Biscuits are so mouthwatering that they can make an entire restaurant’s concept obsolete when they’re on the menu. Riverport Public Market-goers can enjoy the mouthwatering lure of the biscuit with Bethlehem Biscuit Co.’s as one of the food and drink market vendors. Owners Katie LaGreca and JR Hartenstine of Bethlehem, who both spent time working in the culinary world, were looking for a way to jump back into the business after being inspired by the emergence of new post-COVID opportunities in the industry. LaGreca, who spent three years as a pastry chef before switching to social work, was impressed with the markets and food vendor locations popping up throughout the state.
“We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be so cool if we had one in Bethlehem,'” LaGreca told What Now Philadelphia.
Their wish coincidentally came true when they learned that the Riverport Market would be opening up. LaGreca said she and her partner came up with a biscuit concept after biting into one of her dad’s homemade biscuits from a recipe he had perfected for over 20 years. The self-taught cook thought biscuits were the perfect way to showcase her home cooking style while making sense for a market setting.
“They could be sweet. They could be savory. They could be portable or brought home for a family meal. They’re comfort food. And who doesn’t like a big buttery biscuit? I thought they were versatile and fun. So, we ran with it, and the market really loved it,” La Greca said.
LaGreca’s handmade biscuits will be sold individually, by the bunch, and frozen to take home. They will come in her signature buttermilk flavor topped with a touch of sugar and sea salt, as well as rotating and seasonal flavors like asiago and black pepper, jalapeno cheddar, and strawberries and cream. You can top your biscuit with various spreads, like a whipped honey butter or fruit spread. Biscuits will also be turned into sandwiches like the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Biscuit or the Pub Cheese and Pickle with a salty, spicy, and creamy housemade chipotle pub cheese and thick-sliced brined pickles. Bethlehem Biscuit Co. will also make to-go containers of fresh-made tuna and chicken salad. If you’re looking for something sweet, you can try a shortcake biscuit with fruit and whip cream or a giant chocolate chip cookie. There will also be brunch items on the menu, like biscuits and gravy.
LaGreca says Bethlehem Biscuit Co. also sources its ingredients locally as best as it can. Bethlehem Biscuit Co.’s first official local will open at Riverport Public Market at 17 W. 2nd St. in Bethlehem in the spring of 2022. For now, you can get Bethlehem Biscuit Co. at a pop-up, farmer’s markets, or through private catering. Get details on their Facebook page.
