Cooke Tavern Soups

The Cooke Tavern is a grand 2-story Georgian-style brick property built in 1808 by James Cooke, esq. This Tavern was in operation from 1808 until 1863. Above all, tavern-keepers were expected to provide their patrons with a tempting bill of fare daily — a choice of chowders & soups, fresh meats & fish, and fresh vegetables. Each meal was served along with a bottle of wine, a bowl of punch, or a tankard of ale.

When Greg and Mary Kay purchased the property in 1991 they lived the ‘real money pit saga’. They did a complete restoration of the house, outbuildings and property. It didn’t have heating or plumbing but came complete with a two seater outhouse! They named the property after the original owner, James Cooke from Lancaster PA. In 1995, they won the ‘Excellence in Historic Restoration Award’ from the Centre County Historical Society.

In keeping with Colonial tradition, Cooke Tavern Soups captures the hearth-cooked flavor in all of our soups. We’ve replicated family recipes with dried ingredients and named them after those who influenced their creation. Designed for busy people who want to serve a great pot of homemade soup without the fuss of starting from scratch. All you add are a few pantry items like broth and maybe a fresh vegetable, and your choice of meat should you so desire.