EASTON, Pa. – A beloved restaurant in Northampton County is navigating a transitional phase.
Ashley’s Signature Restaurant, a family owned and operated restaurant known for its high-quality, homemade dishes, has announced that it’s closed until further notice at 229 N. 11th St. in Easton.
The announcement comes roughly a week after the Ashley’s Signature Restaurant, family and team shared news of the passing of the restaurant’s owner, Melinda Watson.
“On Melinda’s 70th birthday, we would like to honor her life and legacy by announcing that, as we navigate this transitional phase, we will be closed until further notice,” reads Monday’s announcement, posted on the business’ Facebook page.
“Memorial services, given by her daughter, will be announced in the near future. We truly thank you, our customers, staff, and family, for the support over the decades and for your understanding as we process and heal from this deep loss to our community – From, Ashley, the daughter of Melinda.”
Ashley’s Signature Restaurant has been a part of the Easton community since 1935, and over the years, the establishment “has built its renowned reputation with one simple ingredient… quality, homemade food,” according to a description on the business’ website.
“Owner Melinda Watson, who grew up as an Eastonian, undoubtedly has a pulse on the community & their craving for hospitality at it’s finest,” the description continues. “Proven with the mixture of fine American culinary art cuisine & delectable desserts, Melinda has established a warm place where you come as a friend & leave as family.”
Ashley’s, located at the corner of North 11th Street and Wood Avenue, has become a popular dining destination thanks to its friendly service and freshly prepared dishes, including appetizers such as crab cake sliders, tuna tartare, jumbo wings and “steak-etta” (tender filet tips, gorgonzola, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and onions on garlic toast with balsamic drizzle); and sandwiches and noodle selections such as penne vodka, chicken pesto, a mushroom Swiss burger and Nashville hot chicken sandwich.
Entrée options include filet mignon, lemon chicken, shrimp Florentine, Maryland-style crab cake, risotto gorgonzola, Guinness short rib, blackened creole salmon, bourbon-pepper pork chop and steak and frites.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Melinda,” reads the Feb. 15 post on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“To so many of you, she wasn’t just the owner of this restaurant, she was the heart of it. She knew your names, your usual orders, and asked about your families. She made this place feel like a home, because to her, you were all family. Melinda poured her love into every detail of this restaurant, but more importantly into every person who walked through our doors. Her warmth, her laughter and her generous spirit touched, countless lives and a legacy she leaves behind is immeasurable. We are grieving deeply, but we are also grateful. We are grateful for the years we had with her, for the community she built, and for each of you who made this dream of hers come alive.”
The Feb. 15 announcement garnered more than 1,000 reactions and over 300 comments, and within an hour of its posting, Monday’s post had already garnered hundreds more.
“Melinda was an amazing woman who always remembered us and made us feel welcomed and appreciated each and every time,” one person stated. “May she rest in peace.”
“Prayers to you Ashley, and your entire family,” another person commented. “Melinda was a class act and I was honored to have had called her a friend. She will be missed!”
“She was so nice to me anytime I came in,” another person wrote. “I hope to be able to dine there again. Sympathies to her family and staff.”
For the latest Ashley’s updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.