In 2016, lifelong Berks resident Britany LaManna was looking for a way to contribute to the community. Inspired by her grandfather, she and her husband Ben opened gourmet hot dog shop Relish in West Reading. The comfy yet cosmopolitan eatery is known for its innovative menu, must-have lattes, artisanal bakery — and maybe a bit for the LaMannas’ famously beautiful wedding (thanks to Britany’s celebrity BFF). In the rare moments when she’s not busy juggling her career, “off time” as an entrepreneur and life as a newlywed, LaManna likes to stay home in Reading with her beloved Ben and their two pooches, Raney and Margie.
Q. When did Relish open, and what gave you the idea? We opened in December 2016. We live near West Reading and really enjoy it. We had some rentals in the area but wanted to do something that helped build it up, to be part of it. My grandfather always wanted a hot dog shop, and we’re both big coffee people, so we thought we’d do something different — not just one or the other. Plus, they’re not typical hot dogs – we like to put a twist on traditional foods and make it worth visiting.
Q. So, haute cuisine hot dogs, barista-crafted coffee AND a bakery? Yes, the bakery is the latest addition. We have great employees, but we were so busy, and Ben and I both have day jobs, so we knew we needed a partner. Like divine intervention, along came Ben – another Ben [laughs] — Ben Wissinger. We met through mutual friends. He’s an incredible, accomplished baker, so we’ve incorporated his creations into Relish as well. I love how the shop has something for everyone.
Q. What’s your day job? I work for The Loomis Company as a property and casualty producer. I’ve been there six years and enjoy it. My focus is on manufacturing and construction risk management, which I knew something about when I started because I grew up in manufacturing; my family owns a company near the airport. I graduated from Penn State Berks in 2012 with a degree in communications, but I knew I wanted to do something in the business world.
Q. So, in just the last few years, you graduated from college, started a business and got married? Yeah, we’ve been very busy. [laughs]
Q. And your wedding caused quite a stir, here and far beyond Berks County, thanks to your best pal Taylor. Yes, there was a lot of buzz, but I have to say the nuns at Alvernia were super protective of us. Everyone was so good to us, so we were able to keep it as we wanted.
Q. I know you probably have to explain often, but how did you and Taylor Swift meet? Our parents have been friends all their lives and so have we. We were born a month apart and have always been together. No matter what we’re each doing, we stay in contact and keep it normal, just us the way we’ve always been.
Q. Your life never stops, so what does a day off look like for you? I love the outdoors, so we like hiking with our dogs Raney, a Goldendoodle, and Margie, a black Lab. I ride horses, and we go skiing when we can.
Q. I’m sure the customers have faves, but what’s your favorite thing on the Relish menu? Oh, it’s called Bacon My Heart – avocado toast topped with turkey bacon and a perfect fried egg – it’s SO good.
Relish
715 Penn Avenue, West Reading
610.750.6471
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-3pm
Weekends: 8am-3pm
