Ed and Kristin Cunningham have lived in Lancaster County for eight years. Almost three years ago, they went from Lancaster County residents to Lancaster County business owners when they opened The Spot Hometown Deli, located in downtown Elizabethtown towards the square.

“It started as a mission to help people that others in society don’t pay much attention to,” Ed said. “Our goals were to give back and be an anchor.” 

One way they do this is to “prioritize hiring people other companies won’t,” in Ed’s words.

Individuals experiencing homelessness, going through addiction recovery or reentering the workforce after incarceration can all struggle to find meaningful work.

Steady employment opportunities provided by the Spot and other businesses that share their mindset helps people in these situations to find housing, focus on their physical and mental health and build or rebuild connections in the community. 

“We’re not looking for long-term employees,” Ed said. “Our goal is to get them in, on their feet and onto better-paying jobs.” 

Customers can be part of the Spot’s mission with their pay-it-forward meal program, where they can purchase a meal to be given to someone in need. 

Ed and Kristin signed the lease on their S Market St. space – the former location of Fuego Latino and Pita Pit restaurants, most recently – in December 2023 and renovations began. 

Guests at “A Taste of Western Lancaster County,” an annual fundraiser for the Elizabethtown Public Library and Elizabethtown Rotary Club (two organizations which have operated in the area for over 100 years!), in January 2023 were some of the first to taste items off the Spot’s menu before their April 2023 grand opening. 

As Lancaster transplants, Ed said he and Kristin didn’t know how much is grown, created and produced locally until they took on this venture.

Their meats and cheeses come from Philadelphia-founded Dietz and Watson, with Fire King Baking bread from Allentown and Herr’s chips, which started in Lancaster County before moving to the current home in Nottingham, Chester County in the 50s after a factory fire.

Lancaster County-specific vendors include Groff’s Meats for the bacon on their fan-favorite classic clubs, Free From Kitchen, LLC’s gluten-free breads and baked goods and Masonic Village Farm Market produce. 

2024 brought not only their first anniversary, but also several local and national accolades. The Spot received the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Rising Star” award. They also placed third in SCORE’s 60^th Anniversary Pitch Competition, taking home a $5,000 prize to invest back into the business. 

“It was a great opportunity,” Ed said, of the SCORE mentorship and competition. It also led to further collaboration, as Best Ever granola and Baking Coach cookies, now stocked at the Spot, were also SCORE finalists. 

As they approach their third full year in business this April, they were back at “A Taste of Western Lancaster County” in early February, along with 25 other restaurants and vendors from the area. 

“People are starting to really recognize us,” Ed said. 

The Spot also helped cater the soft opening for their street neighbor, “The Green Nook,” a new event space and short-term rental at the former home of “Knock Knock Boutique” and the “Flowers in the Kitchen” restaurant. 

Their goals for 2026 and beyond? Continue to serve the community and work with and support other small businesses. 

“We’re giving everything we have to this mission,”  Ed said. 

Visit The Spot between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays