ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Allentown City Council voted Wednesday night to transfer a liquor license from South Whitehall Township to The Felix Restaurant LLC, 395 S. Cedar Crest Blvd.
The applicant is Donny Petridis, a restaurateur who owns The Shelby in Lower Macungie Township.
Petridis is purchasing the former TGI Fridays restaurant, located at the Shops at Cedar Point.
Petridis intends to open a higher-end American cuisine establishment by the end of this year.
Plans show 150 seats inside and an additional 80 seats on an outdoor patio.
Although the conceptual designs have not been finalized, Petridis intends to apply for building permits in the next 60 to 90 days.
Freshly prepared eats and drinks will return to a prominent restaurant site in Lehigh County.
The existing restaurant building will be kept, but the interior will be completely redone.
Council held the required public hearing prior to its regular voting meeting.
No members of the public made any comment.
At the hearing, Councilmember Candida Affa thanked Petridis for bringing more business into the downtown.
“We need more restaurants and people like you running the restaurants,” Affa said. “Thank you for coming to Allentown. I think this is a great idea and is a great location with parking.”
Council President Santo Napoli said the proposal will result in a much better restaurant.
“I personally prefer small businesses versus chains, so I think it’s a great swap,” Napoli said. “And your track record is impeccable. So, this is good news for Allentown.”
Petridis said the restaurant is expected to create 60 new jobs, with health care benefits available for all positions.
395 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown