PLAINFIELD TWP., Pa. – A new full-service restaurant and bar will soon satisfy appetites in the Lehigh Valley.
AYCE, a full-service restaurant offering a wide array of Chinese and Japanese specialties a la carte or as part of an all-you-can-eat dining experience, is expected to open in May or June at 1420 Jacobsburg Road in Plainfield Township, owner Jeff Lin told 69 News this week.
AYCE Chinese & Japanese Cuisine is coming soon to 1420 Jacobsburg Road in Plainfield Township.
Ryan Kneller
The restaurant, just outside Wind Gap, will occupy a renovated property that previously housed other dining establishments, including J&R’s Smokehouse, Gaglione’s Cucina Italiana and American Lobster, the latter of which closed in 2024 after four years of business.
Lin was originally hoping to open AYCE in March, but the recent death of his father forced him to postpone that initial target opening date until a later time.
While Lin was tending to family matters, the restaurant also sustained minor damage in February due to a small electrical fire stemming from work associated with the restaurant’s signage, Lin said.
“I was away from the restaurant that day, but it was a minor fire, and the insurance is working on it,” Lin said. “So, hopefully, that gets done this month, and we can move on with the project.”
Rich Rolen | WFMZ-TV
Lin has extensive experience in the restaurant industry, holding various front- and back-of-house positions for more than 20 years, and he also operates the year-old Mt. Palace, another full-service restaurant offering all-you-can-eat Chinese and Japanese cuisine, in Mount Pocono, Monroe County.
In Wind Gap, Lin saw an opportunity to complement the area’s existing dining scene.
Lin, a Poconos resident who lives about a 20-minute drive away from the forthcoming AYCE restaurant, has heard from Mt. Palace customers as well as friends who live in the Slate Belt that Wind Gap is in need of more, full-service dining establishments.
They noted that the borough and neighboring Plainfield Township are home to several quick-service eateries, including Arby’s, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Dunkin’ and Starbucks, but full-service options are more limited, Lin said.
“I have friends who live in Wind Gap, and they kept saying, ‘We need something new in Wind Gap. We need something new in Wind Gap,’” Lin said.
“They often go to Easton for different restaurants. So, we’re bringing in a spot for people who are looking for high-quality food and fine dining.”
AYCE Chinese & Japanese Cuisine
AYCE, which stands for all you can eat, will offer an all-you-can-eat dining experience, where guests can enjoy unlimited appetizers, soups, salads, sushi, hibachi selections, ice cream and more at a set price.
Guests will place orders with a server, and selected items – including sushi and hibachi dishes – will be made fresh to order by the restaurant’s culinary team.
For individuals who aren’t very hungry or just looking for smaller portions, all menu items also will be available a la carte, Lin said.
Hibachi dishes will feature high-quality rice and noodles, fresh vegetables and optional proteins such as chicken, steak or shrimp.
Individuals also can expect well-known Chinese-American dishes such as General Tso’s chicken and Mongolian beef along with more unique options such as champagne chicken and homestyle dishes featuring a special Chinese barbecue sauce, Lin said.
The restaurant is partnering with top suppliers to offer fresh seafood, including premium salmon, toro tuna and uni, with the latter being the edible part of a sea urchin.
“We’ll have some more high-end options,” Lin said.
“So, if people want to spend a bit more for a special occasion, we’re also looking at bringing in fresh live king crabs or Dungeness crabs from our suppliers.”
AYCE is coming soon to 1420 Jacobsurg Road in Plainfield Township.
AYCE
Lin and his team have spent the past several months renovating the former American Lobster site, with improvements including new flooring, lighting and furniture, among other upgrades.
AYCE, with seating for more than 150 guests, will feature a full bar, offering beer, wine and cocktails.
Private party rooms also will be available.
“We redid the whole bar and dining area,” Lin said.
For the latest AYCE updates, including an official opening announcement, follow the business’ Facebook page.