WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A much-loved, family-run business is expanding operations in Lehigh County.
The owners of SMP Mini Mart, a popular business that is part fast-casual eatery and part convenience store at 1341 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township, have purchased a property across the street at 1050 Schadt Ave. to open a SMP sister location.
SMP Mini Mart operates at 1341 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Husband and wife owners Chad and Nancy Sankari are still ironing out exact plans for the new spot, but the general game plan is to have one location offer an improved sit-down dining experience and the other one handle take-out and delivery orders, Chad said.
The goal is to reduce wait times and enhance the customer’s overall experience, Chad said.
In November, the Sankaris purchased the Schadt Avenue property, which previously housed Soccer Post, a soccer specialty store.
The couple hopes to open the SMP sister location in mid- to late summer, following renovations at the Schadt Avenue property over the next few months, Chad said.
SMP Mini Mart is planning to open a sister location at 1050 Schadt Ave. in Whitehall Township. The location was previously home to a soccer specialty store, Soccer Post.
Ryan Kneller
“We’re making the experience better for our customers – for both sit-down customers and customers who are picking up orders,” Chad said.
“At this time, we’re undecided how we’re going to move forward. Our thoughts are that maybe one location will be for pick-up and delivery orders, while the other location will offer a better experience for sitting down and eating.”
SMP Mini Mart, known for its cheesesteaks, chopped cheese sandwiches, house-breaded chicken cutlet sandwiches and other freshly prepared handhelds, opened in November 2022.
SMP Mini Mart
The popular spot is an outgrowth of the Sankaris’ more than decade-old wholesale business, SMP Wholesale, which distributes items to nearly 60 Lehigh Valley area gas stations and convenience stores.
SMP is named after the first letter of each of the couple’s three children – Sarina, Milana and Pierre.
“The idea for this mini mart and eatery originated because we already had the product,” Nancy previously told 69 News.
“So, we thought, ‘Since we already have the product, why don’t we have our own store?’ We’re both also really into food and decided that adding really good sandwiches to the mix would complete the concept.”
Initially, SMP Mini Mart offered primarily cold hoagies and sandwiches, along with a few hot breakfast sandwiches.
A few weeks after opening, however, a customer’s cheesesteak request led to the Sankaris bringing in a grill and expanding the menu to include more hot selections.
SMP Mini Mart
The eatery’s menu has continued to grow over the years, and the Sankaris installed another grill in 2024 to accommodate the increasing orders.
“We’re so grateful for everybody’s support,” Nancy said.
“When we started this, we didn’t expect it to turn into what it is today. The menu that we have today is about a year in the making, as we’ve continued to add more items month after month.”
The Sankaris label the “SMP” cheesesteak (featuring onions and a mix of wiz and Cooper cheeses) as the business’ top seller, with the chopped cheese sandwich (hamburger, American cheese, sauteed onions, green peppers, special seasoning, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayonnaise) coming in a close second.
SMP Mini Mart
A variety of beef and chicken cheesesteaks are available, including specialty varieties such as Buffalo ranch chicken, Western BBQ bacon chicken and Boom Boom chicken (chicken, onions, jalapenos, pepper jack, Boom Boom sauce, lettuce and tomato).
Customers also can enjoy other specialties such as a gyro and garlicky chicken parm sandwich, along with hoagies – made with sliced-to-order meats – such as grilled chicken, Italian and turkey and cheese.
Other menu highlights include traditional and boneless wings, hot dogs, burgers, sliders/bowls and breakfast sandwiches (available all day) on your choice of croissant, Kaiser roll or bagel (everything, plain or sesame).
Hoagies, cheesesteaks and sandwiches are available in 8- and 12-inch sizes, with rolls being delivered fresh each morning from Corropolese Italian Bakery & Deli in Montgomery County. Special sandwiches are also regularly featured.
“Whatever rolls we don’t use at the end of the night, we donate to local food banks,” Chad said.
“We also donate gift cards to local fundraisers and charities. We enjoy giving back to the community because this is our home. I grew up in North Catty, and she grew up in Whitehall. So, we want to help our neighbors and friends as much as possible.”
SMP Mini Mart operates at 1341 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Chad describes SMP Mini Mart as a “New York-style eatery,” with tables situated next to retail displays and an open kitchen where staff can interact with customers.
Philadelphia Eagles jerseys and decor are displayed indoors, and additional seating is available at outdoor picnic tables.
The business carries a wide array of snacks, like candy bars, cookies, chips and pretzels, along with chilled beverages, household necessities and various convenience items.
SMP Mini Mart operates at 1341 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Plans are still being finalized for SMP’s sister location, but its menu will most likely mirror the one offered at the original location, Chad said.
More precise plans for the new location will be announced on the business’ Facebook page soon, Chad said.
“We’re still not really sure what we’re doing there just yet,” Chad said.
“The opportunity came up, knocked on our door and we took it. I think by doing what we’re doing there, we’re trying to give back to our customer base that’s been awesome to us since day one. We’re excited to always serve the customers and see their smiling faces. That’s what means the most to us. Seeing the customers happy, hearing the positive feedback and interacting with the customers means more to us than anything else.”
SMP Mini Mart owners Chad and Nancy Sankari pose in front of their new food trailer.
Ryan Kneller
SMP also offers catering, including appetizer, pasta, salad and sandwich trays, and a SMP food trailer makes appearances at local fairs, festivals and other public events and is also available to rent for private functions such as weddings, birthday parties and graduation celebrations.
For the latest updates, follow the business’ Facebook page. Info: 610-443-3002.