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