ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new destination for hummus, falafel, kabobs and other Mediterranean staples is coming soon to Lehigh County.
Breeze Mediterranean, a full-service restaurant offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine, is set to open at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at 1243 Tilghman St. in Allentown, owner Ahmad Nheli told 69 News.
Breeze Mediterranean, a full-service restaurant offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine, is coming soon to 1243 Tilghman St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
The restaurant will occupy a renovated property, at the northeast corner of Tilghman and North 13th streets, which was previously home to other dining establishments.
Most recently, the building housed Ayat, a Palestinian restaurant that closed in late 2025 after two years of operation.
Prior to Ayat, the site was home to longstanding restaurants Bellisimo Ristorante and Roundhouse.
Breeze Mediterranean, a full-service restaurant offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine, is coming soon to 1243 Tilghman St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
“We’re very excited,” Nheli said.
“This is a great location on Tilghman Street, and we are so happy to welcome and serve the people of Allentown and surrounding areas. I know there is a large Middle Eastern community in Allentown, but Mediterranean food is truly loved by everyone, and it’s also recognized as very healthy food around the world.”
Breeze will offer a variety of house-made Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialties, including hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, grape leaves and rice platters with proteins such as grilled chicken, steak and shrimp, Nheli said.
Guests also will be able to enjoy salads such as fattoush and tabouleh, along with freshly baked meat pies and spinach pies.
Nheli is no stranger to the Lehigh Valley’s dining scene, having previously operated Italian restaurant Mama Nina Foccacheria in Bethlehem for 13 years before selling it a couple of years ago.
Breeze Mediterranean, a full-service restaurant offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine, is coming soon to 1243 Tilghman St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
“We’ll have a little something for everyone,” Nheli said in reference to Breeze’s menu.
“We’ll have Turkish kabobs, Syrian and Lebanese dishes and also a couple of Italian dishes. Everything will be house-made with fresh ingredients.”
Breeze will feature interior seating for 58 guests and outdoor seating for 45 more, Nheli said.
The outdoor area, a picturesque stone courtyard, is lined with trees and other greenery and features a round, multi-tiered fountain and a gazebo with white columns and a wrought-iron dome.
“The outdoor seating area is very welcoming, and it will be even more beautiful after we add some flowers,” Nheli said.
Breeze Mediterranean, a full-service restaurant offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine, is coming soon to 1243 Tilghman St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
Breeze will hold its soft opening on Monday, May 25.
However, the restaurant will be closed on Mondays going forward, with regular hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Nheli said.
Individuals can stay updated on Breeze’s latest happenings by following the restaurant’s pages on Facebook and Instagram.
“Join us as we introduce a fresh new dine-in Mediterranean experience to the Lehigh Valley, featuring a blend of Greek, Mediterranean & Middle Eastern flavors in a fully renovated space with both indoor & outdoor seating,” reads an announcement on the restaurant’s social media pages.
“Come experience a fresh breeze of Mediterranean flavor.”
More foodie findsPopular eatery opens 2nd Lehigh Valley location, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – A family-owned and operated eatery serving up breakfast dishes, cheesesteaks, specialty sandwiches and more has expanded its footprint with a new, full-service location in Lehigh County.
A second location of The 3W Eatery, specializing in freshly prepared American cuisine, held a soft opening on Thursday at 1905 Brookside Road in Lower Macungie Township, co-owner Michael Wrecsics told 69 News.
A grand opening with music and other festivities, will be held on May 30, Wrecsics said.
Wrecsics and his father, Thomas Wrecsics, and brother, Thomas Wrecsics Jr., established The 3W Eatery in early 2025 at the Slatington Farmers Market in Washington Township, Lehigh County.
The eatery’s name is a nod to the family, with the “W” standing for their last name and the “3” referencing each of the family members involved. Full story here.
A second location of The 3W Eatery is pictured at 1905 Brookside Road in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
‘A unique experience’: Ice cream shop set to open this summer at same spot where TG Countryside closed last year
U. MILFORD TWP., Pa. – A new ice cream shop offering cool treats, breakfast items, and coffee will open its doors this summer at the same spot in Lehigh County where a beloved, long-running ice cream shop closed last year.
The Crow’s Nest Creamery aims to open sometime in July at 5130 Chestnut St in Upper Milford Township, in the Emmaus area, co-owner Stacy Kiefer told 69 News.
That’s the same spot where family-owned ice cream shop TG CountrySide closed last September. The restaurant had changed hands several times since its opening in 1957.
The sale of the property became official Thursday, Kiefer said. Read more here.
Table at Crow’s Nest Creamery in Upper Milford Twp. Photo from Crow’s Nest Creamery Facebook page
Multi-restaurant dining concept nearing completion at Promenade Saucon Valley
UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. – A new food hall coming soon to Lehigh County will offer a unique dining experience, featuring a wide array of cuisines from world-renowned chefs and prominent, award-winning restaurants under one roof.
A new location of Wonder, an innovative “fast fine” dining concept allowing customers to order from more than 20 chef-driven brands in a single, seamless transaction for dine-in, pickup or delivery, is expected to open in mid-June at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township, a Wonder spokesperson told 69 News.
The restaurant, totaling more than 3,000 square feet, will operate next to Elite Salons & Suites at the open-air lifestyle shopping center, 2845 Center Valley Parkway.
It will be Wonder’s second regional location, supplementing a location that opened in 2024 inside a Quakertown area Walmart, at 195 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township, Bucks County. Read more.
A new location of Wonder is coming soon to Promenade Saucon Valley, 2845 Center Valley Parkway, Upper Saucon Township.
Ryan Kneller
Easton area newsIconic Lehigh Valley hot dog shop beefs up presence with 2nd location
EASTON, Pa. – A more than century-old hot dog business has expanded its footprint in Northampton County.
Jimmy’s Hot Dogs, known for its “everything” hot dog with mustard, chopped onions and a pickle spear, on Friday held a soft opening of its second location at 9 N. Third St. in downtown Easton, co-owner Raj Muddu told 69 News.
The new location supplements Jimmy’s existing location in the 25th Street Shopping Center at 2555 Nazareth Road in Palmer Township.
Raj and his wife, Priya, purchased the iconic business in 2024 from previous owners Frank and Polyxeni Bounoutas, who were retiring.
The Muddus operate the business with their daughter, Meena, and the family saw an opportunity to expand operations by opening a second location where Jimmy’s originated more than a century ago. Full story here.
‘Pursuing our passion’: Couple opens new Lehigh Valley coffee shop with vintage vibes
EASTON, Pa. – Fans of freshly brewed coffee and unique, timeless treasures have a new cozy spot to check out in Northampton County.
Repeater, offering hot and iced coffee, matcha drinks and other specialty beverages along with a curated selection of vintage clothing, accessories and other items, held a soft opening on Saturday at 13 S. Second St. in downtown Easton, co-owner Joe Duane said.
Duane is operating the shop with his fiancé, Casey Leo, and the Easton couple is excited to create a welcoming community hub – complete with antique and vintage decor – that revolves around their interests.
Leo and Duane are seasoned coffee shop veterans, having met several years ago while working at Rival Bros, a Philadelphia-based coffee roaster with multiple café locations in the city.
They’re also passionate about collecting antiques, vintage clothes and other unique pieces that evoke nostalgia and tell a story. Read more here.
Repeater coffee shop operates at 13 S. Second St. in downtown Easton.
Ryan Kneller
2-alarm fire at Northampton County restaurant leads to temporary closure
WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, Pa. – A restaurant in Northampton County is temporarily closed after a 2-alarm fire.
Multiple fire crews were on the scene of the Iron Mule restaurant in Williams Township just before 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
According to county dispatchers and restaurant staff, nobody was injured in the incident.
“We are very fortunate that no people got hurt and are very thankful for the fast support of the wonderful Williams Township, Wilson Township, Palmer Township, Easton Township Fire Companies – and any others we may have missed – who came out to help us,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post.
It is unknown at this time the full extent of damages to the restaurant.
The restaurant said it will be closed until it is safe to re-enter the building. Read more.
Photo courtesy of the Palmer Municipal Fire Department Facebook page
New Asian eatsLehigh Valley’s new Asian Fusion restaurant offering sushi, Chinese cuisine and more
EMMAUS, Pa. – Following the closure of a beloved, 40-year-old eatery earlier this spring, a new restaurant has set up shop at the same Lehigh County location, serving up Asian specialties such as Hong Kong-style fried rice, Singapore mei fun and lobster tempura rolls.
Asian Fusion, offering freshly prepared sushi, authentic Chinese cuisine and more, opened May 11 at 1328 Chestnut St. in Emmaus.
The restaurant, featuring dine-in service, takeout and party platters, occupies a renovated end unit in the Emmaus Shopping Center.
The space previously housed Ling Nan Chinese Restaurant, a fast-casual eatery offering Mandarin, Szechuan, Cantonese and Hong Kong cuisine, which closed in March after 40 years of business. Full story here.
‘Highest quality and authenticity’: Lehigh Valley Mall welcomes new fast-casual restaurant
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – The Lehigh Valley’s largest shopping mall has welcomed a tasty new addition as several other businesses prepare to join the lineup.
Nori Japan, a fast-casual eatery offering Japanese cuisine, opened on Sunday on the mall’s lower level near the main entrance.
The restaurant, featuring banquette seating, fills the space previously occupied by Tasty Bitez.
Owner Qinzhi Chen and his team are serving up a full range of Japanese specialties, including teriyaki options freshly prepared in front of customers on a tepanyaki grill. Read more here.
Nori Japan recently opened at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.
Lehigh County updatesNew business offers family-friendly horseback riding experiences on scenic Lehigh Valley trails
NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A new family-run business, with an ownership team possessing more than 80 years of equine experience, invites you to “step away from the noise” and enjoy guided, hour-long horseback riding experiences across 50 acres of scenic farmland and plateau trails in the Lehigh Valley.
Flying Spur Trail Rides, offering guided horseback experiences on scenic trails, held its grand opening on May 16 at 5466 Route 145 in the Laurys Station section of North Whitehall Township.
Flying Spur “combines safety, education, and accessibility for riders of all ages,” according to a news release.
Guests ride in small groups of up to 8 through rolling meadows, wooded trails and along one of the highest plateaus in the Lehigh Valley. Read more.
Flying Spur Trail Rides
Shankweiler’s wins first place in USA Today’s ‘10 Best Drive-In Theater’ competition
NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Matthew McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, owners of Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, have announced the historic theater has been voted Number 1 in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice “Best Drive-In Theater” award for 2026.
According to a press release, the drive-in placed 2nd in 2025, and 5th in 2024 for this widely publicized contest, contending with fierce competition from across the country, including five fellow Pennsylvania drive-ins.
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, which is in North Whitehall Township, originally opened on April 15, 1934. It holds a Guinness World Record as the oldest continuously-operating drive-in theater in the world, the release says. Full story here.
Shankweiler’s Drive-In, North Whitehall Township
Shankweiler’s / Facebook
Wildwater Kingdom opening delayed due to inclement weather
SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Wildwater Kingdom’s opening day for the 2026 season will be delayed due to inclement weather this weekend.
According to its website, Wildwater Kingdom will be closed this coming Saturday and Sunday due to the forecasted weather.
Wildwater Kingdom was originally set to open for the season this Saturday.
Dorney Park will remain open as scheduled on Saturday, May 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and tickets are still valid for entry to Dorney Park, according to the site. Read more here.
Dorney Park
Berks, Bucks counties’Bringing more fun’: Local video game store leveling up with new retro arcade
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – Gamers looking to test their skills at Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat and other beloved arcade games will soon have a new spot to score fun times.
Planet Retro Video Games, a two-year-old video game store where individuals can buy, sell and trade new and gently used video games, consoles and accessories, is expanding operations with a retro arcade at 109 W. Broad St. in Quakertown.
Planet Retro Video Games and Retroware Arcade, featuring more than 30 arcade games, is expected to debut this summer with a target opening date of mid-July, owner Daniel Schepis told 69 News.
Individuals will be able to play all of the games for as long as they want for a daily admission fee of $15. Read more.
Mingus Magic Shop celebrates 50 years of magic, mystery and wonder
SHILLINGTON, Pa. – Inside this unassuming little shop on Lancaster Avenue is a world of wonder and mystery.
Wayne Shifflet bought Mingus Magic Shop on May 20, 1976, 50 years ago, from the original owner, Leroy Mingus, who took him under his wing creating feather flower magic at just 16 years old.
“We make bouquets that come out of handkerchiefs or sleeves, we make ones that multiply, they change color, they bloom, they vanish. They do all kinds of stuff,” explained Shifflet.
“When you buy magic, you’re actually buying the secret,” he added. “That’s what you’re paying for.” Full story here.
Closing notesFinal call for a J’s sub: Once-prominent chain’s last Lehigh Valley location set to close
NORTHAMPTON, Pa. – The last location of a once-expansive Lehigh Valley area restaurant chain – serving hot and cold subs, burgers and other freshly prepared eats – is set to end operations this weekend.
J’s Steaks & Subs, at 1830 Main St. in Northampton, will cease operations on Saturday, May 23, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The business previously shared plans to permanently close on May 30.
However, a new announcement posted Thursday on the eatery’s Facebook page states that its “last day of operations will be Saturday May 23rd at 6pm or earlier if we’ve sold the last of everything.”
“We do have limited menu items and do apologize in advance for that and the extended wait times as we serve all of you who are gracing our doors,” Thursday’s announcement continues.
“I truly can not thank you all for the constant support, friendship, and memories over the last 40 years of doing business in Northampton. You all mean the world to me.” Read more here.
A J’s Steaks & Subs restaurant operates at 1830 Main St. in Northampton.
Ryan Kneller
‘Will miss you all’: Ruby Tuesday permanently closes only Schuylkill County location
NORWEGIAN TWP., Pa. — The only Schuylkill County location of a well-known restaurant chain has ended operations.
Ruby Tuesday, the casual, full-service chain known for its “simple fresh American dining,” in recent days closed its location at 312 Pottsville Saint Clair Highway in Norwegian Township.
The full-service dining establishment operated for more than 25 years in the Pottsville Park Plaza.
A sign on the restaurant’s doors thanks customers for their patronage and encourages them to visit a nearby Ruby Tuesday location at 11 Ricky Ave. in Bloomsburg. Read more.
A location of Ruby Tuesday has closed at 312 Pottsville Saint Clair Highway in Norwegian Township.
Ryan Kneller