Home, Hospitality & Hidden Flavors: Talking Mangia With Johnny Jones. Ep: 072

In this week’s episode of Food Fight, I’m honored to welcome my longtime friend Johnny Jones, manager of Mangia Bistro & Bar. Johnny and I share roots in Old Forge, Pennsylvania — we grew up just a short drive from each other — so this conversation is as much about home and history as it is about food. We talk about what it’s like growing up in a small town, navigating the food scene “in the street,” and the kinds of meals and flavors that stick with you. Johnny gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Mangia — how the kitchen works, menu decisions, and what it takes to maintain consistency in an ever-demanding industry. We also get candid about our pet peeves (from late tickets to overused garnish clichés), and reflect on what it means to build something meaningful in a region that raised us. Mangia Bistro & Bar, located in Scranton, is part of the Benny D Hospitality Group. Their menu is a celebration of Italy’s culinary diversity: you’ll find classics like bucatini carbonara, lobster ravioli, paella valenciana, chicken parmigiana, and more. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Patrons praise its warm ambiance, thoughtful service, and creative menu. Whether you’re curious about the day-to-day of restaurant management, want to hear two hometown friends reminisce, or just love hearing a good food story, this episode is for you. Come for the flavors, stay for the friendship.