Lehigh Valley Real Estate News

Check out the latest news and interesting articles about what's going on in the Lehigh Valley!

Sept. 10, 2024

Ume Asian Cuisine Japanese Thai Restaurant Coming to Allentown

A brand-new full-service restaurant in Lehigh County that serves sushi, lo mein, pad Thai, tempura, fried rice, and other Asian dishes is drawing throngs of foodies.

In downtown Allentown, Ume Asian food, a restaurant that combines Thai, Chinese, and Japanese food to provide a “diverse culinary experience,” staged a soft opening on August 30 at 840 Hamilton St., Suite 100.

Ume Asian Cuisine Japanese Thai

With seating for about 120 patrons, Ume serves a variety of dishes including salads and soups like kani salad, miso soup, and tom yum soup; appetizers from the kitchen like chicken lettuce wraps, Thai crispy calamari, pan-fried or steamed pork and vegetable dumplings, and skewers of beef, chicken, shrimp, or squid; and appetizers from the sushi bar like gyoza, shumai, salmon or tuna tartar, and Thai summer rolls with shrimp.

The proprietor, Ping Liu, stated that during the first week of business, the most popular rolls were spicy salmon, Dynamite, which is spicy tuna and avocado topped with hot crabmeat, and Hamilton Tower, which is shrimp tempura, avocado, and cucumber topped with lobster meat salad, jalapeño pepper chili, and sweet soy sauce.

A vast assortment of a la carte sushi or sashimi, including eel, red snapper, scallop, and salmon roe, as well as beef, chicken, pig, seafood, and vegetable meals, like Mongolian beef, sweet and sour chicken, Hunan pork, Thai basil shrimp, and eggplant with garlic sauce, are also available to customers. With over 30 years of experience running regional restaurants, Ping's husband is assisting her in running Ume, and the Upper Macungie Township couple is thrilled to provide a fresh eating experience in downtown Allentown.

According to Ping, "the community is also tremendously excited."

"After just one week of operation, we have already received a great deal of excellent feedback.  A lot of office workers are also dining here, and everyone is expressing how pleased they are to have a new restaurant like this one in the heart of the city. A statement on Ume's website states, "Japanese cuisine uses fresh ingredients and fine craftsmanship to give you with authentic and tasty sushi, sashmi, and ramen dishes."

"Chinese cuisine brings you aromatic and savory classic dishes by using premium ingredients and traditional cooking techniques." The enthusiasm and vibrancy of Southeast Asia can be experienced via the fresh, spicy, and sour flavors of Thai cuisine.

Ume is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. It has a full bar that serves beer, wine, and sake.
In addition to having a private party area, the restaurant offers catering.
You can order takeout or get more information by calling 610-435-999 or visiting ume840.com.
 

Check Here For Homes Located Near Umi Asian Restaurant in Allentown

Posted in Allentown PA
Sept. 9, 2024

The Brass Rail Restaurant Returns to Allentown

An enduring Lehigh Valley establishment, well-known for its delicious hot dogs and cheesesteaks, is almost prepared to start taking orders in Allentown.

Brass Rail Restaurant

The Brass Rail, a family-run, full-service restaurant that has been operating in Allentown for more than 90 years, would reopen on Thursday, September 12 in a fast-casual format at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market. The restaurant closed its doors in June 2022.

"We are thrilled to be in our new house, which is in a fantastic location and marks a significant milestone for The Brass Rail. Being a member of the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market family also makes us very happy. We greatly appreciate all of the vendors' kindness, assistance, and welcome attitude.

The Brass Rail's new stand, located in a refurbished area of the market close to the lower-level grocery store, will serve a simplified menu consisting of the company's best-selling dishes. The stand will also provide breakfast sandwiches, such as bacon, egg, and cheese on toasted steak rolls, and steak, egg, and cheese since the market starts early.

On the lower level of the market, the Brass Rail will have a new booth with counter seating and a few high-top tables adjacent. There will be space for about 20 patrons to sit. "Those are going to be accessible until 10:30 a.m. Naturally, we will then provide hot dogs, French fries, pierogies, and cheesesteaks with chicken. A1 and California cheesesteaks are just two of the varieties available.

After 91 years of operation in Allentown, The Brass Rail closed its doors in June 2022. Previously, Royal Farms was going to develop the land into a convenience store. However, Sorrentino revealed to 69 News in December 2022 that the transaction to the Royal Farms convenience store operator had fallen through. Before the agreement fell through, Sorrentino stated at the time that Royal Farms requested multiple extensions. At that point, The Brass Rail's personnel had been let go and its equipment had been sold, thus reopening as a restaurant was out of the question.

In 1931, Philip Sorrentino, Sorrentino's grandfather, opened The Brass Rail as a hamburger and hot dog stand. The cuisine proved to be popular and quickly expanded, resulting in the opening of a physical restaurant at 1137 Hamilton St. in 1933, a debut at the Allentown Fair in 1938, and a second Allentown location on Lehigh Street in 1961. The restaurant in Allentown's downtown closed in 2001. Mark stated, "At our new location, we will have a few varieties of the cheesesteaks, like an A1 and a California, but the primary draw will still be Phil's original."

Several longstanding Brass Rail employees will be present at the business's new location at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market alongside Mark and his wife, Leigh. Many market goers have inquired about the new stand's inauguration in recent months, indicating that the community is eager for The Brass Rail to make a comeback.

"People were often passing by to tell how pleased they are for us to be open again and asking us when we would be opening," Mark said. "People were there when we were there and even when my contractor was there." The Brass Rail will be open at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market during regular market hours on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mark remarked, "It has been a long path, but we are really excited to be back." "We are excited to see our regulars and meet new people as well." The newest addition to the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market excites Laurie Wuchter and her husband, Dan Wuchter, almost as much.

Laurie remarked, "Neither can we wait, and neither can many of our shoppers." Additionally, a few people have told me that they have not visited the market in years—some even stating that it has been almost 30 years—and they are eager to go back for The Brass Rail. Therefore, I believe that The Brass Rail will attract a large number of customers who, for whatever reason, stopped visiting the market to check out the full space and all of the incredible exhibitors.

The Brass Rail will be at the market, which opened at 1825 W. Chew St. , along with more than fifty other local vendors. According to Laurie, the market is currently completely occupied, and there are no openings since The Brass Rail opened.

Laurie remarked, "We are grateful for The Brass Rail's presence as well as for all of the other fantastic establishments here."

The wonderful local businesses that frequent it serve as evidence of the farmers market's strength and popularity.

 

Check Out Here for Homes for Sale Near The Brass Rail Restaurant in Allentown, PA

 

Posted in Allentown PA
Sept. 5, 2024

Mount Airy Casino Resort Named Top 10 Casino in the Country

Mount Pocono's Mount Airy Casino Resort has been ranked among the nation's top 10 casino hotels. 

Mount Airy Casino

Mount Airy Casino Resort is ranked seventh on USA TODAY's list of the "Top 10 Best Casino Hotels. It is Pennsylvania's only casino hotel to be included on the list. 

The hotels on the USA TODAY Best Casino Hotels list have both gaming and facilities.

 

According to USA TODAY, the Top 10 Best Casino Hotels for 2024 are:

1. Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut

2. Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel, California

3. Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

4. Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City, N.J.

5. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi

6. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

7. Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania

8. Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City

9. Graton Resort & Casino, Sonoma County, California

10. ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas

 

Ben Koff, general manager and COO of Mount Airy, stated, "Mount Airy is more than just a great destination for gaming, eating, and entertainment—it is a place where a strong sense of community and enthusiasm prevails." 

Comedian extraordinaire Caroline Rhea will be performing at Mount Airy on September 14th. Thunder from Down Under, an Australian dance revue, will be performing on November 29 and 30th.

 

View the Top 10 Homes For Sale In The Poconos

View Here for Homes for Sale Near Mount Airy Casino in Mount Pocono

 

Posted in Mount Pocono News
Sept. 4, 2024

Five Guys Open their 66th Location at the Promenade Mall

A well-known restaurant brand is expanding its presence in the Lehigh Valley. 

Five Guys in Promendes Mall

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for September 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. Five Guys Burgers & Fries is a family-owned and operated franchise restaurant group that is well-known for its hand-crafted hamburgers made from never-frozen beef and fresh-cut, boardwalk-style fries cooked in 100% peanut oil.

Located at 3045 Mall Valley Parkway, the 2,407-square-foot new Five Guys restaurant will be open between uBreakiFix and European Wax Center in the outdoor lifestyle shopping mall. The grand opening event, which is being held in collaboration with Rockham 5G and the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. The Lorton, Virginia-based Five Guys is well-known for its freshly made burgers that come with an endless array of free topping options, such as pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, relish, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce.

The restaurants in the network only use fresh ground beef; freezers are not present; only coolers are. More than 1,700 Five Guys restaurants may be found globally now, more than 30 years after the original restaurant's opening. These include over a dozen regional outlets in the Lehigh Valley, Poconos, and Berks and Bucks counties. The newest Five Guys restaurant in the neighborhood debuted on Whitehall's MacArthur Road last year.

The firm website states that another 1,500 units are under development. In an April press release, Drew Smith, the new Five Guys' franchise owner and operator, said, "We are thrilled and excited to open our newest Five Guys facility in Center Valley."

This will be Pennsylvania's 66th Five Guys store. We are making it even simpler for visitors from the Lehigh Valley to stop by for a bite with our new location at the lovely Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.

 

Check out here Properties for Sale in Saucon Valley Near Five Guys

Sept. 4, 2024

Boulevard Drive-in In Lehighton to Close

A Carbon County restaurant that has been providing food for eighteen years is about to close its doors forever.

 

The Route 443 road project and COVID-19 are listed as the reasons for the closure of Boulevard Drive-in and Family Restaurant on their Facebook page.

 

The date of the restaurant's closure was not specified in the post. The message said, "We wish to thank everyone of our workers, both from years past and present, as well as our faithful customers."

 

The message states that details regarding what to do with leftover gift cards will be made available soon.

Boulevard Drive-In

 

See Homes For Sale Near Boulevard Drive-In 

Posted in Carbon County
Sept. 4, 2024

Katie’s Family Restaurant Opens New Location with New Name

The owners of a well-known Lehigh Valley restaurant, which had to close earlier this summer, are starting a new and delectable chapter at a nearby location.

A landlord-tenant conflict caused Katie's Family Restaurant, a family-run restaurant popular for its burgers, steaks, seafood platters, and all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar, to close its doors in late July.

Katie's Country Kitchen

 

The owners now intend to offer delectable food and beverages in a neighboring location. The new version of the restaurant, named Katie's Country Kitchen, will hopefully open near Routes 309 and 100 in Heidelberg Township by the end of September, owner Katie Macalush stated on the company’s Facebook page on Monday morning. An end unit at the Star Plaza strip mall will be home to Katie's.

Don Corleone's Restaurant & Pizzeria has been occupying the strip mall space for the past few years, but Katie claimed that the restaurant is moving to another location in the area. In the announcement posted online, Macalush stated, "He has been nice enough to sell his location to us so we can stay in the neighborhood." If you would like to keep supporting them, we will shortly provide his new address and other information!

For Macalush, opening Katie's in the Star Plaza is a full circle experience because her parents, Jim and Denise Macalush, ran Jalini's, a pizza and sub shop, at the same address in the early to mid-2000s. She grew up in the restaurant and has happy memories of it. "My parents opened Jalini's when I was about eight years old," Katie said to 69 News. "I recall interacting with many of the patrons while hanging out at the restaurant. It was a good time, and we were glad to recreate that similar vibe at Katie's a few years later. According to Katie, Jim opened Katie's in 2012 at the location of the former , which was next to Northwestern Lehigh High School on Route 309 and Northwest Road.

According to Katie, the BYOB full-service restaurant has grown to be a "cornerstone of the neighborhood," drawing people and families together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Omelets, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, steaks, seafood dishes, and more than 50 varieties of Leiby's ice cream are among the most popular menu items. Alongside her mother Denise Macalush, whom Katie refers to as her "right-hand partner," Katie works as a server. Katie's two children, ages three and five, also frequently visit the restaurant to meet patrons, making it a true family business.

Katie posted on the company's Facebook page, "I am very happy to have the opportunity to start my own business and adventure there, with this unique community that we have." "I am appreciative and blessed to have my family's and friends' support as I embark on this path alone with my incredible team and mother! We hope to see EVERYONE of you again soon! On September 16, Katie will move into the Star Plaza. The restaurant's staff is organizing to renovate the area and create "Katie's vibe" during that week.

Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at the new site, along with additional menu items and offers. On the company's Facebook page, Katie posted, "My aim is honestly to be open by the end of September if all goes smoothly in a timely fashion." "We sincerely appreciate your support during this difficult time! It will most certainly be worth waiting. Katie announced to 69 News in late July that she intended to relocate Katie's to a neighboring property, where patrons could anticipate "the same friendly faces giving you the same delicious food."

Katie remarked, "The community is saddened right along with us." "The majority of our clients have grown to be like family, and we are involved in the community. I enjoy becoming a waitress since this is a location where people socialize just as much as where food is consumed. I enjoy socializing with other individuals. Thus, while we could be taking a little break, we will definitely return.

More than 300 people had reacted to Katie's recent online post about the new location as of 7 p.m. on Monday. The majority of the comments were from regular customers who expressed their excitement about the soon-to-open restaurant.

 

View Homes For Sale Near Katie's Country Kitchen in Heidelberg Township

Sept. 4, 2024

Club Pilates Coming to Hanover Township

A thriving fitness chain is about to increase its presence in the area by taking over a long-vacant space in the Airport Shopping Center.

Airport Shopping Center

According to Michelle Craciun, who runs the studio alongside her mother Cristina Craciun, a new Club Pilates location is anticipated to open in November or December at 917 Airport Center Road in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. Club Pilates is a chain of boutique Pilates studios that offers reformer-based group classes that "challenge your mind as well as your body."

A Sprint store previously occupied the renovated space where the new Club Pilates location will be, but it closed in 2020. Club Pilates was established in 2007 in San Diego and has now grown to include more than 1,000 studios on four continents.

The Craciuns also run a Club Pilates studio in Wyomissing, Berks County, which has been open for a year. Their upcoming studio in Lehigh County will complement another independently owned and run establishment in Lower Nazareth Township  in the Lehigh Valley.

Michelle expressed her excitement about the company's growth in the Allentown region. "Many people have already expressed to us how convenient it will be for them, and it is in a wonderful location." Michelle, a Berks County resident, first became enamored with Club Pilates while attending sessions at an Orlando location while she was living in Florida. Michelle stated, "I have experience as a Pilates instructor, which is why we started with Club Pilates."

"We enjoy what we do since our classes provide incredibly beneficial outcomes. The most fulfilling aspect of running a Club Pilates studio is witnessing how it unites people in the community for their health. It is simply great. Club Pilates adheres to Joseph Pilates's original "Contrology" approach, which was based on reformers, but it is updated with group exercises and cutting-edge apparatus. The chain provides its devoted members with over eight million workouts annually.

A statement on Club Pilates' website reads, "We think that Pilates is the way to a fuller, more satisfying physical existence." We think that having control over your physical self contributes to having control over your life. The finest part, in our opinion, is that you can begin at any time. All ages and fitness levels are welcome to join Club Pilates, which offers "a workout without the agony."

Club Pilates studios offer a range of equipment, such as mats, rollers, TRX, Exo-Chair, and Bosu ball, in addition to reformers, to aid in the development of strength, mobility, and stability.

 

Look Here for Real Estate Properties For Sale Near Club Pilates in The Airport Shopping Center 

 

 

Posted in Lehigh Valley News
Sept. 4, 2024

Bethlehem PA School Looking to Improve Academic Achievement

The Pennsylvania Department of Education says that support and performance improvement are needed at several Bethlehem Area schools.

Bethlehem School District

At its most recent meeting, the Bethlehem Area School Board approved the academic action plans for seven schools for 2024–25: Broughal, Nitschmann, Northeast, and Liberty high schools; Freemansburg and Marvine primary schools; and Liberty and Freedom high schools. With a comprehensive school improvement (CSI) designation, Broughal Middle School is considered to be suffering "severe issues in academic attainment, student progress, and other areas."

Broughal has been awarded $585,236 in government cash to carry out improvement plans as a result of the CSI designation. Federal Title I grant money, which is intended to assist students in meeting academic standards, especially in low-income regions, was also awarded to the middle school in the amount of $478,112. In 2022, the three-year CSI designation's last data cycle got underway. The district claims that Broughal has held the CSI classification for a total of six years.

Currently, 118 schools in the state—six of which are in the Allentown School District—have the title of CSI. The CSI accreditation was also awarded to Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, which has an office in Allentown, and Innovative Arts Academy in Catasauqua. Liberty and Freedom high schools require more focused assistance and enhancements for students with disabilities, as per a three-year classification. This indicates that the performance of the high school students with impairments is either at or below that of the CSI schools. There are no grant monies available for the designation of A-TSI.

The A-TSI designation's final data cycle started in 2022. The district claims that Liberty and Freedom have been designated as A-TSI for a total of six years. The performance of one or more student groups has placed roughly 225 Pennsylvanian institutions, including Dieruff High School in Allentown and Easton Area Middle School in Easton, on the A-TSI certification list.For the 2024–2025 academic year, Liberty and Freedom high schools were also designated as receiving targeted support and improvement. The TSI designation was also given to the Nitschmann and Northeast middle schools, Freemansburg and Marvine elementary schools.

This one-year designation indicates that certain student groups are performing at or below state standards. For English language learners, economically disadvantaged kids, Black students, and Hispanic students, Liberty was awarded the TSI classification. Freedom was designated as a TSI for students who are Hispanic, economically underprivileged, and English language learners. Nitschmann was granted the TSI classification, which is granted to kids who are economically disadvantaged, English language learners, and students with disabilities.

For students with disabilities, English language learners, economically disadvantaged students, Black students, and Hispanic students, Northeast was awarded the TSI distinction. The TSI designation for English language learners went to Marvine, while the designation for students with disabilities went to Freemansburg. There are no grant funding available for the designation of TSI. Federal Title I funds are provided to Northeast, Marvine, and Freemansburg schools, who use them to carry out their improvement programs.

The district claims that Liberty and Freedom have been designated as TSIs for a total of five years. For a total of four years, Freemansburg has been designated as a TSI community. Marvine Elementary School, Nitschmann and Northeast Middle Schools, and Northeast Middle School have all had the TSI certification for a combined two years. Assistant Superintendent Maureen Leeson of the BASD said that East Hills Middle School and Fountain Hill Elementary School were taken off the TSI designation list due to improved performance. Both schools had been on the list for a total of four years. Dieruff and Union Terrace Elementary School in Allentown are among the 521 Pennsylvanian schools on the TSI designation list for 2024–2025 due to the performance of one or more student groups.

Furthermore, high schools in Catasauqua, Easton Area, Emmaus, Salisbury, and Whitehall were all designated as TSI for one or more student groups.

Additionally granted the status for 2024–25 are Salisbury Elementary School, Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, and Lehigh Valley Dual Language Charter School. 

 

View Properties For Sale in Bethlehem, PA 

 

Posted in Bethlehem PA News
Sept. 4, 2024

New Restaurants and Shops Coming to Lehigh Valley Mall Soon

The biggest shopping center in the Lehigh Valley keeps rotating its retail lineup.

Lehigh Valley Mall New Additions

In the upcoming months, four new shops will be joining the Lehigh Valley Mall, located in Whitehall Township at the intersection of MacArthur Road and Route 22: Game Box Arcade, Spice n Shake, MINISO, and Golf Galaxy. The new tenants will join Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Rally House, and Stone Haven as recent additions. Several shops have also left the mall in recent months, including Rivals Indoor Battlefield and Ardene.

A Starbucks location near the escalators on the mall's lower level also closed earlier this month. According to Elizabeth DiDuca, the mall's director of marketing and business development, the new location of the interactive golf retail chain Golf Galaxy will open in the Lehigh Valley Mall in the late fall.

According to DiDuca, the new location will take up a refurbished outparcel that had housed HobbyTown USA and a part of the former Babies R Us shop. According to a statement on the Lehigh Valley Mall's website, "The redesigned Golf Galaxy Performance Center in the Lehigh Valley Mall will offer golfers of all levels an immersive experience—access to industry leading TrackManTM and BioMechTM golf technologies, state-of-the-art hitting bays, custom fittings, golf lessons from a Class A Certified PGA Professional, and the best equipment, apparel, and footwear from top brands such as Callaway, TaylorMade, PING, Titleist, Nike, TravisMathew, New Balance, FootJoy and more."

In Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Airport Shopping Center is home to another Lehigh Valley Golf Galaxy store.

According to DiDuca, MINISO, a chain of variety stores that focuses in home and consumer goods like makeup, stationery, toys, and kitchenware, will establish its first site in the Lehigh Valley this summer in a lower level near to Bath & Body Works. MINISO offers a broad range of products, including home goods like energy-efficient mini night lamps and noodle bowls; cosmetics and health care items like lipstick and moisturizing face masks; fashion accessories like bath slippers and eye masks; and digital goods like headphones and a double-speaker, stereo Bluetooth speaker for "home theaters."

According to Sherry Smith, the mall's marketing administrator, Spice n Shake, a counter-service restaurant promising “the ultimate fried experience,” is anticipated to debut in early fall on the upper level, across from Lens Crafters. According to a description on the mall's website, Spice n Shake will specialize in serving French fries in a variety of shapes, such as shoestring and curly, "all expertly seasoned and shaken with your choice of robust flavors."

Game Box Arcade is also scheduled to launch in early fall, according to Smith. According to Smith, the Game Box Arcade, which will be located next to Boscov's on the lower floor, would follow the classic arcade theme and allow patrons to play a variety of games with quarters. In addition to welcoming new tenants, the Lehigh Valley Mall recently bid adieu to a number of establishments.

Earlier this week, Rivals Indoor Battlefield—which offered a secure indoor space for people of all ages to play with Nerf guns—closed. It was located on the second floor of the mall, adjacent to Macy's. Owner Yashira Caballero of Rivals posted a notice on the company's Facebook page earlier this month about Rivals' impending closure. A former Florida law enforcement officer and single mother of three who founded Rivals Indoor Battlefield did so in order to give her children a better future. Recently, a Starbucks outlet at the mall also shuttered. The network of coffee shops had been operating on the lower floor of the mall, close to the escalators, since 2007.

The recently remodeled Barnes & Noble bookshop within the mall is home to Barnes & Noble Cafe, where customers may still purchase Starbucks items. Last but not least, the Lehigh Valley Mall's lone Ardene store, a global fashion brand with over 250 locations, shuttered its doors in late July. Prior to the store closing, there was a "big blowout sale" with 70–80% off all garments, $2 off all footwear, and 10 for $10 off all accessories. More than 140 companies call the Lehigh Valley Mall, which opened in 1976 and included an outdoor lifestyle center in 2007, home, including major department stores Boscov's, Macy's, and JCPenney.

The mall has opened a number of new shops and eateries in recent months, including the first Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. At the outdoor lifestyle section of the Lehigh Valley Mall, Iron Hill, a well-known restaurant and craft brewery with outlets in Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, held a ribbon-cutting and “First Pour Celebration” on July 12. The new facility has a huge bar that is spread throughout the dining room, patio, and cocktail area. It also has an on-site, glass-enclosed brewery and a range of seating options, from communal high-tops to quiet banquettes.

Bravo! Cucina Italiana, which closed in the fall of 2022, was once housed in a restored end unit that now houses the 400-seat restaurant and brewery.  On July 5, Rally House, a chain of specialist sports stores with a wide range of clothing, presents, home décor, and other items of memorabilia featuring local teams from the NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, established a location in a lower level mall close to Macy's. Rally House boasts one of the best assortments of officially licensed team gear and locally made gifts. Its other Lehigh Valley locations are in the townships of Lower Macungie and Upper Saucon. Fan favorites like jerseys, headwear, drinkware, home decor, collectibles, and more are available in its product line. Stone Haven, a store selling natural stone jewelry and other related natural products, and Time On My Hands, a store selling watches from well-known brands including Bering, Bulova, Citizen, G-Shock, and Kenneth Cole, along with watch accessories and jewelry, have both recently opened at the mall.

On the lower floor of the mall, next to the main entrance, are Stone Haven and Time On My Hands. Some long-term tenants have recently renovated their spaces in addition to adding new shops and restaurants.

With almost 600 stores across the country, Barnes & Noble is an American bookshop. On May 17, it shuttered its temporary site on the mall's lower level, next to JCPenney, in preparation for the June 12 grand opening of its rebuilt branch, which is housed in the former lifestyle center.

The new location features all the best books, toys, games, and gifts that consumers have come to expect from the country's top bookseller, and it also shows the highly praised bookstore design seen in the most recent Barnes & Noble store openings. An updated B&N Café will be housed in the bookstore. Additionally, during the winter, Dave & Buster's—a network of restaurants and entertainment venues where patrons are encouraged to "eat, drink, play, and watch”—underwent significant renovations that included the installation of new carpet, lighting, and furnishings.

 

Check Out Homes For Sale Near The Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall, PA

Sept. 3, 2024

Jersey Mike’s Subs Opening at Westgate Mall

The eagerly anticipated Jersey Mike's sandwich restaurant at Bethlehem's recently renovated Westgate Mall is probably only a few weeks away from opening.

Jersey Mike's Westgate Mall

A brand-new strip mall inside Westgate Mall, situated along Schoenersville Road to the left of the recently opened Weis supermarket, is almost finished. The fully leased redevelopment area has been planned to include Tropical Smoothie Cafe, SoFresh, and Qdoba Mexican Eats.

The chain's marketing coordinator, Alexa Monsalve, informed lehighvalleylive.com this week that the grand opening is scheduled for September 18. The Geritt Curran-owned chain will expand to include the Westgate location as its 22nd franchise. He runs regional locations in Whitehall, Lower Nazareth, Lower Macungie, and Forks Township. He just opened up shop in South Whitehall.

Jersey Premium meats and cheeses that are cut fresh and heaped high atop freshly baked bread from the supermarket are Mike's specialty. The cold options are "Jersey Shore's Favorite," which consists of provolone, ham, and cappacuolo raised without antibiotics; "Club Supreme," which consists of roast beef, Swiss, bacon cooked over applewood, and turkey; and "Stickball Special," which consists of provolone, ham, and salami.

The three fast-casual restaurants, Qdoba Mexican Eats, SoFresh, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, are scheduled to debut in the fall, according to a prior statement made to lehighvalleylive.com by Marjorie Kaplan, vice president of public relations for Rutherford, New Jersey-based Axiom Communications.

Leading the multi-million dollar redevelopment of Westgate Mall is Onyx Equities, located in Woodbridge, New Jersey.

 

View Homes For Sale Near the New Jersey Mike in Westgate Mall in Bethlehem, PA