Stadium Hill Café, a new eatery in the South Ward section of Tamaqua, was bustling with activity on its first opening day (Friday, March 21, 2014).
The café, located at 417 West Spruce Street, is operated by business partners Colin Stocker, Sam Bonner and Anthony Prudenti.
Bonner said the idea of the café, located at the old Last Chance Saloon, came about while talking with Prudenti during a workout session in a gym where he works. They later brought the idea up to Stocker, who in turn purchased the property  in April of last year and agreed to be business partners. Renovations started July 21 and continued until the opening.
Collin said the deli features Boars Head meats and cheeses as well as salads, pastries, baked goods, snacks and a large variety of hot and cold drinks.
“Our meats and foods are of the highest quality,” said Prudenti, who will also serve as a full-time general manager. “Our prices are affordable as well.”
“The first day was very successful,” said Stocker, who also works full-time at Andreas Silicone Trivets. “We were working non-stop most of the day Friday.”
Prior to their first day of operation, the owner’s hosted a free open house Thursday to allow students and community members to try their foods – free of charge.
“We worked to keep as much of the Last Chance as we could,” said Lois Stocker, office manager.
She added that they plan to support school activities and boosters by offering special group rates and reserving a seating section of the café to team meetings or community functions.
“We try to keep our menu healthy for everyone,” said Bonner, who also works as a Wellness Coordinator at the Physical Therapy Specialists in Hometown. “Our food serves as a healthier alternative to junk food, as our menu options doesn’t consist of fried foods or preservatives.”
“Our deli provides a convenient place for the community, school students and staff to enjoy a tasty, yet affordable, meal,” added Bonner.
“The entire community has been very supportive,” said Collin, who added that the Tamaqua Borough were just as supportive welcoming their new business.
“You can tell everyone is very interested in the place,” said helper Shane Baddick. “Everyone always like new things.”
Recalling memories of the Last Chance was Bettyann Waidell, who said, “It is great to see that they preserved so much of the saloon. I remember having a lot of good times with Tom Green (late owner of saloon) at the end of the bar.”  “Tom is still here in spirit,” added Waidell.
“It is a great thing for the neighborhood,” said Jim Kemmerer. “It is close to the school and the food is great.”
“Everything is awesome. It looks bigger on the inside than outside,” said 11th grader Nathan Bastanzi. “A lot of kids with come here. It is a great place to hangout.”
“It is very clean and has a nice environment,” added Bastanzi.
Ordering chips and tea on opening day were students Molly Clemson and Mia Hess who both stated their enjoyment of the new eatery and their plans of returning regularly.
“It’s nice to bring something to the community its youth and neighbors could enjoy,” added Lois Stocker.
Services at the deli include eat-in, take-out or delivery.
Hours are Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 2:30 PM. Their phone number is (570) 225-7380.
In-town orders can be faxed to (570) 225-7381.
Payment options are Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Discover.
Their Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stadium-Hill-Cafe/619068001502736.
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(Click HERE to read an earlier TamaquaArea.com story announcing the open house.)
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