BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A popular Lehigh Valley grocery store has implemented major improvements to its decor, layout and assortment, including an expanded deli featuring a salad bar, sushi bar, fresh-baked pizza, made-to-order subs, grab-and-go entrees and a hot buffet.
The Bethlehem location of The Fresh Grocer, at 1880 Stefko Blvd., has undergone a complete remodel and will kick off a two-week grand reopening celebration on Friday, May 29, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., according to a news release.
Ryan Kneller
Joyce “Mom” Fasula, president of Gerrity’s, is proud to continue investing in the Bethlehem community.
The project, which began in October, expanded the size and assortment of every department.
The store added more than 5,000 new items, including specialty categories such as prepared foods, scratch bakery, ethnic foods, organic products, health and beauty items, and pet food.
Ryan Kneller
“In the grocery business, it is important to keep up with current trends,” Fasula said. “We are excited to offer our Bethlehem neighbors a larger, updated store.”
Customers will notice major improvements to the décor, layout, and assortment.
The most significant update is the expanded deli, featuring a salad bar, fresh-baked pizza, a sushi bar, grab and-go entrées, made-to-order subs, and a homemade hot buffet. The menu offers familiar comfort foods as well as healthy options. Gerrity’s has also expanded its full-service seafood department and scratch bakery.
Ryan Kneller
The company also invested in the building itself, inside and out. The remodel included new energy efficient lighting, HVAC, and refrigerated display cases, along with a brand-new look for the store.
“Our goal was to create a warm, farm-to-shelf feel. We wanted to preserve the Valley Farm heritage and complement our homemade products and fresh foods,” Fasula said.
For a family-owned business, there is much to be proud of, especially the dedication of the employees who worked hard to prepare the store for reopening.
The expansion has also created more than 20 new jobs in the community, including positions ranging from clerks to management and from butchers and bakers to cooks. There are still open positions, and interested candidates can apply at gerritys.com.
Gerrity’s is a family-owned supermarket business that began in 1895 as a small butcher shop.
Today, the company is the largest family-owned, woman-owned supermarket business in Pennsylvania and is led by Joyce Fasula, known to customers as “Mom,” and her son, Joe Fasula.
The company includes 10 supermarkets in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Northampton counties and employs more than 1,300 associates. The Fasula family also owns seven Ace Hardware stores.
The Fresh Grocer is a registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, New Jersey. Gerrity’s joined the Fresh Grocer banner in 2022.
The Fresh Grocer is committed to understanding local needs, tastes, and traditions, improving food access, and promoting the health and wellness of its customers, associates, and communities.