Cafe Carmela, which has locations in Huntingdon Valley and Northeast Philadelphia, was one of nine participating restaurants at the Pepsi Philly Eats Fest, which took place earlier this month at Eakins Oval, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.
Cafe Carmela offered fried mozzarella, meatball sandwiches and tiramisu.
Restaurants taking part in the event were selected because they sell Pepsi products.
The event featured entertainment by the hip hop duo Clipse, R&B singer Ari Lennox and rapper Freeway. Also appearing were former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, Swoop and Eagles cheerleaders and drum line. Activities included cornhole and a football toss.
At the end of the event Pepsi donated $150,000 — $10,000 to Cafe Carmela and each of the other participating restaurants, along with $10,000 to six other restaurants.
Leading up to the event, Cafe Carmela’s location in the Holme Circle section of Northeast Philly hosted a VIP preview party. Guests feasted on cheesesteaks, truffle fries, salad, chicken parm, drunken rigatoni, pizza, cannoli cake, Pepsi drinks and wine.
The Cafe Carmela location in Huntingdon Valley is at 2975 Philmont Ave. The restaurant, which opened in 2023, is open Tuesdays through Sundays.
Cafe Carmela owner Joe Maglio said he tries to use the best ingredients, keep prices low and make customers feel like they are eating at their mom’s house.
The staff includes a number of Maglio’s family members.
“It really is a family affair,” he said. ••
