{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://americanlifestylemag.com/tag/small-business/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/tag/small-business/", "feed_url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/tag/small-business/feed/json/", "title": "American Lifestyle Magazine", "description": "Entertainment that Inspires and Motivates", "items": [ { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/the-sweet-story-of-little-susies/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/the-sweet-story-of-little-susies/", "title": "The Sweet Story of Little Susie\u2019s", "content_html": "

Dan Martino, founder of Little Susie\u2019s Coffee & Pie in Philadelphia, offers a look behind the counter at his bustling bakery and shares how it keeps up with the high-demand holiday season.

\n
\"\"
\n

What inspired you to open this business?

\n

I\u2019ve worked in the food industry since I was a teenager, including small snack bars and industrial hospital kitchens. I spent over a decade after college working behind the curtain for a restaurant company as their graphic designer. I even tried (and failed) to run a soup truck.

\n

I also come from a family of cooks, from my parents to my great-grandparents. That\u2019s where my center of gravity originates: their homemade Pennsylvania Dutch recipes of roasts, sauces, stocks, soup, and bread (with big hunks of butter). I recognized along the way that most people only want to eat what makes them feel good and that the best restaurants do one thing very well.

\n

But the true inspiration to open the bakery came from the road. I spent years touring the country as a drummer for TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb. In every town we played, the local coffee shop was the heartbeat of the community. It was where we met the most interesting people and felt the true vibe of the neighborhood. I wanted to bottle that magic and bring it back to my area, creating a space where people felt that same sense of connection. I also thought that if I kept it small and simple, it would be easy for me to manage.

\n
\"\"
\n

What were your first products, and how have they evolved?

\n

We wanted to focus on high-quality, fast-and-friendly options that didn\u2019t compromise on flavor and were made in-house. Coffee was the easy part, but introducing our hand pies took a few weeks to get right. Once we dialed those in, lines started forming. The Pork Roll & Cheese Pie and Honeycrisp Apple Pie were the cornerstones of Little Susie\u2019s menu right away and still are today.

\n

We had a larger menu when we started, which included things like bagels, oatmeal, cupcakes, and danish, but over time, the pies became our focus. In 2025, we shifted entirely to pies and a few simple bakery items like chocolate chip cookies. We also have very popular dog treats made from piecrust.

\n

Aside from the classics, which products are currently winning over your customers?

\n

Our savory expansion has really surprised people. The Sausage Egg and Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie versions are hard to keep in stock. Mushroom & Swiss and Potato Cheddar are solid vegetarian favorites. We come up with special varieties for holidays like our Stuffed Turkey Pie for Thanksgiving and our Chocolate-Covered Strawberry one for Valentine\u2019s Day.

\n
\"\"
\n

How does the business transform during the holiday season?

\n

From the first day of school through Thanksgiving, it is pure pie season. We can barely keep the shelves stocked. As we meet more neighbors and open new locations, we get to become part of people\u2019s new traditions. Pie isn\u2019t anything new. But we hear stories from regulars about how thrilled people were to try our pies at their holiday parties\u2014and we then start to see those people come back year after year. It warms the heart.

\n

Your website mentions that you prioritize using local ingredients. How do you approach your supply chain?

\n

Supporting the domestic economy and community growers is a core value of our brand. We\u2019re incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by fantastic farms. I make it a point of pride to source from them whenever possible and strive to buy American. There\u2019s no question that when it comes to produce, fresh and local is unbeatable. Anyone who cooks would agree.

\n

So we get local ingredients like mushrooms from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, chicken from central Pennsylvania, and apples from nearby orchards. But we do occasionally have to go beyond the Northeast. We\u2019ve made some incredible pies with cured meats and olive oil from Italy, for example. I always want my customers to know that what they are getting is top-shelf.

\n
\"\"
\n

Little Susie\u2019s is known for its iconic walk-up windows. What was the strategy behind that design?

\n

The windows were born out of necessity, but they became a great asset. We opened our first location just months before the pandemic. We had to pivot instantly: close down or open the windows. It turned out to be a blessing. Doing so removed the barrier between us and the sidewalk (and our customers). Now it\u2019s a quintessential part of the experience. Parents with strollers and neighbors walking their dogs can grab a coffee and a pie without missing a beat. It has turned a simple transaction into a community social hour.

\n

What does the future hold for Little Susie\u2019s?

\n

The momentum is incredible. We opened our fifth location in early 2026, and we are officially moving into franchising to bring Little Susie\u2019s to other states. We\u2019ve also invested heavily in our catering side with a vintage truck for events. As for the menu? The sky\u2019s the limit. We\u2019re always dreaming up new recipes to keep our customers excited.

\n

For more info, visit littlesusies.com

\n
\n

Photos courtesy of: little susie\u2019s

\n
\n

The post The Sweet Story of Little Susie\u2019s appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "Dan Martino, founder of Little Susie\u2019s Coffee & Pie in Philadelphia, offers a look behind the counter at his bustling bakery and shares how it keeps up with the high-demand holiday season.\n\nWhat inspired you to open this business? \nI\u2019ve worked in the food industry since I was a teenager, including small snack bars and industrial hospital kitchens. I spent over a decade after college working behind the curtain for a restaurant company as their graphic designer. I even tried (and failed) to run a soup truck.\nI also come from a family of cooks, from my parents to my great-grandparents. That\u2019s where my center of gravity originates: their homemade Pennsylvania Dutch recipes of roasts, sauces, stocks, soup, and bread (with big hunks of butter). I recognized along the way that most people only want to eat what makes them feel good and that the best restaurants do one thing very well.\nBut the true inspiration to open the bakery came from the road. I spent years touring the country as a drummer for TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb. In every town we played, the local coffee shop was the heartbeat of the community. It was where we met the most interesting people and felt the true vibe of the neighborhood. I wanted to bottle that magic and bring it back to my area, creating a space where people felt that same sense of connection. I also thought that if I kept it small and simple, it would be easy for me to manage.\n\nWhat were your first products, and how have they evolved?\nWe wanted to focus on high-quality, fast-and-friendly options that didn\u2019t compromise on flavor and were made in-house. Coffee was the easy part, but introducing our hand pies took a few weeks to get right. Once we dialed those in, lines started forming. The Pork Roll & Cheese Pie and Honeycrisp Apple Pie were the cornerstones of Little Susie\u2019s menu right away and still are today.\nWe had a larger menu when we started, which included things like bagels, oatmeal, cupcakes, and danish, but over time, the pies became our focus. In 2025, we shifted entirely to pies and a few simple bakery items like chocolate chip cookies. We also have very popular dog treats made from piecrust.\nAside from the classics, which products are currently winning over your customers?\nOur savory expansion has really surprised people. The Sausage Egg and Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie versions are hard to keep in stock. Mushroom & Swiss and Potato Cheddar are solid vegetarian favorites. We come up with special varieties for holidays like our Stuffed Turkey Pie for Thanksgiving and our Chocolate-Covered Strawberry one for Valentine\u2019s Day.\n\nHow does the business transform during the holiday season?\nFrom the first day of school through Thanksgiving, it is pure pie season. We can barely keep the shelves stocked. As we meet more neighbors and open new locations, we get to become part of people\u2019s new traditions. Pie isn\u2019t anything new. But we hear stories from regulars about how thrilled people were to try our pies at their holiday parties\u2014and we then start to see those people come back year after year. It warms the heart.\nYour website mentions that you prioritize using local ingredients. How do you approach your supply chain?\nSupporting the domestic economy and community growers is a core value of our brand. We\u2019re incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by fantastic farms. I make it a point of pride to source from them whenever possible and strive to buy American. There\u2019s no question that when it comes to produce, fresh and local is unbeatable. Anyone who cooks would agree.\nSo we get local ingredients like mushrooms from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, chicken from central Pennsylvania, and apples from nearby orchards. But we do occasionally have to go beyond the Northeast. We\u2019ve made some incredible pies with cured meats and olive oil from Italy, for example. I always want my customers to know that what they are getting is top-shelf.\n\nLittle Susie\u2019s is known for its iconic walk-up windows. What was the strategy behind that design?\nThe windows were born out of necessity, but they became a great asset. We opened our first location just months before the pandemic. We had to pivot instantly: close down or open the windows. It turned out to be a blessing. Doing so removed the barrier between us and the sidewalk (and our customers). Now it\u2019s a quintessential part of the experience. Parents with strollers and neighbors walking their dogs can grab a coffee and a pie without missing a beat. It has turned a simple transaction into a community social hour.\nWhat does the future hold for Little Susie\u2019s?\nThe momentum is incredible. We opened our fifth location in early 2026, and we are officially moving into franchising to bring Little Susie\u2019s to other states. We\u2019ve also invested heavily in our catering side with a vintage truck for events. As for the menu? The sky\u2019s the limit. We\u2019re always dreaming up new recipes to keep our customers excited.\nFor more info, visit littlesusies.com\n\nPhotos courtesy of: little susie\u2019s\n\nThe post The Sweet Story of Little Susie\u2019s appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2026-11-06T08:00:01-05:00", "date_modified": "2026-10-28T18:17:37-04:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/susies-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Bakery", "Dessert", "Food", "Pie", "Small Business", "Christmas", "Editorial", "Hanukkah", "Life & Culture", "Thanksgiving" ], "summary": "Learn how this bakeshop came to be and why it\u2019s an integral part of its community." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/how-pipcorn-popped-into-snack-popularity/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/how-pipcorn-popped-into-snack-popularity/", "title": "How Pipcorn Popped into Snack Popularity", "content_html": "

The post How Pipcorn Popped into Snack Popularity appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post How Pipcorn Popped into Snack Popularity appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2025-02-27T08:00:09-05:00", "date_modified": "2024-11-12T09:11:30-05:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Editorial", "Food", "Popcorn", "Small Business", "Snacks" ], "summary": "Learn how this family-grown snack company became a grocery-store staple. " }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/health/a-mission-to-reduce-food-waste/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/health/a-mission-to-reduce-food-waste/", "title": "A Mission to Reduce Food Waste", "content_html": "

The post A Mission to Reduce Food Waste appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post A Mission to Reduce Food Waste appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2024-12-12T08:00:54-05:00", "date_modified": "2026-10-20T11:38:57-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Food", "Healthy Food", "Interview", "Produce", "Small Business", "Storage", "Sustainability", "Health", "Organizing" ], "summary": "Learn about the sustainable practices and mission behind Ambrosia Produce Bag." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/a-candycopia-of-sweet-offerings/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/a-candycopia-of-sweet-offerings/", "title": "A Candycopia of Sweet Offerings", "content_html": "

The post A Candycopia of Sweet Offerings appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post A Candycopia of Sweet Offerings appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2024-10-11T08:00:16-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-12-20T16:49:41-05:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Candy", "Family-Business", "Halloween", "Small Business", "Sweet Treat", "Editorial", "Fall" ], "summary": "The owner of this candy shop discusses their mission to help people discover new candies." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/the-art-of-ice-cream/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/the-art-of-ice-cream/", "title": "The Art of Ice Cream", "content_html": "

The post The Art of Ice Cream appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Art of Ice Cream appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2024-07-08T08:00:12-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-05-16T12:23:25-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Artisan", "Frozen Foods", "Ice Pops", "Small Business", "Editorial" ], "summary": "Go behind the scenes at Cielito Artisan Pops to discover the perfect blend of taste, freshness, and creativity." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/holiday-entertaining/celebrate/gift-wrap-that-gives-back/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/holiday-entertaining/celebrate/gift-wrap-that-gives-back/", "title": "Gift Wrap That Gives Back", "content_html": "

The post Gift Wrap That Gives Back appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Gift Wrap That Gives Back appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-11-28T08:00:49-05:00", "date_modified": "2024-02-14T09:30:33-05:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Artists", "Christmas", "Entrepreneur", "Gift Wrap", "Giving Back", "Small Business", "Celebrate", "Hanukkah" ], "summary": "Learn about Giftiply, which creates innovative, eco-friendly products that benefit nonprofits." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/baking-up-a-beloved-business/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/baking-up-a-beloved-business/", "title": "Baking Up a Beloved Business", "content_html": "

The post Baking Up a Beloved Business appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Baking Up a Beloved Business appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-11-24T08:00:16-05:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-02T14:15:31-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Cookies", "Small Business", "Desserts", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Great-great grandson shares the sweet success of a fifth-generation business." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/decor/crafts-diy-projects/the-shade-whisperer/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/decor/crafts-diy-projects/the-shade-whisperer/", "title": "The Shade Whisperer", "content_html": "

The post The Shade Whisperer appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Shade Whisperer appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-10-19T08:00:51-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-22T11:09:50-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Small Business", "Crafts & DIY Projects", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Ivy Karlsgodt\u2019s side hustle of hand-sewing vintage-style lampshades transitioned into her full-time gig. " }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/health/pickle-power/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/health/pickle-power/", "title": "Pickle Power", "content_html": "

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\n", "content_text": "The post Pickle Power appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-09-11T08:00:47-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-31T10:40:52-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "DIY", "Pickles", "Small Business", "Health" ], "summary": "Business owner Andrea Wasko shares how her company strives to make pickling fun and simple for everyone." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/travel/seattles-top-pops/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/travel/seattles-top-pops/", "title": "Seattle\u2019s Top Pops", "content_html": "

The post Seattle\u2019s Top Pops appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Seattle\u2019s Top Pops appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-08-16T08:00:53-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-28T16:18:43-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Seattle", "Small Business", "Travel" ], "summary": "The journey of a frozen pops business in Seattle. " }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/ancient-craft-meets-modern-maker/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/ancient-craft-meets-modern-maker/", "title": "Ancient Craft Meets Modern Maker", "content_html": "

The post Ancient Craft Meets Modern Maker appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Ancient Craft Meets Modern Maker appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-06-09T13:33:02-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-16T13:38:29-04:00", "author": { "name": "Alexa Bricker", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/abricker/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52db277747be4f42866852e0bcc32f3359ce211be9099d2ced7dc4b6311cbfd3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "History", "Small Business", "Editorial", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Blacksmith Nick Wicks Moreau discusses the importance and popularity of handcrafted products." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/living-in-a-material-world/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/living-in-a-material-world/", "title": "Living in a Material World", "content_html": "

The post Living in a Material World appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Living in a Material World appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-04-07T12:05:05-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-14T17:22:29-04:00", "author": { "name": "Alexa Bricker", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/abricker/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52db277747be4f42866852e0bcc32f3359ce211be9099d2ced7dc4b6311cbfd3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "New York", "Small Business", "Editorial", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "An interview with Luther Quintana Jr., who discusses his family's New York-based upholstery business." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/travel/sweet-life-vermont/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/travel/sweet-life-vermont/", "title": "The Sweet Life in Vermont", "content_html": "

The post The Sweet Life in Vermont appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Sweet Life in Vermont appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2022-12-01T13:41:02-05:00", "date_modified": "2024-07-23T09:57:42-04:00", "author": { "name": "", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Alcohol", "Caramel", "Small Business", "Vermont", "Travel" ], "summary": "Get a closer look at Big Picture Farm, an award-winning confectionery that specializes in goat\u2019s milk products." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/an-ice-cream-dream/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/an-ice-cream-dream/", "title": "An Ice-Cream Dream", "content_html": "

The post An Ice-Cream Dream appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post An Ice-Cream Dream appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2022-08-01T11:19:58-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-12-06T19:43:09-05:00", "author": { "name": "", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Black-Owned Business", "Dessert", "Entrepreneur", "Ice Cream", "Small Business", "Summer", "Editorial", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Artisan ice-cream maker Chef Liz Rogers shares her sweet-making secrets." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/mrs-macarons/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/mrs-macarons/", "title": "Mrs. Macarons", "content_html": "

The post Mrs. Macarons appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Mrs. Macarons appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2022-06-16T15:18:13-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-24T15:21:39-04:00", "author": { "name": "", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Baking", "Dessert", "Editorial", "Macarons", "Small Business", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Get the inside scoop on macaron making from Jammy Cruz, who was inspired to start her baking business in 2017." } ] }