ALLENTOWN, Pa. — “We are looking at a retirement for our parents, and we’re really just trying to sell a piece of real estate, among many other pieces of real estate that we have that we hold in Allentown,” said Jeff Fegley.
Jeff Fegley, his brother Rich, and parents Peg and Dick, inside their flagship Bethlehem location, addressing wanting to sell their 55-thousand square foot, five story Allentown location for 6.5 million dollars. The business will remain open during the process, its ultimate fate up to whoever buys it.
Opening in April of 2007 to what looked like a Hollywood premier.
“Did you every expect the line to an Allentown restaurant be out the door?” 69 News Reporter Bo Koltnow asked a patron that opening night 18 years ago.
“Not at all, we’ll see what’s going on there,” she said.
Allentown’s Brew Works arrived before the NIZ, PPL Center, and bevy of new apartments.
This as the Fegley’s saw an opportunity brewing, tapping an underserved center city market.
“I think our leadership role there definitely helped generate a momentum for Allentown, that what just wasn’t happening at the time,” Jeff added.
The Fegley’s turned three Hamilton buildings into one, as giant beer vats took up residence.
“There was nothing like it in Allentown. It was like, Wow, this big restaurant and Event Center is suddenly here in downtown,” Rich said.
However competition from the NIZ, then COVID, and a changing Allentown landscape, made an impact. Hours were cut at the restaurant, as business shifted more toward banquets and weddings.
“Feels a little little melancholy, you know, initially, but today we realize it is honestly the best thing we could do for the sake of the family for retirement, to kind of give our parents the proper send off,” Jeff said.
Mayor Matt Tuerk said he is very appreciative of the family’s investment and hopes whatever business takes over is successful.