BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Whether you’re shopping for toys, games and puzzles or jewelry, home decor and pet treats and accessories, a variety of new retailers on downtown Bethlehem’s Main Street have you covered.
Over the past few months, Mod Metal Works, The Velvet Raven and Main Street Real Estate Group have set up shop on Bethlehem’s Main Street – recently named the best Main Street in the country by USA Today.
Ryan Kneller
Mod Metal Works
Mod Metal Works, specializing in permanent jewelry, is holding a grand opening event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at 559 Main St.
The business is located on the upper level of the Main Street Commons, next to The Spy Shop.
For the past two years, Mod Metal Works owner Holly Lutz has been operating the business in a mobile format, setting up shop at public and private events.
Mod Metal Works
The Bethlehem shop is Mod Metal Works’ first brick-and-mortar location.
Individuals can choose from a wide array of gold-filled, solid gold and sterling silver chains and charms.
“We specialize in permanent jewelry, which means there’s no clasps,” Lutz told 69 News.
“We weld on the jewelry right in the shop, and we have a lot of chains and charms to choose from. So, you’re able to personalize your piece. We offer bracelets, necklaces and anklets.”
In addition to operating the new store, Lutz plans to continue setting up shop at public and private events.
Mod Metal Works is located at 559 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem, on the upper level of the Main Street Commons.
Ryan Kneller
“We’ve mostly been doing pop-ups, and we’ll continue to do that,” Lutz added.
“We set up stands at different festivals, and we also can be booked for private events. We’ve done birthday parties, a wedding and other types of events.”
For Mod Metal Works’ grand opening, several vendors will be on hand to offer their products and services, including tattoos by Satori Ink, piercings by Sara Faye, fresh flower bouquets by Beau Flower Farm and tooth gems by Wilkes-Barre Tooth Fairy.
The Velvet Raven
The Velvet Raven, offering board games, puzzles, books and more, opened April 15 at 523 Main St.
The shop features a variety of fantasy-themed books, gifts and home decor, along with locally made jewelry, greeting cards, Lego sets, plush figures and build-your-own STEM kits.
The Velvet Raven owner Royce Atkins is pictured inside his new store at 523 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem.
There’s also a large gaming table, which groups can reserve times in advance to play Dungeons & Dragons and other games, owner Royce Atkins said.
“People can play whatever they want here, and we also have a large variety of games for sale,” Atkins said.
“Some shops will only offer a small selection of board games, but we really wanted to offer a wide variety because everybody has different tastes. So, we’re really looking to offer a great, unique selection of games, as well as a small, intimate space for small groups to play games. I’m also looking to expand our inventory to include trading card games like Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering.”
The Velvet Raven operates at 523 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Shoppers also can browse a variety of fantasy-themed gifts and household items, including glassware, greeting cards, pins and novels, and hobby accessories designed to inspire creativity and connection.
In conjunction with the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, The Velvet Raven will host a grand opening event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for noon.
“The Velvet Raven was created from Royce’s passion for storytelling, gaming, and building community,” the event description reads.
The Velvet Raven operates at 523 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
“Whether visitors are seasoned adventurers, avid readers, or newcomers looking to discover a new hobby, the shop provides an inviting space to explore new worlds, meet fellow enthusiasts, and embrace the magic of imagination.”
Main Street Real Estate Group
Main Street Real Estate Group, a concierge real estate office offering residential and commercial real estate services, moved a few months ago from its former location at 525 Main St. to a larger location down the road at 446 Main St., next to the Moravian Book Shop.
Main Street Real Estate Group’s new location was previously home to a couple of sweet spots, including Twisted & Dipped ice cream shop and Chocolate Lab chocolate shop.
Main Street Real Estate Group operates at 446 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem. The location also features goods from a rotating selection of small business owners.
Ryan Kneller
In transitioning the real estate office to its new digs, owner Lucy Lennon decided to also welcome a rotating selection of local vendors to sell their items.
Main Street Real Estate Group’s new space doubles as a small business showcase, featuring gifts, housewares and more from a handful of rotating, independently-owned local businesses.
The back portion of the space houses the real estate office, while the front portion houses retail displays.
Main Street Real Estate Group operates at 446 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem. The location also features goods from a rotating selection of small business owners.
Ryan Kneller
Currently, individuals can browse custom rugs, local artwork, pet treats and accessories and gifts and home decor.
Lennon got the idea for the hybrid concept as she’s become keenly aware of the needs of small business owners after helping a number of individuals lease or purchase properties in downtown Bethlehem.
She’s been a realtor for 18 years, establishing Main Street Real Estate Group with partner Linda Marlow in 2024, and prior to becoming a realtor, she also operated restaurants in Bethlehem.
“I’m very retail conscious, and I know it can be very hard for small businesses, especially brick-and-mortar,” Lennon said.
“So, we’re here to help small businesses in any way that we can. It’s also important to have something new on Main Street to keep it fresh.”
Main Street Real Estate Group operates at 446 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem. The location also features goods from a rotating selection of small business owners.
Ryan Kneller
Featured items include pet products such as hand-crafted leashes and collars and all-natural dog treats from Got Collars & More; and small gifts such as candles, rice bowls and stationery from Token, a business with an existing brick-and-mortar location in downtown Easton.
There are also businesses offering paintings and prints and custom rugs, and a glass artist is expected to set up shop in the coming weeks, Lennon said.
“Some of the businesses are looking to open new locations on Main Street, but there’s no spaces currently available,” Lennon said.
“So, I told them, ‘Well, just set your stuff up here for now.’ This has also helped me get to know more community members because if you see a sign that reads ‘Main Street Real Estate Group,’ you’re probably not coming in to hang out unless you’re buying or selling property. So, it’s good for us, too. I’m meeting more people, as well as more dogs. I could probably every dog’s name that’s walking on Main Street.”
Bethlehem buzzRapidly growing, fast-casual concept to open 1st Lehigh Valley eatery at former Wiz Kidz spot
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A tasty new business is setting up shop in Northampton County.
A new location of Kazi’s Spot, offering “the ultimate street food experience delivered with passion,” is coming soon to the ground floor of the Pinnacle @ 65 building at 65 E. Elizabeth Ave. in Bethlehem.
The space was previously home to Wiz Kidz, a 1980s- and ‘90s-themed restaurant specializing in cheesesteaks, which closed earlier this year.
Kazi’s Spot, with a tagline of “taste the heat, love the crunch,” offers a variety of freshly prepared eats, including gyros, smash burgers and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, among other items.
The Bethlehem eatery is expected to open in about two weeks and will be a second location of Kazi’s Spot, owner Kazi Zoha told 69 News. Full story here.
A new location of Kazi’s Spot is coming soon to the ground floor of the Pinnacle @ 65 building on East Elizabeth Avenue in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
‘Very excited!’: Family-run Mexican restaurant opens 2nd Lehigh Valley location
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular restaurant known for its artisan street tacos, nachos, quesadillas and other Mexican favorites has expanded its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
A second location of UNO Taqueria, a fast-casual eatery offering authentic Mexican cuisine at 1042 Mill Creek Road in Lower Macungie Township, held a soft opening on June 18 at 15 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem, according to Samuel Montoya, who operates the business with family members.
The south Bethlehem space was previously home to other dining establishments, including General Zapata and, most recently, La Kang Chicken & Rice. Read more here.
A second location of Uno Taqueria is located at 15 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
New Bethlehem market offering wide array of groceries, household essentials
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new store is offering cereal, snacks, canned goods and other food products alongside household necessities such as toiletries, cleaning products and over-the-counter medicine in Northampton County.
A new A1 Quick Mart location opened about two weeks ago at 1225 N. New St. in Bethlehem.
Owner Iffy Ansari purchased the Bethlehem property, a former beauty salon, late last year and spent the past several months updating the space.
The North New Street store is the 21st location for Ansari, who has been steadily expanding his convenience store business across the Lehigh Valley over the past two decades. Read more.
A new A1 Quick Mart location operates at 1225 N. New St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
‘Incredibly excited’: Café franchise’s 1st Pennsylvania location coming soon to Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new spot for unique drinks and desserts, including karak chai, date cardamom lattes, mango cold foam matcha and pistachio knafeh cookies, is coming soon to Northampton County.
The first Pennsylvania location of Karak House Coffee Co., offering “an authentic Karak chai and specialty coffee experience,” will open later this year at 318 E. Third St. in Bethlehem, co-founder and CEO Junaid Malik told 69 News.
The new café will operate a few doors down from Sizzling Bites on the ground floor of the Third & Polk Building. Full story here.
A new location of Karak House Coffee Co. is coming soon to 318 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
‘Delicious dairy-free desserts’: Bethlehem’s Vegan Treats lands on PETA’s ‘Nice Cream Trail’
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A popular Lehigh Valley sweet spot is featured on PETA’s “Nice Cream Trail,” highlighting 10 shops across the state serving up delicious vegan ice cream.
Vegan Treats, at 1444 Linden St. in Bethlehem, is among the trail’s featured parlors, according to a news release.
The Bethlehem shop rotates its tasty dairy-free soft-serve flavors twice weekly, with options including blueberry and lemon cheesecake, chocolate and peanut butter, banana cream pie, and more.
Vegan Treats — which also serves vegan cakes, cookies, brownies, pies, doughnuts and other sweet treats — is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Read more here.
Vegan Treats operates at 1444 Linden St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Foodie finds‘A new era’: Historic Lehigh Valley tavern reopens with new look, owners, menu updates
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – A new chapter is beginning for a scenic, early 19th century tavern, set to reopen this week in Lehigh County.
Ye Olde Spring Valley Tavern, a full-service restaurant and bar known for utilizing fresh ingredients such as trout from its spring-fed pond, was sold to new owners last summer and reopened as Spring Valley Tavern on Wednesday at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township.
Hours are 4-10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Read more.
Spring Valley Tavern is located at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township.
Ryan Kneller
Riverside retreat: New ‘Vista Taco’ restaurant to serve up savory eats, scenic views
PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – Fans of authentic Mexican food will enjoy top-tier tacos with a side of stellar sights at a new restaurant coming soon to the Delaware River waterfront.
Vista Taco, offering specialty tacos and other Mexican fare, is expected to open in early August at 7 Union Square in Phillipsburg, co-owner Kristina Haas told 69 News.
The fast-casual eatery will operate next to Jimmy’s Doggie Stand, at the foot of the Northampton Street Bridge, colloquially known as the Easton-Phillipsburg “free bridge,” offering picturesque views of the bridge, Delaware River and downtown Easton.
Haas and her partner, Rojelio Romero, decided on the restaurant’s name as vista refers to a broad, scenic view or panorama. Full story here.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh Valley’s newest Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen sets opening date
LOWER NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – Fans of Cajun fries, butterfly shrimp and spicy chicken sandwiches will soon have a new eatery to frequent in Northampton County.
A new location of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, the quick-service chain known for its fried chicken, biscuits and other Southern favorites, is set to open on Monday, June 29, at 3877 Eastgate Blvd. in Lower Nazareth Township, according to Jebran Kahn, who’s helping lead the restaurant’s development.
The newly constructed restaurant, displaying the phrases “famous Louisiana chicken” and “love that chicken” on its façade, will operate at the southwest corner of Eastgate Boulevard and Easton-Nazareth Highway (Route 248).
Dine-in, to-go and drive-thru services will be available. Read more here.
A new Popeyes restaurant is coming soon to 3877 Eastgate Blvd. in Lower Nazareth Township.
Ryan Kneller
Whitehall newsNew steakhouse, kids’ playground, 4 stores to bring ‘fresh experiences’ to Lehigh Valley Mall
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – The Lehigh Valley’s largest shopping mall is abuzz with activity as it prepares to welcome several new tenants in the coming months.
The Lehigh Valley Mall, at MacArthur Road and Route 22 in Whitehall Township, is adding a Brazilian-American steakhouse, children’s indoor playground and variety of new retail stores to its lineup.
“We’re constantly striving to offer our shoppers new opportunities and are thrilled to continue our growth here at Lehigh Valley Mall with several highly anticipated brands joining our roster,” Lehigh Valley Mall General Manager Colleen Ansbach told 69 News.
“From Offline by Aerie, Pop Mart, and Nori Japan, to Texas de Brazil, Rowan, and more, these new additions beautifully complement our already diverse tenant lineup, bring fresh experiences to our guests and give our community even more reasons to visit.” Read more.
Ryan Kneller
‘Wait is finally over!’: Deli and grocery store set to open next week in Whitehall
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A new destination for American and international foods, fresh groceries and more is coming soon to Lehigh County.
Whitehall Deli & Grocery, offering “all essentials at your neighborhood store,” will hold a grand opening on Wednesday, July 1, at 3001 S. Second St. in Whitehall Township, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
“The wait is finally over!” the announcement reads.
“… Bring your family and friends and celebrate this special day with us. We look forward to serving the Whitehall community!” Full story here.
Berks County updates‘Dream come true’: Woman serving up bevy of beverages at new drive-thru shop in Berks
JEFFERSON TWP., Pa. – A new spot for hand-crafted lattes, lemonade, apple cider, dirty soda, hot and iced teas and other specialty drinks is welcoming thirsty customers in Berks County.
A drive-thru location of The Bree’s Knees Coffee Co., offering a wide array of specialty coffee, tea, lemonade, dirty soda and other drinks, opened Monday at 7184 Bernville Road in the Bernville section of Jefferson Township.
The drive-thru stand is located near Boyer’s Food Market and Bernville Beverage on Route 183.
Owner Bree Poss established The Bree’s Knees Coffee Co. in 2022 and has established a large and loyal following by bringing the business’ mobile trailer to various public and private events and venues over the past year. Read more here.
The Bree’s Knees Coffee Co.
‘I love this community’: Awards honor Kutztown’s best small businesses
KUTZTOWN, Pa – It’s not often you catch one of these stickers stuck on a small business store front.
“I’m so honored,” said Kathleen Walck at Local Folk in Kutztown. “I’m just kind of stunned honestly. I love this community and to be given the community spotlight is really important and meaningful.”
The people behind the shops in Kutztown talk about their work the way one might about their relationships — something beyond simply selling their wares — but using words like passion and love.
“I love what I do,” Walck said. “It’s never gonna be a million dollar business, but I put a lot of heart into it.”
“I’ve always been passionate about people and was always kind of resistant to working for the family business thing, but it just ended up being an outlet to make an impact on the people around me,” said Jimmy Kreisher of the Bagel Bar Cafe. Read more here.
WFMZ-TV | Tom Rader
Berks Celtic Festival breaks out the tweed for a two-day celebration
ALSACE TWP., Pa. – Break out your tweed and slip on your kilt, because it’s the 20th anniversary of the Berks Celtic Festival, hosted by the Berks Irish with the Reading Liederkranz.
In honor of the milestone, it’s their first ever 2-day celebration here in Alsace Township.
“It’s just great, because when it’s bigger, it’s better, and you can share more in two days,” Jeff Wertz, a chairman of festival, says the goal is to share their culture. “It’s just a celebration of all Celtic heritage and showing the community what we’re all about,” said Wertz.
The festival has 52 vendors this year, selling all types of Celtic wares. Full story here.