Spice ’N Tingz has joined the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator, a culinary venture led by Bronx native and entrepreneur Marlice De Los Santos, infusing a vibrant blend of Jamaican, soul food, and Latin cuisine to the Greater Hazleton Area.
Spice ’N Tingz offers a unique take on comfort food, combining familiar flavors with cultural influences that reflect De Los Santos’ upbringing and experiences. Her menu features a rotating mix of dishes, from hearty plates and traditional favorites to specialty desserts like her Signature Tres Leches Jars, all made with a focus on flavor, authenticity, and presentation. “Guests can expect meals that feel both comforting and new, with each dish rooted in the idea of bringing people together through food,” De Los Santos said.
Cooking has always been about connection for the newest kitchen incubator client. Growing up in the Bronx, De Los Santos was surrounded by diverse cultures and cuisines, which shaped her approach to food and inspired her to learn how to cook dishes from a variety of backgrounds.
“Food is my way of bringing cultures together,” De Los Santos said. “When we share a meal, we realize we’re more alike than we are different – we just season things differently.”
After first relocating to the Hazleton area about four years ago, De Los Santos began to see opportunity within the growing local food scene. Although she spent time in other States, she remained closely connected to Hazleton, frequently returning to visit family who stayed in the area. About a year ago, she made the decision to return permanently. Encouraged by family, friends, and the response to the meals she was already preparing, she made the decision to turn her passion into a business in 2025, officially forming her company and beginning to build a foundation for long-term growth.
Like many entrepreneurs, the journey came with challenges. Balancing her career as a Behavioral Health Technician while stepping into business ownership required a shift in mindset and a willingness to take risks. Ultimately, De Los Santos chose to fully commit to her vision and invest in building something of her own. That next step led her to the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator.
“I found the Kitchen Incubator while searching for commercial kitchen space, and it felt like a blessing,” De Los Santos said. “The space is clean, professional, and has everything I need, but what really stood out was the support. Everything was explained step by step, and I felt welcomed and encouraged from the start.”
The Hazleton Kitchen Incubator provides food entrepreneurs with access to a fully licensed commercial kitchen, along with the resources and guidance needed to launch and grow their businesses without the overhead of opening a traditional storefront. De Los Santos credits CAN DO Economic Development Manager Nico Makuta, Hazleton Kitchen Incubator Manager John Carsia, and the Hazleton LaunchBox team for providing tremendous support as she built the foundation of her business.
With a strong foundation in place, De Los Santos has officially opened her business and is introducing her fusion menu to the community through weekend plates, with plans to expand to weekdays once summer starts. She also plans to expand into catering, with a long-term goal of becoming a go-to option for events throughout the Greater Hazleton Area.
“I’m just getting started, and I truly believe this is the beginning of something big,” De Los Santos said.
To stay updated on opening dates, menus, and specials, follow Spice ’N Tingz on Instagram at @Spice_ntingz or Spice N Tingz on Facebook.
For more information about the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator or how to become a client, visit hazletonkitchen.org or contact Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
