Soup lovers will find the ultimate comfort food in many varieties at Brothmonger, open in Bloomfield. Sarah Coppolo turned a home-based pandemic venture into a fully staffed, brick-and-mortar business now cooking on all burners. On any given day, the menu may range from French onion to ginger chicken to clam chowder and include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free offerings such as red pepper bisque, Hungarian mushroom, or potato leek. Italian wedding soup is a customer favorite.
Grab a Bowl of Homemade Soup at Brothmonger in Bloomfield… or Maybe a Sandwich
Coppolo also sells house-made focaccia, garden salads, potato salad, and assorted pasta bowls, including chicken tortellini pesto, and rigatoni. Sandwiches include grilled cheese and Coppolo’s version of the Elk County Hoagie, a staple in her hometown of St. Marys, Pa., made with Virginia ham, Cooper cheese, and hot pepper spread.
Coppolo moved to Pittsburgh more than a decade ago to study mortuary science and begin a career as a funeral director. In late 2018, as a side gig, she began to make soup in her North Side kitchen, selling it at markets and by special order. During the pandemic, demand for the ideal takeout meal ramped up. Her operations moved to the former Bitter Ends kitchen in Bloomfield. Leaving the funeral business in 2023, she began growing Brothmonger in earnest, ultimately raising $100,000 through Honeycomb Credit to open her own storefront last October. She painted the walls oregano green and furnished the space with a sofa, floral-patterned rug, and houseplants to create a cozy ambiance.
“It looks exactly like my living room at home.”
There’s seating for 12, so guests can dine in or take out. Coppolo posts a monthly menu and recipes at Brothmonger on Substack.
Story by Deborah Weisberg
Photo From Brothmonger