U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – New owners are breathing new life into a scenic, early 19th century tavern, set to reopen soon in Lehigh County.
Ye Olde Spring Valley Tavern, a full-service restaurant and bar known for utilizing fresh ingredients such as trout from its spring-fed pond, was sold to new owners last summer and will reopen as Spring Valley Tavern this spring at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township, according to Richard Islam, who’s operating the tavern with his family.
Spring Valley Tavern, reopening soon, is located at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township.
Ryan Kneller
The tavern closed in early August under previous owners Donna and Warren Walters, and Islam and his family have been implementing interior and exterior renovations over the past several months in preparation for its reopening.
The team was originally hoping to open the tavern’s new iteration by the end of 2025, but certain updates took longer than expected.
The group is now aiming for an early spring debut, “hopefully near the end of March,” Islam said.
The stone building, also once known as Spring Valley Inn, was constructed in the early 1800s.
“[The tavern] flourished during the Prohibition era, largely due to its secluded location,” a message on the business’ website reads.
“Trap doors in the kitchen floor were no doubt used to conceal the “wine cellars” during Prohibition. Much of the Inn’s past history is obscure, but not its reputation – especially the spring-fed pond and fresh trout that have been traditional fare here. The main spring emerges from under the building and remains a constant 51 degrees year-round.”
Spring Valley Tavern
Islam, a resident of Macungie, will operate Spring Valley Tavern with his sister, Sarah Minhas, and her husband, Sunny Minhas, who live in Alburtis.
Islam’s longtime friend, Jen Heller, a Hellertown native who previously helped oversee operations at Funk and Illumination Brewing taprooms in Emmaus and Slatington, will serve as Spring Valley Tavern’s general manager.
“We’re very much a family-run business, and we plan to treat everyone who walks into the door like family,” Islam said.
“My parents are also involved to an extent, but they’re more behind the scenes and won’t be here for the day-to-day operations. Overall, I’m just really excited because I’ve always wanted to run a really great restaurant and bar, and I think we have a truly incredible team in place to do just that.”
Spring Valley Tavern, with seating for around 100 guests inside and roughly 50 guests outside, will feature trout dishes and other staples from the tavern’s previous iterations, along with some new additions such as a tikka masala chicken sandwich, Islam said.
“All of the popular dishes that people know and love are staying,” Islam said.
“We’re only expanding the menu. So, dishes like clams casino, seared scallops and surf and turf with filet mignon and lobster tail are all returning. But now, you’ll also have even more tasty options, including more small plates like shrimp scampi toast, Buffalo cauliflower and lamb skewers with pomegranate molasses and mint yogurt.”
A tavern hallmark, fresh trout, will be available six ways, including almond-crusted, blackened Cajun, grilled Mediterranean, meunièr (lemon caper sauce), Asian-glazed and as smoked trout cakes, Islam said.
Spring Valley Tavern, pictured here in November 2025, is located at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township.
Ryan Kneller
Customers also will be able to enjoy a trout po’ boy, along with other handhelds such as a fresh ribeye cheesesteak, short rib grilled cheese (with gouda and onions on sourdough), tacos (soft, hard or fried), falafel wrap (with hummus, cucumber and tahini lime sauce) and crispy chicken wraps (Buffalo, barbecue or Caesar), Islam said.
“We’ll also have a few burgers,” Islam said.
“We’ll have your popular varieties, like Swiss mushroom, Texas barbecue and Southwest, but we’ll also have unique options like the ‘Stackhouse,’ which will be our take on a Big Mac, with two patties, special sauce, American cheese, lettuce and pickles on a sesame bun.”
The culinary team will be led by executive chef Grace Mulicka, who has worked at several prominent Lehigh Valley dining destinations, including PA House in Hellertown and Olde Homestead Golf Club in New Tripoli, Islam said.
Around a dozen appetizers will include shrimp cocktail, nachos, quesadillas, cheesesteak egg rolls, house-made mozzarella planks, hand-cut French fries, hand-battered onion rings and wings available in a variety of house-made sauces and dry rubs, Islam said.
Pierogies will be available in a variety of styles, including classic (butter, onions and sour cream), Buffalo (blue cheese and hot sauce) and loaded (bacon, cheddar and scallions).
Entrees, each served with a starch and vegetable, will include options such as New York strip steak with a peppercorn demi-glace; filet mignon with a red wine reduction; blacked Faroe Island salmon; and chicken Marsala over whipped potatoes or pasta.
“We’re also going to have a rotating risotto, with one of our staples being wild mushroom risotto,” Islam said.
“Fresh soups will include French onion and lobster bisque, and fresh salads will include classic Caesar, house and Mediterranean grains.”
The tavern will offer premium sides such as truffled mashed potatoes, lobster mac and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts (with or without bacon), grilled asparagus, sweet corn elote and wild mushroom farro, along with regular sides such as seasonal vegetable medley, whipped potatoes, side house salad, side Caesar salad and wild rice blend.
Guests saving room for dessert will enjoy made-on-site treats such as crème brulee, molten chocolate cake, sticky toffee pudding, bananas Foster cheesecake and affogato with fresh espresso and vanilla ice cream.
“Everything will be fresh and made on site,” Islam said.
Islam and his family are no strangers to the Lehigh Valley business scene.
Prior to purchasing the Upper Saucon property, the family owned and operated the Jamesville Express food stand at the Valero gas station in East Allen Township for roughly a decade before selling it few years ago, Islam said.
They’re excited to serve and get to know new customers in another part of the Lehigh Valley.
“We always wanted to operate our own restaurant and bar, and we saw a great opportunity at this location,” Islam said. “We just really fell in love with the beauty and history of this building.”
The Spring Valley Tavern team has spent the past few months updating the early 19th century building with new bathrooms, wall paint, kitchen equipment and more, while maintaining historical elements such as rustic woodwork in the bar area.
The tavern also will feature refurbished hardwood flooring in the dining room, colorful light fixtures in the bar area and new, custom butcher block dining tables.
The bar will feature 10 draft beers, along with a wide array of wines and classic and signature cocktails.
A new jukebox as well as new TVs have been added to the bar area, which features nods to the tavern’s past, including name placards that were displayed on the bar.
“The bar area is a big draw, and all of the regulars have told us how much they love the woodwork, and so do we,” Islam said. “So, we’re not changing it one bit.”
Outside, Islam and the team trimmed trees, painted fencing and cleaned up the fountains and pond.
Spring Valley Tavern, reopening soon, is located at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township.
Ryan Kneller
They also added new tan siding and painted other parts of the façade tan with blue accents around the windows. An outdoor dining pavilion will be refurbished this spring.
“Personally, blue is one of my favorite colors, and I also went to Penn State, whose colors are navy blue and white,” said Islam, who holds a business degree, with a focus on management and marketing, from Penn State. “So, the blue accents just seemed like a good fit.”
The Upper Saucon tavern, built in the early 1800s, has seen many changes over the past 200-plus years.
In its most recent former chapter, the dining destination reopened in 2014 as Ye Olde Spring Valley Tavern under the Walters and Frank and Kim McCartney after being closed since 2008.
“We appreciate all of our Spring Valley Family and community for their love and support over the years,” reads an August announcement announcing the transition. “Thank you, we love you all.”
Spring Valley Tavern is hiring for front- and back-of-house positions, and individuals interested in applying should an e-mail to info@springvalleytavern.com.
For the latest Spring Valley Tavern updates, including an official opening announcement, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.
More tasty spots coming soon’Creating a must-go place’: New restaurant and bar coming to former Sunset Grille property
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.
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. Full story here.
WFMZ-TV
Lehigh Valley restaurateur to open new dining establishment at former TGI Fridays site
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Freshly prepared eats and drinks will return to a prominent restaurant site in Lehigh County.
Lehigh Valley restaurateur Donny Petridis has signed a lease for 395 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown.
The freestanding building, in The Shops at Cedar Point, was previously home to a TGI Fridays restaurant, which closed in 2024.
Petridis, who owns and operates The Shelby restaurant in Lower Macungie Township, has plans to open a new, yet-to-be-decided dining concept at the Allentown property. Read more here.
A building that previously housed a TGI Fridays restaurant is pictured in The Shops at Cedar Point at 395 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
After Downtown Allentown Market’s closure, popular eatery to find new life at new location
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A popular fast-casual concept is nearing completion of its new home in a Lehigh County shopping center.
Zahra, a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean concept and sister business of Allentown’s Aladdin Restaurant, is expected to reopen at its new location in mid-March at 323 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown, owner Samantha Younes told 69 News this week.
The Shops at Cedar Point spot was previously home to a Red Wing Shoes store, and renovations including new flooring, lighting, kitchen equipment and more have taken place over the past several months.
Younes previously operated Zahra for more than five years at the former Downtown Allentown Market, which closed last spring on downtown Allentown’s ArtsWalk, between Sixth and Seventh streets. Read more.
Retail updatesLehigh Valley’s newest Ace Hardware store opens at former Rite Aid location
WALNUTPORT, Pa. – A one-time destination for prescription and over-the-counter medications is now home to power tools, lawn and garden equipment and other items for your home and outdoor spaces in Northampton County.
Ace Hardware Walnutport opened Thursday, Feb. 19, at 200 S. Best Ave. in Walnutport.
The roughly 12,000-square-foot store is operating at the site of a former Rite Aid location in the Walnutport Shopping Center.
The new store, owned by Tim Bracey, has hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, according to the store’s webpage. Full story here.
‘We can’t wait to serve the neighborhood’: Deli and grocery store opening soon in Whitehall
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A new destination for American and international foods, fresh groceries and more is coming soon to Lehigh County.
Whitehall Deli & Grocery is opening soon at 3001 S. Second St. in Whitehall Township, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The new business will offer a great selection of American and international foods, fresh groceries, lottery sales, tobacco products and Pennsylvania Skill games “all in one convenient spot,” according to the announcement.
“We can’t wait to serve the neighborhood and become your new go-to store,” the online post continues. Read more here.
Whitehall Deli & Grocery
Making moves’We’re back!’: Promenade Saucon Valley tenant moves to larger space
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Following a successful year and holiday season, a popular business has expanded operations at Promenade Saucon Valley.
Smartivities Showcase, a woman-owned and family-operated artist market and creative space offering handmade gifts, art supplies, pottery classes and more, last weekend completed its move from its former Promenade location – totaling around 3,000 square feet – to a larger location that spans more than 4,000 square feet.
Smartivities’ new location is in Suite 103, next to L.L. Bean.
“We’re BACK!” reads an announcement on Smartivities’ Facebook page.
“Now Open Regular Hours! Pottery Painting, Wheel Classes, and our Artist Market are up and running. We are accepting new vendors and currently filling our Artist Market shelves.” Read more.
Smartivities Showcase
‘We’re thrilled’: New tenant coming to former Bon-Ton spot near Quakertown
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – An expanding business will breathe new life into a former department store in upper Bucks County.
Relentless Iron, a state-of-the-art fitness facility offering one-on-one and group training along with open gym access, is planning to move in the spring from its home of three years at 585 S. West End Blvd. in Quakertown to a larger space at 749 S. West End Blvd. in Richland Township.
The facility’s forthcoming location – less than a half mile south of its current spot – will occupy a soon-to-renovated space that previously housed a portion of a former Bon-Ton department store, which closed in 2018, at the Richland Plaza.
The fitness facility will operate at the southeast corner of the former Bon-Ton building, according to Alex Fillman, who owns and operates the business with his wife, Jessica Fillman. Full story here.
Relentless Iron is moving to a portion of a former Bon-Ton department store, which closed in 2018, at the Richland Plaza in Richland Township. The fitness facility will operate at the southeast corner of the former Bon-Ton building.
Lehigh County newsNew Lehigh Valley Wawa to hold grand opening next week with coffee, T-shirt giveaways
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Wawa will open its first store of 2026 in Lehigh County, with an America250PA T-shirt giveaway and other nods to the United States’ 250th birthday.
The new Wawa location will open on Feb. 26 at 3015 Lehigh St. in Allentown, at the former site of The Brass Rail, an iconic Lehigh Valley restaurant that closed in 2022 before being demolished last year.
The Brass Rail’s new iteration, a fast-casual eatery, opened in 2024 at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.
The new Wawa’s grand opening festivities will kick off at 7:55 a.m. Feb. 26, with Wawa general manager Christopher Olsson counting down to the moment when the doors open for the very first time at 8 a.m. Read more here.
A new Wawa location is coming soon to 3015 Lehigh St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
Lower Macungie approves plans for ‘Shoppes at Hamilton’: 318 apartments, 160-room hotel, retail
L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The Lower Macungie Board of Commissioners granted preliminary/final land development approval for a mixed-use project Thursday night at the municipal building.
The project, known as The Shoppes at Hamilton, calls for 318 apartments, a 160-room hotel and 20,000 square feet of retail on a 54.4-acre parcel at 617 N. Krocks Road. The plan offers 740 parking spaces for the site’s residential portion, 166 spaces for the hotel, and 78 for the project’s commercial portion.
The property is in the township’s Highway Commercial district and is located at the northeast corner of North Krocks Road and the Frederick Jaindl Memorial Highway intersection. Read more.
A concept landscape plan (November 2022) for 617 N. Krocks Road, across the bypass from Hamilton Crossings.
Melillo Bauer Carman Landscape Architecture
Preliminary proposal for 7 Brew drive-thru coffee in Trexlertown Plaza put on pause
U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The Upper Macungie Township Planning Commission tabled a preliminary/final land development plan for a coffee shop Wednesday night.
The applicant, 7 Brew Coffee, is proposing a drive-thru coffee business at 7150 Hamilton Blvd. within the Trexlertown Plaza shopping center. The plan calls for a 510-square-foot building with a 280-square-foot accessory cooler and storage structure, dumpster enclosure and associate site improvements. The property is located in Upper Macungie’s Highway Commercial zoning district.
A representative with the coffee chain said the franchise offers small footprint, modular constructed buildings with a drive-thru and no indoor seating. The company has more than 500 national locations, with the closest Lehigh Valley facility in Reading. The company originated in Rogers, Arkansas.
Township officials said the plan was in the preliminary stage and recommended tabling the proposal. Full story here.
7 Brew is a drive-thru coffee chain serving more than 20,000 drink combinations.
7 Brew
Bethlehem buzz’Super excited!’: New restaurant to open next to popular Bethlehem brewery
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A hot spot for lagers, IPAs and other craft beer will soon have a new neighbor dishing out freshly prepared burgers, steak sandwiches and other freshly prepared eats in Northampton County.
A new fast-casual restaurant is coming soon to 325 Broadway in south Bethlehem, adjacent to Seven Sirens Brewing Company.
Jordan Serulneck, co-owner of Seven Sirens, told 69 News that the brewery has partnered with a local restaurateur to renovate the former Metro by T-Mobile location next door to the brewery.
The restaurant’s menu is still being finalized, but individuals can expect elevated pub fare, including premium burgers, cheesesteaks, wings, rice platters, French fries, onion rings and more, Serulneck said. Read more here.
Seven Sirens Brewing Company operates at 327 Broadway in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
After nearly a year of business, Lehigh Valley furniture store kicks off closing sale
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A destination for beds, sofas and other home furnishings is winding down operations.
A location of Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses, offering furniture for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and offices, has kicked off a store closing sale at 2178 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem.
An exact closing date has not yet been announced and will be determined based on how quickly remaining merchandise is sold, a worker told 69 News.
A majority of pieces have been discounted 40-60% off their original prices.
The Bethlehem store opened in March 2025 at the site of a former Rite Aid location in the Lehigh Shopping Center. Read more.
A location of Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses, offering furniture for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and offices, has kicked off a store closing sale at 2178 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem.
Bethlehem approves COA for 7-story ‘Ironside Lofts’ amid continued arguments against height in historic district
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem City Council on Tuesday approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Ironside Lofts, a proposed seven-story mixed-use apartment building at 33 W. Walnut St.
Adjacent to a new parking garage on West Walnut Street, the predominantly masonry, brick-veneer structure will include one- and two-bedroom apartments, structured parking and ground-floor retail space fronting Walnut Street. Parking for the building will be provided within the new garage.
Councilmember Justin Amann voted to approve the measure, calling the project “a great example of a public-private relationship.”
“The project looks great and fits downtown. I’m supporting it because I appreciate the way the process has been done,” he said. Full story here.
View looking east from West Walnut Street.
Larken Associates/Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners
Baked into Bethlehem: Exhibit gives inside look at city’s baking culture, historic traditions
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Baking has been part of Bethlehem’s story for nearly 300 years, and now, thanks to a new exhibit, you can get an inside look at historic traditions like its famous “sugar cake.”
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay has the story from the city’s “Baked into Bethlehem” exhibit with an inside look at the city’s baking culture.
Mark Steigelman, Exhibitions/Programming Director with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, said the exhibit at the Moravian Museum and Kemerer Museum features the history of baking in the city, from the early beehive ovens to today.
Steigelman said the exhibit has several rooms, including an easy bake oven room! The exhibit features the toys from when they were first introduced in 1963 to now, as well as older advertisements for them. Read more here.