U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – A new tasty chapter – filled with American and European specialties – will soon begin for a prominent restaurant site in Lehigh County.
U-MAC Tavern, offering a fusion of American and European dishes and drinks, is expected to open in mid-May at 6751 Ruppsville Road in Upper Macungie Township, owner Emmanuel Teloniatis told 69 News.
The freestanding building was previously home to Sunset Grille, a full-service establishment that closed in 2024 after more than 30 years.
The former Sunset Grille property, pictured here in January, is located at Ruppsville and Schantz roads in Upper Macungie Township.
Teloniatis recently signed a lease for the Upper Macugie property and is planning to implement some upgrades to the space prior to the restaurant’s opening.
“We are remodeling the kitchen, dining room and whole bar area,” Teloniatis said.
“We’re super excited to bring the property back to life and write history again like the Sunset Grille wrote history. We’re going to be creating a must-go place for the community.”
Teloniatis, a resident of Whitehall Township, has more than 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry.
His foray into the restaurant world began as a child, when he worked at restaurants that his parents previously operated in Reading, Berks County.
For the past five years, he’s owned The New Country View Diner on Route 873 in Washington Township, Lehigh County, which he plans to continue operating through April or May.
“My lease is coming up to its end, and my wife and I were looking to do something different to showcase our European culture at a new restaurant,” Teloniatis said.
Teloniatis, 46, has a Greek background, and he is excited to showcase some Greek specialties along with dishes originating in Italy, Spain and other European countries at U-MAC Tavern.
Guests can anticipate items such as hand-crafted paninis, gyro platters and sweet and savory crepes including varieties with fresh fruit, ham and cheese.
The menu is still being finalized, and Teloniatis plans to announce more details on the business’ Facebook page as the restaurant nears opening.
U-MAC Tavern
“I was born in the United States, but my parents were immigrants from Greece,” Teloniatis said.
“I moved to Greece when I was 12 years old, and I came back to the U.S. in 2015. So, I was raised in restaurants, and I’ve done everything – from busboy to chef.”
The American side of the menu will include hand-crafted hamburgers, wraps and chicken wings, among other items.
Individuals also will be able to enjoy freshly prepared soups, chicken entrees, broiled seafood platters and steaks such as porterhouse and tomahawk.
“We’re also going to have a huge variety of salads with fresh fruits, walnuts, sunflower seeds and so on,” Teloniatis said.
Lunch and dinner service will be offered Monday through Friday, and a breakfast buffet along with lunch and dinner service will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tentative operating hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Teloniatis said.
The weekend breakfast buffet will include items such as scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, French toast, pancakes and waffles.
For on-the-go individuals, the restaurant also will feature a grab-and-go section offering pre-made sandwiches, salads and more.
“We’ll have the grab-and-go area for anyone who’s in a hurry and wants to get in and out quickly,” Teloniatis said.
U-MAC Tavern will offer dining room seating for around 180 guests, and a separate banquet room – set to open later – will accommodate an additional roughly 150 guests, Teloniatis said.
The restaurant also will feature a full bar, offering a variety of classic and signature cocktails, along with a unique selection of coffee beverages that include specialty, European-style espresso drinks.
“You could enjoy coffee or soft ice cream on the patio during the summer,” Teloniatis said.
U-MAC Tavern will bring freshly prepared eats and drinks back to a prominent restaurant site at the northwest corner of Ruppsville and Schantz roads in Upper Macungie.
Sunset Grille, which was owned by longtime restaurateurs Ron and Clairissa Pickering, closed in 2024 after more than 30 years of business.
The business served up Mexican and American cuisine such as burritos, burgers, cheesesteaks, enchiladas, tacos and wings.
“After 34 years of operation as the Sunset Grille, we have entered into a purchase agreement for the restaurant,” a September 2024 announcement on Sunset Grille’s Facebook page read.
The property was purchased by husband and wife Ed and Shahnaz Hanna of Whitehall Township in late 2024.
For the latest U-MAC Tavern news, including menu announcements and progress updates, follow the restaurant’s Facebook page.