EMMAUS, Pa. – Whether you’re looking to enjoy a fresh cocktail, family dinner or fun night out with friends, a popular distillery in Lehigh County is leveling up with more space, spirits and services.
Triple Sun Spirits Co., crafting ultra-premium, small-batch spirits, has been temporarily closed to the public for upgrades since early March and is expected to reopen in mid-May at 518 Bank St. in Emmaus, partner Robert Johnson said.
Triple Sun Spirits Co. is located at 518 Bank St. in Emmaus.
Ryan Kneller
When it reopens, the venue will feature a new game room with pool tables and other entertainment options such as shuffleboard, a digital jukebox and sports viewing on TVs; and a new dining room with an open kitchen serving artisanal sandwiches, salads, sides and more, Johnson said.
Triple Sun’s existing tasting room/retail shop will remain, with the team implementing more of an “elevated lounge feel,” Johnson said.
The three rooms will each have their own bar and unique identity, but they also will flow together seamlessly, allowing individuals to walk from one space to another and explore the different vibes, Johnson said.
Guests will be able to enjoy Triple Sun cocktails, along with Pennsylvania beers and wines.
Triple Sun Spirits Co.
A seasonal outdoor area will offer additional tables and games.
Collectively, the entire venue will be known as “The Railyard,” a nod to the neighboring railroad tracks, Johnson said.
“Most people are familiar with the traditional concept of a distillery and the traditional concept of a sit-down restaurant, but we’re kind of trying to blend the two,” Johnson said.
“So, it will be a hybrid concept, and we’re still ironing out the details, but our goal is to facilitate a comfortable environment for everybody. So, when people come to The Railyard, they could choose from a variety of hang-out spots based on what they’re feeling that day. We want to give people more of an experience and less of simply a place to eat and drink. We want the venue to be immersive, with live music, games, spirit tastings and engaging conversations with staff.”
Triple Sun’s upgrades are occurring in alignment with the distillery’s 10th anniversary.
Founder Kristofer Kwant opened Triple Sun Spirits in 2016, but his inspiration for the business began 15 years earlier, when he and his father began homebrewing beer.
The hobby quickly turned into an obsession to engineer a better brewing process, and in turn, a superior beer.
After years of honing his skills, winning a few awards and even becoming a certified beer judge, Kwant began eyeing a new challenge and turned his attention to the world of spirits.
“From the beginning, Kristofer’s goal was to create a community-based, artisanal distillery with an environmentally responsible business model that he and his family could truly be proud of,” reads a message on the distillery’s website.
“So for years, while simultaneously juggling a career in pharmaceuticals, he partnered with other distillers, performing exhaustive research and traveling extensively throughout the US and Caribbean in search of the secrets to more authentic spirits, such as batch distilling.”
When Kwant felt his skills matched up with his passion, he launched Triple Sun Spirits, with the business’ name being a nod to his three sons – Nicholas, Joseph and Keegan.
Triple Sun Spirits Co.
The distillery’s production room, which connects to the lounge and is open to the public for tours, crafts artisanal spirits such as gin, rum, corn whiskey and Pennsylvania straight bourbon.
The distillery itself also is getting a refresh, with the Triple Sun team repositioning some stills in order to increase production.
“We’ve also opened up our warehouse to fit more racks and barrels for aging,” Johnson said.
In conjunction with Triple Sun’s grand reopening later this spring, the distillery’s also preparing to launch another product line to complement its existing offerings.
The new line, known as Reilly’s Rebellion, will include a vodka, gin, bourbon and spiced rum, Johnson said.
“It’ll be more of a mid-tier product collection, and the original Triple Sun Spirits offerings will remain our ultra-premium products,” Johnson explained.
“So, the Reilly’s Rebellion line is only meant to broaden our portfolio and give people more options. It’s named in honor of my wife’s father and my grandfather, both being of Irish descent.”
Ryan Kneller
Johnson, who became a Triple Sun partner in January, also is the chef and owner of the Licensed 2 Grill food truck, offering a fresh, seasonally rotating menu at public and private events since 2015.
He continues to operate Licensed 2 Grill as a separate business, bringing the truck to large corporate events, family celebrations, multi-day festivals and other venues, and he’s looking to host a recurring gathering of food trucks outside of the Emmaus facility.
“We’d like to bring in a bunch of different local food trucks at least once a month, maybe even once week if there’s demand,” Johnson said.
Across all of its rooms, The Railyard will offer seating for nearly 200 people with additional accommodations available outside seasonally, Johnson said.
The new dining room will occupy an updated space that previously served as a taproom for various local breweries, including Yergey Brewing, Funk Brewing and, most recently, Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
The new game room will occupy an updated area that was previously used primarily for private events, Johnson said.
Booth rooms will feature new and extended bars, along with new wall paint, lighting, furniture and other cosmetic updates, Johnson said.
The team also is looking to install some new arcade games in the game room, Johnson said.
Triple Sun Spirits Co. is located at 518 Bank St. in Emmaus.
Ryan Kneller
The food menu is still being finalized, but individuals can expect “elevated sandwiches, salads, sides” and more, Johnson said.
“We’re going to cure and smoke our own pastrami and other meats outside,” Johnson said.
“For now, there won’t be a grill or fryer, but that could change down the line depending on how the business grows.”
Hours are also still being finalized, but The Railyard is tentatively set to operate Wednesday through Sunday, Johnson said.
For the latest Triple Sun Spirits updates, including an official grand reopening announcement, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: triplesunspirits.com.
Foodie findsNew Lehigh Valley eatery serving up burgers, cheesesteaks, ice cream and more at familiar spot
PLAINFIELD TWP., Pa. – A one-time hot spot for sandwiches, sundaes and other tasty eats has found new life in Northampton County.
Diesel Dale’s Pitstop, a fast-casual eatery offering a wide array of freshly prepared eats and ice cream, opened Wednesday at 5879 Sullivan Trail in Plainfield Township, kitchen manager Hope Hernandez told 69 News.
The site was previously home to Petey’s Eatey’s, a similar counter-service concept, which closed last May after more than 15 years of business. Full story here.
Diesel Dale’s Pitstop operates at 5879 Sullivan Trail in Plainfield Township.
Ryan Kneller
New restaurant, offering all-you-can-eat dining experience, nears opening in Northampton County
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.
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. Read more here.
‘Can’t wait to scoop for you!’: Score small-batch, locally made cream at new Lehigh Valley shop
HEIDELBERG TWP., Pa. – Just in time for warmer weather, a family-run business is offering a wide array of artisan, hand-crafted ice cream at a new retail location in Lehigh County.
A new location of Nesting Box, offering small-batch, locally made ice cream, held a soft opening on April 11 at 6299 Route 309 in the New Tripoli section of Heidelberg Township.
The new shop, located in the Star Plaza at Routes 309 and 100, is in a soft-opening phase with limited hours planned for the next few weeks, co-owner Timi Bauscher told 69 News. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
1st Lehigh Valley location of Dave’s Hot Chicken coming soon to Northampton County
LOWER NAZARETH TWP., Pa – A rapidly expanding restaurant chain will soon heat up the Lehigh Valley’s dining scene.
The first Lehigh Valley location of Dave’s Hot Chicken, a fast-casual chain specializing in jumbo hot chicken tenders and sliders, is expected to open in the third quarter of this year at 3812 Easton-Nazareth Highway in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County.
“We are very excited about opening a Dave’s Hot Chicken in the Nazareth-Easton area,” franchisee Tom Carpenter told 69 News. “If all goes well, we hope to be open by mid September of this year.”
The new Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurant will occupy a soon-to-be-renovated end unit that previously housed a Saladworks location in the Nazareth Crossing shopping center. Full story here.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Popular Lehigh Valley cafe concept opening new location at former longtime favorite
FORKS TWP., Pa. – A one-time hot spot for burgers, ice cream and other tasty treats is finding new life in Northampton County.
Zekraft, a locally owned and operated cafe concept that “makes and curates well-crafted food and kitchen items” using ingredients from the Lehigh Valley and surrounding region, has leased the former Richard’s Drive-In property at 1550 Sullivan Trail in Forks Township for use as the business’ central kitchen and an additional cafe location.
The Forks cafe, with interior seating for a dozen guests and seasonal outdoor seating for an additional 20 guests, is expected to open in mid-May, co-owner Elaine Zelker told 69 News.
Since January, the new central kitchen has been up and running for Zekraft’s catering, farmers market appearances and home meal delivery services. Read more here.
Bethlehem buzzMichigan-based coffee shop brand opening 1st Lehigh Valley location at former Starbucks spot
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A fast-growing coffee shop brand is bringing its “luxury café experience” to the Lehigh Valley.
The first Lehigh Valley location of Caffeena Coffee House, a Michigan-based Yemeni coffee shop brand, is coming soon to 502 E. Third St. in south Bethlehem.
The new coffee shop will occupy a renovated space that previously housed a Starbucks location on the ground floor of the Five 10 Flats apartment complex.
“We’re excited to be joining the community,” said Simon Saleh, Caffeena Coffee House’s managing director. “We are currently targeting a late summer opening, pending final inspections and final preparations.” Read more.
Caffeena
Popular restaurant opens 2nd Lehigh Valley location in downtown Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new full-service dining establishment is spicing up downtown Bethlehem’s food scene.
A new location of Mis Raices Restaurant, specializing in authentic Colombian cuisine, opened Thursday, April 16, at 8 W. Broad St. in downtown Bethlehem, staff member Mariana Alvarez told 69 News.
The new restaurant is operating in a renovated space that previously housed a Subway eatery, which closed in 2024.
It’s a second location of Mis Raices Restaurant & Bakery, which opened in early 2024 at 2915 Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem. Full story here.
A new location of Mis Raices Restaurant, specializing in authentic Colombian cuisine, has opened at 8 W. Broad St. in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Fast-casual eatery spicing up Bethlehem dining scene with fried chicken, empanadas and more
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Foodies are flocking to a new restaurant in Northampton County.
Grandma Fried Chicken Pica Pollo, a fast-casual eatery specializing in Dominican-style fried chicken, opened in early April at 306 Brodhead Ave. in Bethlehem.
The restaurant is located at the southwest corner of Brodhead Avenue and West Third Street, across from Comfort Suites.
Guests can enjoy various fried chicken combinations ($7.49-$28.49), including two-, three-, five-, eight or 15-piece with fries or tostones. Read more here.
Grandma Fried Chicken Pica Pollo operates at 306 Brodhead Ave. in Bethlehem.
Easton area newsPopular Easton wine bar, café, and market set to close next week
EASTON, Pa. – A beloved Easton restaurant and wine bar is preparing to close its doors for good.
Kabinett Wine Bar, known for its blend of Australian and Bavarian influences, announced Tuesday that it will permanently close next week. Its neighboring café and general store, Tucker Garage & Grocery, will also close.
Kabinett operates at 125 Northampton Street, with Tucker located directly next door at 121 Northampton Street.
The owners say their final day of service will be Wednesday, April 22, capped by a sold‑out farewell wine dinner. Read more.
Courtesy of Kabinett Wine Bar website
Following fire, Lehigh Valley barbershop to celebrate new location with free haircuts, food
EASTON, Pa. – Following damage from a February fire, a popular barbershop has bounced back with a new location in Northampton County.
Precision Cuts Barbershop, in conjunction with the Easton Business Association, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the shop’s new location, 240 Line St. on Easton’s South Side, according to a news release.
The new location, operating near Bravo Supermarket and Pino’s Pizzeria, features ample free, off-street parking.
Owned and operated by master barber Andy Vega, Precision Cuts’ new location marks a resilient new beginning following the closure of the business’ former location on Northampton Street in downtown Easton due to water damage stemming from a Feb. 20 fire at the neighboring Hotel Hampton. Full story here.
Precision Cuts Barbershop
Honors and anniversariesDecades-old Lehigh Valley drive-in theater nominated for USA Today award
OREFIELD, Pa. – A Lehigh Valley drive-in theater that has been in business for decades has been nominated for a USA Today award.
Matthew McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, owners of Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, said the historic theater has been nominated for the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice “Best Drive-In Theater” award for the third year in a row.
The Orefield drive-in placed 2nd place last year, and 5th in 2024’s contest, according to a news release from the theater.
The nomination comes as Shankweiler’s celebrates its 92nd anniversary. Read more here.
Easton Public Market celebrating 10th anniversary with special events, raffles, music and more
EASTON, Pa. – Help Easton Public Market blow out its 10th birthday candles with a full week of festivities.
The downtown Easton market, at 325 Northampton St., will host a festive lineup of food, music, family programming, wellness experiences and special events from Friday, April 17, through Saturday, April 25, to mark a decade as “one of the region’s most vibrant gathering places for local favor, creativity, and community connection,” according to an announcement.
Events will be held inside the market and in the plaza behind it.
“For ten years, Easton Public Market has been more than a place to grab a meal — it’s been a place to gather, celebrate, discover local makers and to gather as a community,” said Jared Mast, executive director of the Greater Easton Development Partnership, which owns and operates the Easton Public Market. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
‘Serious bragging rights!’: Bethlehem’s Main Street wins USA Today contest as best in US for 2nd year in a row
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem’s Main Street is being recognized by USA Today as the best in the country for the second consecutive year.
USA Today Editor Maggie Tyner wrote, “These nominations were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors before being voted on by the public, so you’ve earned some serious bragging rights!”
Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s General Manager Kelly Ronalds said, “Our local community already knows Bethlehem’s star shines brighter than any other but it’s great to see that message make its way across the country.”
The hotel’s marketing team created a campaign to support this year’s Best Main Street competition, according to a news release from Strong Mountain Media. Full story here.
Ryan Kneller
Sight & Sound Theatres celebrates 50 years along with release of new film during America 250
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A Lancaster County theater is celebrating 50 years of business.
Sight & Sound Theatres started when a Pennsylvania dairy farmer began producing live entertainment sharing the story of the gospel. Today, Sight & Sound draws in hundreds of thousands each year to its productions in Lancaster County and Branson, Missouri.
Storytelling is in Katie Miller’s blood. Her grandparents founded Sight & Sound in 1976. Miller currently serves as the Vice President of Brand Development.
“It’s a little bit surreal. We have so much happening from new shows to new films. But, 50 years of family history and legacy is just something we’re all trying to wrap our minds around,” Miller told 69 News. Read more here.
Berks County newsPerformances announced for West Reading Pretzel and Beer Festival
WEST READING BORO., Pa. – West Reading has announced the lineup for this year’s Pretzel and Beer Festival.
The event will take place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, and will feature food, craft vendors and live music in the 500 to 700 blocks of Penn Avenue.
This year, live performances include Dylan Zangwill, who appeared on “America’s Got Talent.”
Attendees can also catch the bands “Pure Jerry,” “Pseudo Seal,” and “The Midnight Antics.” Full story here.
ETSD Food Truck Festival fundraiser set for May 15
EXETER TWP., Pa. – The date is set for this year’s Food Truck Festival in Exeter Township.
The event is hosted by the Exeter Community Education Foundation and the Exeter Township School District.
It will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at Exeter Township Senior High School.
This is the fifth year of the festival. It raises funds to help students and teachers with things that aren’t covered by the district’s general operating budget. Read more here.
Richmond Twp. auto shop offering free oil changes to single moms for Mother’s Day
RICHMOND TWP., Pa. – A local auto repair shop is offering a special deal for single moms on Mother’s Day weekend.
“I think moms, they put in more effort than most people realize,” said Rueban Hartman, owner of Restored Auto. “My mom did her best. She was a caretaker. She showed us love, she cared for us as children and I looked up to my mom. I still do.”
Hartman and his staff are offering free oil changes to single moms on the Saturday before Mother’s Day.
“It’s just a simple gesture that we can do and it may mean the world to them,” said Hartman. Read more.
Children’s pop-up clothing shop in Berks offering big discounts for families looking to stretch their budget
SPRING TWP., Pa. – With high costs, especially at the gas pump, more families are looking for ways to stretch their budget.
A children’s pop-up in Berks County is stepping in, offering big discounts and drawing in a growing crowd.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was in Spring Township with how the event is helping families save.
Just Between Friends Reading’s sale offers thousands of children’s items from 50-90 percent the cost of retail value. Full story here.