro has extensive food service experience of his own, operating his family’s longstanding Jim Thorpe eatery, Tommy’s Subs & Steaks, for the past 25 years.
“He’s a pro,” Swartley said of Citro’s culinary skills.
“He’s going to be working alongside my wife, who will also be doing a lot of the cooking at the new stand. I’ll mostly be running the produce business and doing the bookwork for both stands.”
The Market Grille is replacing Scotty’s Shore Shack, an eatery specializing in seafood dishes made with fresh fish, crab meat and more, which closed a few weeks ago after about a year of operation.
Scotty’s Shore Shack owner Scotty Adams continues to run the nearby Heckenberger’s Seafood stand, where no changes are planned.
“This year has really been a roller coaster and at this time, I need to focus on my family, health & well-being,” an announcement on Scotty’s Shore Shack’s Facebook page reads.
Adams noted that he loved cooking for customers at Scotty’s Shore Shack and will be “super sad” to let it go.
“You will still see me around at Heckenberger’s Seafood as nothing is changing there!” the post continues.
“Thank you again for all of your support every single week! We will be addressing a more mobile and flexible operation in the future, so just keep an eye out!”
The Market Grille will join more than 50 other local merchants at the market, which was established in 1953 at 1825 W. Chew St.
Longtime favorites include Baringer Bros. Meats, Bedway's Fresh Fruits, Charlie K's Pizza, Gannon's Gourmet and Mary Ann Donut Kitchen.
Other recent addition at the market include The Brass Rail, Vallos Bakery, Fat Guy Crepes, Cuz'n Vinny's Homemade Pasta and Soul Soup.
“We’re really thankful that The Brass Rail is here, and we’re also thankful for all of the other amazing businesses, like Vallos, Mary Anne Donuts and Loan’s Vietnamese Bistro,” said Laurie Wuchter, who operates the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market with her husband, Dan Wuchter.
“To see all of these great local businesses coming to the farmers market is a testimony to the market’s strength and popularity.
