ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new spot for specialty drinks and hand-crafted sweets “made with love and creativity” is coming soon to Lehigh County.
The Cozy Crumbs Cafe, a cafe serving freshly brewed coffee, authentic Mediterranean pastries, bubble tea and more, is expected to open in late fall at 27 N. Seventh St. in downtown Allentown, owner Tala Madanat told 69 News.
Ryan Kneller
The cafe will occupy an updated space that previously housed The Hive, a market showcasing hand-crafted items from than 130 Lehigh Valley area vendors, which expanded operations with a larger location at Promenade Saucon Valley earlier this year.
It will represent the fulfillment of Madanat’s longtime dream to own and operate her own cafe.
“A dream coming true… opening soon!” an announcement on The Cozy Crumbs’ Instagram page reads. “What started as a dream is finally becoming real – The Cozy Crumbs Cafe is opening soon in the heart of Allentown’s ArtsWalk!”
The Cozy Crumbs Cafe
For the past six months, Madanat has been operating The Cozy Crumbs as a mobile venture, setting up stands and selling her goods at local markets and pop-up events.
The business has built a large following thanks to its tasty, hand-crafted desserts, including Dubai chocolate treats such as Dubai chocolate croissants, Dubai baklava, Dubai brownies and Dubai strawberry cups.
Foodies could also indulge in Dubai strawberry bombs (hand-dipped strawberries stuffed with rich pistachio cream, layered with crispy kataifi dough and finished with a shine of gold and crunchy pistachio crown) and Dubai pistachio lazy cake (rich, creamy layers of chocolate and biscuits, infused with pistachio bliss and drizzled with signature sauces and topped with crunchy pistachios).
The Cozy Crumbs Cafe
Other rotating small-batch sweets include cake pops such as Biscoff and Dubai pistachio, red velvet Dubai chocolate roses, keto pecan caramel cheesecake, tres leches cakes available in multiple flavors and a “tiramisu royale” dessert (layers of rich espresso-soaked ladyfingers and silky mascarpone cream, finished with cocoa dust, chocolate truffles and edible gold).
“Built from passion, hard work, and a sprinkle of sugar, this dream is finally coming to life, and we can’t wait to welcome you,” the online announcement continues.
On downtown Allentown’s ArtsWalk, The Cozy Crumbs Cafe will feature a cozy atmosphere with different seating options, including plush furniture, Madanat said.
The Cozy Crumbs Cafe
Baking will be done on premises, and some savory pastries also will be available, Madanat said.
“We’re going to have couches inside, and it’ll be a cozy space where you can just relax or get some work done if you want,” Madanat said.
For the latest Cozy Crumbs Cafe updates, including upcoming event appearances and an official opening announcement for the Allentown location, follow the business’ Instagram page.
More Lehigh County newsAfter Downtown Allentown Market’s closure, popular eatery to reopen at new location
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A popular fast-casual concept has found a new home in Lehigh County.
Zahra, a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean concept and sister business of Allentown’s Aladdin Restaurant, is planning to reopen at its new location in December or January at 323 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown, owner Samantha Younes told 69 News.
Zahra
The Shops at Cedar Point spot was previously home to a Red Wing Shoes store, and renovations will take place over the next couple of months.
Younes previously operated Zahra for more than five years at the former Downtown Allentown Market, which closed in the spring on downtown Allentown’s ArtsWalk, between Sixth and Seventh streets. Full story here.
‘We miss everyone so much’: After fire, popular Lehigh Valley eatery eyes tasty turnaround
COPLAY, Pa – Eight months after a fire damaged a much-loved, mom-and-pop restaurant in Lehigh County, the business is nearing a delicious revival with the same freshly prepared eats and friendly service.
The Bacon Strip, a full-service breakfast and lunch eatery at 18 N. Second St. in Coplay, has been temporarily closed since a fire damaged the property in early February.
Crews were able to contain the fire to the upstairs apartment. However, the rest of the building sustained water and smoke damage, according to a Facebook post from Coplay Fire Department.
Extensive repairs and upgrades have taken place over the past several months, and more work must be complete before the restaurant can reopen, but co-owners Emily Alkhal and Ruben Santiago see a light at the end of the tunnel and expect to welcome back customers this winter. Read more here.
The Bacon Strip
Arizona-based car wash chain to open 1st Lehigh Valley location
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A premier car wash company, with more than 500 locations nationwide and North America’s largest car wash subscription program, will soon be making vehicles shine in Lehigh County.
The first Lehigh Valley location of Mister Car Wash, “committed to offering you a clean, dry, and shiny car every time” by using its proprietary Unity Chemistry system, is coming soon to the Whitehall Square shopping center at 2180 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, according to roadside signage.
The new car wash will occupy a pad site near the lanes exiting Whitehall Square to MacArthur Road. Read more.
The first Lehigh Valley location of Mister Car Wash, “committed to offering you a clean, dry, and shiny car every time” by using its proprietary Unity Chemistry system, is coming soon to the Whitehall Square shopping center at 2180 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township
Ryan Kneller
‘Time has come to say goodbye’: Lehigh Valley sweet spot bidding farewell
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A business known for its wide array of sweet treats is planning to close its brick-and-mortar location in Lehigh County later this month.
Dino Sweets, offering freshly prepared mini doughnuts, churros, milkshakes and more, on Oct. 16 will close its kiosk on the Lehigh Valley Mall’s upper level in Whitehall Township, owner Eddie Pagan told 69 News.
The Lehigh Valley Mall location has operated for five years, and its forthcoming closure is primarily due to increasing rent, Pagan said. Full story here.
Dino Sweets
Bethlehem buzzPopular restaurant to open 2nd location at former Subway site in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A former destination for sub sandwiches will soon be dishing out a new selection of tasty eats in downtown Bethlehem.
A new location of Mis Raices Restaurant, specializing in authentic Colombian cuisine, is expected to open in early December at 8 W. Broad St., co-owner Laura Rativa told 69 News.
The restaurant will occupy a renovated space that previously housed a Subway eatery, which closed last year.
It will be a second location of Mis Raices Restaurant & Bakery, which opened in early 2024 at 2915 Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem. Read more here.
‘We’re very excited!’: Popular restaurant’s 3rd Lehigh Valley location nearing completion
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A family-run eatery continues to expand its footprint with a forthcoming location in Northampton County.
A new location of Crispy Halal, a fast-casual restaurant serving halal cuisine including fried chicken, burgers, gyros and rice platters, is expected to open in mid- to late November at 25 E. Third St. in south Bethlehem, according to co-owner Mohammad Ayaz.
The renovated spot previously housed a location of Color Me Mine, a contemporary paint-your-own pottery franchise, which recently relocated to Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. Read more.
A new location of Crispy Halal is coming to 25 E. Third St. in south Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh Valley set to welcome new matcha bar later this year
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A tasty business, which has built a large following at local markets, festivals and private events, is expanding operations with a brick-and-mortar location in Northampton County.
Cataleya Casa Del Matcha, a premium matcha bar offering high-quality matcha drinks made with hand-crafted syrups, is expected to open within the next few months at 1421 Center St. in Bethlehem, co-owner Coral Guadalupe told 69 News.
The business will occupy a soon-to-be-updated spot next to The Old Library Bookshop. Full story here.
Cataleya Casa Del Matcha
Couple to unite passions at new Lehigh Valley wine bar and art emporium
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new destination for wine, art and fun times with friends is set to open later this month in Northampton County.
Unwine Vineyards Wine Bar & Art Emporium, a venue offering wine, beer and cocktails along with local artisan goods such as paintings, candles and herbal remedies, is set to open Oct. 17 at 309 E. Third St. in south Bethlehem.
The new venue will occupy a roughly 350-square-foot spot on the ground floor of Taylor Flats, a newly constructed, five-story apartment complex at East Third and Taylor streets, near Wondaffle. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Fast-casual concept’s 1st Lehigh Valley eatery serving up fresh eats and drinks in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular business is continuing to grow its Pennsylvania footprint with a new location in Northampton County.
The first Lehigh Valley location of The Juice Pod, a fast-casual concept offering cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, açai bowls, salads, wraps, toasts and more, opened Oct. 1 at 115 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem.
The south Bethlehem location operates on the ground floor of the newly constructed Marshall Valley building, offering housing for Lehigh University students. Read more.
The first Lehigh Valley location of The Juice Pod operates at 115 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Easton, Phillipsburg area newsOnce again, Lehigh Valley restaurant is among Tripadvisor’s top 1% of dining spots worldwide
PALMER TWP., Pa. – For its third straight year, a landmark Northampton County restaurant – known for its crab cakes, lobster tail, fresh shucked oysters and other seafood favorites – has earned one of the highest accolades in hospitality.
Marblehead Chowder House, at 4101 William Penn Highway in Palmer Township, was recently named a Traveler’s Choice “Best of the Best” restaurant by Tripadvisor for the third consecutive year, according to a news release.
The prestigious recognition places the coastal-themed restaurant among the top 1% of restaurants worldwide and ranks it No. 16 in the United States in the travel platform’s “casual dining” category. Full story here.
Ryan Kneller
Palmer zoners OK requests for new Chick-fil-A
PALMER TWP., Pa. – The Palmer Township Zoning Hearing Board granted variances and a special exception for a proposed fast-food restaurant Tuesday night at the municipal building.
Chick-fil-A received two variances for the proposed restaurant at 601 25th St., which would encompass the site of the former Rite Aid pharmacy after that building’s demolition.
The first variance will allow the total parking space number to be less than the required number. The township requires 71 spaces, whereas the applicant proposed 65. When requesting a variance, an applicant must show a hardship which they did not create and cannot overcome to justify the request. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Where’s the beef? Score Wendy’s burgers, other eats at chain’s newest regional location
GREENWICH TWP., N.J. – A new destination for the Baconator, Dave’s Triple and Frosty is now welcoming customers.
A new location of Wendy’s, the fast-food chain known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, opened on Monday at 1500 West Ave. in Greenwich Township, N.J.
The newly constructed restaurant with a drive-thru operates at the site of a former antiques shop, in front of the Greenwich Center shopping plaza. Read more.
A Wendy’s restaurant opened earlier this fall in Greenwich Township, N.J.
Berks County updates’If I made it here, anybody can’: Owners say goodbye to restaurant after decades in Berks
SINKING SPRING, Pa. – After more than five decades, a restaurant in Sinking Springs is saying goodbye.
“This is a long, long story,” said Hippocrates Deligiannis, owner of Bar-B-Q Pit. “Don’t ask me how I came to be ‘Lucky’ because that’s going to take the rest of the day.”
He’s living proof of the American Dream.
“If I made it here, anybody can,” Deligiannis said. “I’m here since 1966 — not even one day in the unemployment. I don’t know what is a day off.” Full story here.
Ribbon cutting held for new cigar shop in former Meridian Bank Building
READING, Pa. – A new smoke shop is being welcomed in Center City Reading.
Smokies Tobacco Shop is now open at 35 North 6th Street.
The owners and community leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
This is Smokies second location. Read more here.