The proprietor of a well-liked Lehigh Valley cafe with a reputation for cheesesteaks, burgers, and hoagies wants to sell the business and keep operating it as a mobile restaurant. The property of Sewards Steak Shop, located at 202 S. 17th St. in Allentown, as well as the connected residence, are for sale according to Mike Sewards, the second generation owner and operator.
After the sale, he and Nelson Villanueva, a longtime employee of Sewards, intend to turn the family-run company into a fully mobile enterprise in the shape of a new Sewards food truck that will appear at nearby establishments as well as public and private events across the Lehigh Valley region. The 66-year-old eatery, however, is conducting "business as usual" until the property is sold, according to Sewards. "I have been running this restaurant for nearly 45 years, and I am going to be 70 shortly," Sewards remarked. "Well, I have been wanting to downsize for a time, and I had planned to do so in 2019, then COVID struck. For anyone wishing to operate a restaurant, the location presents a fantastic opportunity.
Sewards' father, John Sewards, opened the Sewards Steak Shop in 1958. It is located at the southwest corner of Union and South 17th streets. Growing up at the restaurant, Mike remembers helping out in a variety of ways, starting at the age of ten when he was tasked with gathering soda bottles. Since taking over Sewards in 1980, Mike has maintained its reputation as a mainstay in Allentown by providing fresh, delicious cuisine and courteous service for almost 40 years, all with the assistance of the staff. With vintage pictures of Allentown sports teams, sporting trophies, and other memorabilia on display in the dining area, the restaurant manages to retain a cozy and charming ambiance.
Mike's late uncle, Milo Sewards, was a successful veteran basketball coach at William Allen High School. He eventually became the athletic director of the school and named the high school arena after himself. Milo Sewards coached several of the displayed teams. The cozy ambiance continues into the dining area, where patrons may strike up a conversation with Villanueva, Mike, and other staff members while food is being prepared in an open kitchen. Mike stated, "We take great satisfaction in using premium ingredients, and customers can watch us prepare their cuisine."
After 15 years of employment at Sewards, Villanueva claimed, "All of our cuisine is created fresh to order." "We always aim to improve and provide the clients what they want, therefore we also take suggestions from the public seriously.” Mike, an Allen High School alumnus from 1974, stated, "We love the community that we serve and are glad to be a part of Allentown." The combined asking price of the Sewards Steak Shop land and the three-bedroom, two-story house next door is $849,900.
The description states that the property is "perfect for a family-run business" and that the owner may live next door or rent the house out for additional revenue. The property features a turnkey restaurant with a fully-equipped kitchen. The listing says, "Perfect for combining business and living, or for earning additional rental income." "The price includes both properties, 202 S. 17th and 204 S. 17th," Mike stated. "Garages are included in that as well. So, the house and restaurant will belong to whoever purchases this. It is up to them what they do with the area after I show them how to utilize the restaurant's equipment and acquaint them with it. Though it would not be Sewards, the restaurant will probably remain open. The old pictures and recipes would remain with us.
Villanueva and Mike emphasize that until the property is sold, nothing will change at Sewards. The restaurant is still operating Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the two are currently looking for a food truck. Mike stated, "We are not doing anything until the property sells, but we are hoping to get a truck by the fall." It can take up to six months, a year, or even longer. We hope it does not take much longer than that, but we will make sure to update everyone on social media. After learning that we will be having a food truck, a few people have already inquired about availability. They have heard me say, "Not quite yet, but soon!"