ALLENTOWN, Pa. – On its fifth anniversary, a popular Lehigh County brewery is leveling up with fresh eats, including pizzas, cheesesteaks, entrees and desserts, as well as new lighting, speakers and vibes.
McCall Collective Brewing Company, a family-run craft brewery and restaurant, on Oct. 14 debuted its new food menu and space upgrades at 102 E. Susquehanna St. in Allentown.
McCall Collective Brewing Company operates at 102 E. Susquehanna St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
Guests can enjoy menu additions such as pizzas from Macungie-based Local Stone and “Chef’s Corner” features such as a gourmet grilled cheese (freshly baked sourdough with Gouda and sharp cheddar, stuffed with bacon jam and citrus dressed arugula and toasted in a garlic truffle butter, served with fries) and chicken cutlet hoagie (house-breaded, crispy Italian chicken cutlet loaded into a seeded roll with vodka sauce, mozzarella and lemon-dressed arugula shallot salad, served with fries).
“We just celebrated our fifth birthday at the end of summer, and we’re excited to give the space a facelift and introduce some new, really great food items,” said Kaitlin McCall, founder and CEO of McCall Collective.
Steel Pixel Studios
“We’re so thankful to everyone who continues to support us, and we just really wanted to show our appreciation by shaking things up in a positive way.”
Local Stone’s risers, a take on Sicilian pizza, feature house-made, 12-inch by 12-inch crust with crispy cheese edges and signature sauce.
The pizzas, available in half (four slices) and whole (eight slices) sizes, are baked in a brand-new Italian pizza oven and include popular picks such as “The Clink” (three-cheese blend, pepperoni and sausage) and “The Hoff” (black pepper Cooper cheese, pepperoni and Mike’s Hot Honey).
Other new menu highlights, developed by McCall Collective’s kitchen manager, Anthony Yannuzzi, include citrus chive salmon (roasted salmon from Todd’s Island Seafood in Allentown, served on warm grains with fennel/shallot salad and citrus chive sauce) and a loaded baked sweet potato (topped with slow-roasted beef, smokey ancho chile sauce, lemon chive crème fraiche and toasted pumpkin seeds, with arugula and shallot salad served on the side).
Steel Pixel Studios
“We’re excited to be partnering with Local Stone to bring their fresh pizza to our taproom,” McCall said. “We’re also excited to be introducing a lot of other new items, including some great entrees, which are an upgrade from the sandwich-heavy menu that we previously had.”
McCall Collective, which opened in August 2020, is a family-run operation led by McCall; her husband, Chris McCall, who serves as CFO; and Chris’ brother, Matt McCall, who serves as head brewer.
In 2022, the team also opened a second taproom, dubbed Taphouse on Hamilton, at 7743 Hamilton Blvd. in the Breinigsville section of Upper Macungie Township.
In Allentown, the McCalls also recently upgraded the space to include a new, full-service, family-friendly dining room, with comfortable seating at low-top tables, near the brewery and restaurant’s main entrance.
Tables in the back bar area are now high-tops with bar service.
The Allentown location’s glow-up also includes more speakers and new lighting, including individual lights at each table.
Additionally, more than 70 bulbs were swapped for smart Hue bulbs, allowing the mood to be bright, relaxed or even spooky for Halloween.
“We opened with full-service during COVID, but then we had gone to an ordering model where customers could just order at the bar,” Kaitlin said.
“Now, we have both options. The front of the building is full-service, and the back is bar-service. So, as a guest, you can now choose your own adventure – whatever you’re in the mood for that day. If you want something a little bit more laid back, you could head back to the high-top tables. If you want to have a server come to you to take your order, you can find a seat at the front. No matter what, we always deliver the food to you.”
The new “Chef’s Corner” section of the menu also includes a cheesesteak (grilled shaved ribeye with Cooper sharp cheese and sautéed onions on a seeded roll direct from Philadelphia, served with fries) and McCall Burger (signature blend of chuck, short rib and brisket, cooked to desired temperature and served on a sesame seeded bun with house-made pickles, bibb lettuce, peppered bacon and American cheese, served with fries).
Additionally, McCall Collective brought back a few classic menu items, including shrimp tacos and a Nashville chicken sandwich, and upgraded other selections, with options such as jumbo wings (house-brined for two days, slow-roasted, fried-to-order and tossed in your choice of sauce) and a classic Caesar salad (romaine, shaved parmesan, fresh-baked croutons, roasted tomatoes and housemade Caesar dressing).
Steel Pixel Studios
“This is the biggest upgrade we’ve ever made to our kitchen,” reads an announcement on the business’ Facebook page. “Come hungry — and come ready to taste the next level of McCall’s.”
McCall Collective Brewing Company in Allentown is open noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Happy hour specials, including $5 drafts, $6 Moscow mules, $7 wine pours and 50% off wings, are offered 4-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
McCall Collective Brewing Company
Reservations for both seating areas are available on McCall Collective’s website and OpenTable.
For the latest McCall Collective updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: 610-973-5403; mccallcollectivebrewing.com.
More in Lehigh County‘2 gyms, 1 membership’: New Lehigh Valley fitness facility to offer 24/7 access at 2 unique spots
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular fitness facility is bulking up its footprint and offerings at a new location in Lehigh County.
Resistance Strength and F13 Performance, a two-in-one facility offering 24/7 access at two unique, neighboring fitness training spaces, will hold a grand opening 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at 4630 Broadway in South Whitehall Township, founder and CEO Rob Eschbach said.
The grand opening will feature DJ entertainment, raffles and a ribbon-cutting ceremony (10:30 a.m.).
The new facility, located in the Tilghman Square shopping center, is an expansion of F13 Performance, an all-encompassing performance and fitness facility that previously operated for 11 years on Penn Drive in the Fogelsville section of Upper Macungie Township, Eschbach said. Full story here.
F13 Performance recently relocated to the Tilghman Square shopping center on Broadway in South Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
International pizza chain’s 1st Lehigh Valley location sets opening date
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – An Ohio-based pizza brand, with more than 1,200 locations worldwide, is expanding its footprint at a Lehigh County shopping center.
The first Lehigh Valley location of Marco’s Pizza, a fast-growing pizza brand that aims “to deliver a high-quality pizza experience” featuring dough made from scratch and three fresh signature cheeses, is set to open on Monday, Oct. 27, at 2588 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, according to Chris Burns, who is operating the location with his partner, Jack Praizner.
The new location will occupy a renovated space near 2nd & Charles in the MacArthur Towne Centre.
The Whitehall location will focus on takeout and delivery orders, Praizner said. No dine-in service will be available. Read more here.
By Marco’s Pizza
Burlington to celebrate opening of 4th Lehigh Valley store with free $10 Bonus Cards
SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – A popular discount retailer is expanding its presence in the region.
Burlington Stores, Inc., a national discount retailer offering low prices on brand name merchandise for the entire family and home, is planning to open its fourth Lehigh Valley store at 9 a.m. Nov. 1 at the South Mall, 3300 Lehigh St., Salisbury Township, according to a news release.
The new store, totaling nearly 20,000 square feet, will occupy a portion of a former Stein Mart location, which closed in 2020. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
As rent rises, Lehigh County store seeks donations, possible new location to avoid closure
WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. – A nonprofit-run store, providing free clothing, household goods, hygiene products and other necessities to local individuals in need, is now in need of some assistance of its own.
Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More, a nearly four-year-old retail store at 7935 Route 873 in Washington Township, is at risk of closing due to rent that is significantly increasing, said Denise “Neicee” Martinez, founder, CEO and president of Caring DAM Hearts, the shop’s nonprofit operator.
The Washington Township property’s new owner informed Martinez of the rent increase earlier this week, and the nonprofit is unable to afford the shop’s rising rent, set to go into effect in about a month, Martinez said. Full story here.
Caring DAM Hearts
After being struck by vehicle, Lehigh Valley restaurant set to reopen with special offer
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A dining establishment that has been temporarily closed for repairs since mid-August will welcome back customers this weekend in Lehigh County.
A location of Bang Bang Hibachi Grill & Sushi, known for its freshly prepared sushi rolls, hibachi dishes and other Japanese favorites, is set to reopen on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 6900 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 225, in Lower Macungie Township, according to an announcement on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
The restaurant has been temporarily closed since mid-August, when its wall was damaged by a car. Read more here.
Bang Bang Hibachi Grill & Sushi’s Trexlertown location opened in August 2024 on Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township.
Bang Bang Hibachi Grill & Sushi -Trexlertown
Popular chain’s 1st Lehigh Valley restaurant celebrates grand opening with free platters
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A rapidly growing restaurant chain’s first Lehigh Valley location, open until 2 a.m. or later daily, dished out free food in celebration of its grand opening.
The first Lehigh Valley location of Shah’s Halal Food, a fast-casual restaurant chain offering halal platters, gyros, salads and more, on Friday hosted its grand opening at 3110 W. Tilghman St. in South Whitehall Township.
During the grand opening celebration, individuals enjoyed a free platter (chicken over rice, lamb over rice, chicken and lamb combo over rice or falafel over rice). Read more.
Ryan Kneller
Tilghman Street businesses continue to struggle as PennDOT construction rolls on
SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – “How do you say grilled peppers in Italian,” I asked Nicolla Assante inside his market.
“Peperoni grigliati,” he replied in the prefect Italian accent.
Assante Italian Market may be in South Whitehall Township, but it’s filled with the sounds, smells and tastes of Italy.
The business is set to mark its one-year anniversary November 5th, but for owner Assante, it’s more concern than celebration. Full story here.
Lehigh Valley business helps keep people warm with its knit blanket workshops
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Temperatures are starting to tumble as the Fall season makes itself comfortable in the Lehigh Valley.
A local business is keeping warm and making cozy creations with its chunky knit blanket workshops.
69 News Reporter Cierra Genelle visited Applejack’s Country Store in Whitehall Township Wednesday morning. Cierra was walked through the process from start to finish. Full story here.
Bethlehem buzz‘Thank you, everyone’: Lehigh Valley seafood restaurant set to close at end of year
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular seafood restaurant is bidding farewell in Northampton County.
Adagio, specializing in seafood and continental fare, is set to close Dec. 31 at 530 Pembroke Road in Bethlehem, owner Anthony Spagnola told 69 News.
After extensive renovations, Spagnola opened the restaurant in September 2015 at the site of the former 530 Grille. A full bar was added a year later.
Over the decades, the property was also home to other dining destinations, including Nueva Lanterna Fusion Grill and Rum Bar and The Lantern restaurant. Full story here.
Adagio operates at 530 Pembroke Road in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
‘We will miss you all’: Bethlehem restaurant to close as owners focus on mobile operations
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A downtown Bethlehem dining option is bidding farewell later this week.
3 Broke Blokes Grille, serving “comfort food with a Cajun twist,” will hold its last day of business on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 444 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem, co-owner Tim Smith said.
The restaurant opened in July alongside Lost Tavern Brewing’s Bethlehem taproom in a shared space within Moravian Book Shop. Read more here.
Bethlehem officials address delays in Co-op Market’s opening
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem City Council and the administration discussed the Bethlehem Co-op Market grocery store Tuesday night.
Sparked by public comment expressing frustration with its delayed opening, the group posted the following on its Facebook page: “Since so many of you (rightly!) asked – we are working to get a contractor finalized to connect the refrigeration equipment to the condenser on the roof (from the ground floor to atop the fourth). Once that is confirmed and work begins (which is complicated and expensive work), we can get a better estimate on our opening date. No one wants to get open more than we do!”
The full-service brick-and-mortar grocery store at 250 E. Broad St. was first announced in 2021. Ground was broken at the site the following year. But officials say the project has had to contend with several challenges since then, including funding complexities tied to a $2.9 million federal grant and rising construction costs, which have delayed the planned opening again and again. Read more.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem decks out for the holidays with new Christmas items
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Historic Hotel Bethlehem is getting into the holiday spirit.
The staff there has already put out Christmas items for purchase in the gift shop, from snow globes to tree ornaments.
Everything in the store is new this year, including some special new custom Bethlehem items. Full story here.
‘Truly a sweet honor’: Hotel Bethlehem recognized for its Moravian Sugar Cake
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Historic Hotel Bethlehem is earning national recognition, and we hear it’s pretty sweet.
The hotel’s beloved Moravian Sugar Cake landed itself a spot on the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Culinary Heritage and Traditions List, according to a news release from Strong Mountain Media.
The list honors historic hotels that “have made important contributions to the culinary heritage and preservation of culinary history in the United States.” Historic Hotel Bethlehem Managing Partner Bruce Haines said. Read more here.
Wind Gap newsCoffee franchise’s 1st Pa. location coming to former Dunkin’ site in Northampton County
WIND GAP, Pa. – A specialty coffee roaster’s first statewide location is brewing at a familiar coffee spot in the Lehigh Valley.
A new location of Identity Coffee Co., a New England-based, family-owned specialty coffee company, is expected to open in early January at 855 S. Broadway in Wind Gap, franchisee Jason Velazquez told 69 News.
James Balliet and Michael Makhoul of The James Balliet Property Group represented both the landlord and tenant in the deal.
The Wind Gap site was previously home to a Dunkin’ eatery, which relocated across the street to 938 S. Broadway in 2024. Read more.
Wind Gap theater movie theater scaring up some fun with Halloween movie showings
WIND GAP, Pa. – A Northampton County movie theater is bringing spooky season to the big screen.
The Gap Theatre is giving guests a mix of thrill and scare with their Halloween showings.
69 News Reporter Cierra Genelle was live in Wind Gap Thursday morning. Full story here.
Easton updatesProposal for 7-story, mixed-use building advances in Easton
EASTON, Pa. – Easton City Council approved a certificate of appropriateness for a proposed mixed-use building Wednesday night at city hall.
The proposal, known as The Lynden, calls for a seven-story structure at 101 S. Third St. featuring 73 condominiums and more than 2,540 square feet of first-floor commercial and retail space. The condominiums will be comprised of one-, two- and three-bedroom units and penthouses, which will have balconies. Officials with the application noted there would be a gym and bicycle room on the first floor.
The proposal, offered by developer Basin Street Industrial Development LLC, also features 43 parking spaces on the first floor with an entrance on South Bank Street. Read more here.
‘Great experience’: Hair To Dye For celebrates 20 years with party in Easton
EASTON, Pa. – Hair to Dye For in Easton also celebrated on Sunday!
They marked their 20th year in business with a party.
The salon’s owner tells us that when they opened back in 2005 — it was pretty much just them and Nature’s Way along Northampton Street. Read more.