Their hamburger stand is a Grange Fair favorite. They’ll soon launch a year-round business
You might not know Farmstead Fusion just yet, but you probably know the people behind it. The new food truck and catering business with a local farms and seasonal food focus launches this spring with sister-in-laws Skylar Diehl and Kacee Burke at the helm. Since 2018, the two have operated the much-loved Twin B Farms Gourmet Hamburger stand at the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair.
Burke and her husband own Twin B Farms in Stormstown, where they raise all grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and more. When she had the opportunity to open a stand at the fair six years ago, she invited Diehl along for the ride and the stand quickly built a fan base.
“Our gourmet burgers have become quite famous,” said Diehl. “People talk all year-round about the jam and bacon we use on our burgers. Then, we added in a morel burger that we call the Forager Burger. We had people really into morels that came from everywhere to the fair, just to try that burger.”
As the years went on, the two expanded their offerings at Grange Fair; two years ago, they began serving breakfast sandwiches using Twin B Farms eggs and local sausages. As they finetuned their processes and systems, they realized that the brief, annual Grange experience was one they’d like to continue year-round, and the returning clientele and consistent inquiries about where happy customers could get their food elsewhere made it clear: “This is something we could do,” said Burke.
In February, Burke and Diehl announced Farmstead Fusion’s launch on Facebook, with the food truck’s first events slated for May. Using Diehl’s culinary expertise (she is currently an executive chef at The Penn Stater), Burke’s connections in local agriculture and their combined Grange Fair experience, they’ll be offering what Diehl described as “more of a foodie experience,” with seasonal offerings dictated by and supporting local farms.
“We want to share the stories of the farms that we’re supporting in our business and I think a lot of people can relate to that,” Burke said.
“This is community-driven,” Diehl agreed. “Keeping local support in our area helps others do what (Twin B Farms) is doing.”
So what can you expect on the menu? While the two are still finalizing their launch menu for May, Diehl has plenty of ideas in the works.
“If it’s in the fall and it’s a little chillier out, maybe we do a soup flight featuring three seasonal soups for the time of year, and that maybe has a dipper to go along with it,” she said. “Then, you might have this healthy, vegetarian salad packed with the flavors of the season, something bright on your palate and that will make you come back.”
Beyond the food truck and catering, Farmstead Fusion will also offer prepared meals available for ordering through Centre Markets.
“They’ll be ready-to-heat kind of meals,” Diehl explained. “You might find we’ll have some options for lunch that you can take to the office with you and heat up in the microwave. It might be like an Asian pork meatball over a stir-fried rice with some steamed broccoli for a healthier, lighter meal, but all the flavors that give you a satisfying lunch. For dinner, we’d be looking at options made for the family, so they’re ready to pop in the oven and something kids and adults would both like.”
Thus far, Farmstead Fusion plans to appear at the Rooted Farmstead Spring Market, May 4, and at Homestead Day at The Heirloom Farmer, May 18, as well as at the Boalsburg Memorial Day Celebration, and People’s Choice Festival in July. Plans are also in the works to set up shop at local wineries and breweries.
As for Grange Fair, don’t worry — the Twin B Farms Gourmet Hamburger stand isn’t going anywhere. However, Diehl and Burke aren’t sure yet whether or not Farmstead Fusion will make an appearance.
“We’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at (Grange Fair),” Diehl said. “It’s busy. It takes a lot of manpower.” She noted that 2023 was one of the first years the two could really step back and enjoy the fair while staff kept the stand running.
Stay tuned for more from Farmstead Fusion, at www.facebook.com/farmsteadfusion.
Holly Riddle is a freelance food, travel and lifestyle writer. She can be reached at holly.ridd@gmail.com.
