This week, we had the privilege of gathering with the local food and beverage community at Diana’s Café & Catering in Center Valley, PA for the latest Executive Edge panel discussion, hosted by Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba. The morning was filled with practical insights, honest conversation, and the kind of collaboration that makes the Lehigh Valley business community so special.
The panel, moderated by Jimi from YMI, brought together three dynamic voices: Diana Hall-Yurasits, owner of Diana’s Café & Catering; Ken Charette, Food & Beverage Attorney at FLB; and Tom Schlegel, Pennsylvania Liquor Law Attorney at FLB. Together, they shared their expertise on what it takes to launch, grow, and sustain a food or beverage business in today’s competitive environment.
A 360° Look at the Food & Beverage Industry
Running a restaurant, café, or brewery in places like Bethlehem, Easton, and Allentown isn’t just about passion for food and hospitality — it also requires navigating a complex landscape of regulations, contracts, partnerships, and risk. The panel explored essential topics including financing, licensing, franchising, co-packing agreements, and strategic partnerships, while also digging into the real-world challenges of staffing and management.
What made the discussion especially valuable was the ability to tie in insurance expertise alongside the legal and business perspectives. From liquor liability coverage to risk management strategies, insurance is often the overlooked piece that helps food and beverage entrepreneurs protect their investments and operate with confidence. Bringing that perspective into the conversation rounded out a full-picture view of business ownership in this fast-moving industry.
Community at the Center
The energy in the room spoke volumes about the strength of the Lehigh Valley food and beverage community. Local businesses including Donerds Donuts in Bethlehem, Easton Wine Project, and McCall Collective Brewing Company in Allentown joined the conversation, asking questions and sharing their experiences. Their contributions added depth and authenticity to the discussion, reinforcing how collaboration drives the industry forward.
Couldn’t Make It?
If you missed the event, don’t worry — we’ll be releasing a bonus episode of the Executive Edge podcast featuring the full panel discussion. It’s a great way to hear insights directly from the experts and learn strategies to grow and protect your business, whether you’re in the Lehigh Valley or beyond.
Looking Ahead
The Executive Edge series is all about bringing together business owners, industry experts, and professionals across fields to share strategies and spark new ideas. This panel was a perfect example of that mission in action.
A big thank-you again to FLB for hosting, to Diana’s Café & Catering for welcoming us, to our panelists for their expertise, and to the incredible local food and beverage community — from Easton to Bethlehem to Allentown — for making the morning such a success.
