BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A Lehigh Valley businessman will soon open a new destination for essential groceries and household items in Northampton County.
Iffy Ansari, owner of A1 Quick Shops, has purchased 1225 N. New St. in Bethlehem and plans to convert the former beauty salon into a new neighborhood grocery store, according to a news release.
This will be the 21st location for Ansari, who has been steadily expanding his convenience store business across the Lehigh Valley for the past two decades.
Ansari said he was immediately drawn to the property’s prime location.
“I saw the sign and knew it was perfect,” Ansari said. “It’s a busy neighborhood, close to the university, and surrounded by other successful businesses. It’s the best location for a convenience store.”
Renovation plans include removing freestanding interior walls, replacing the residential-style front door with a commercial aluminum glass door and installing a new heating and cooling system.
Ansari also plans to install new shelving and update the flooring to commercial vinyl to accommodate high foot traffic.
He expects construction to begin the first week of November and hopes to open the store before the new year.
The new store will carry essential grocery and household items, drinks, tobacco, coffee and Pennsylvania Lottery tickets, Ansari said. It will not sell alcohol.
“I hold all my stores to a high standard,” Ansari said. “They are always clean, well-lit, and fully updated. They may not be Wawa, but they’re decent and respectable stores. Everything inside is brand new.”
Ansari moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2005 after a family trip to Dorney Park led him to discover the area.
He purchased his first business that same year on West Turner Street in Allentown. Since then, he has grown his operation to include convenience stores, a wholesale business and a laundromat.
The purchase of the Bethlehem property was financed by Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group LLC in Allentown.
“Jeff is awesome,” Ansari said. “This was my first loan through a broker, and he walked me through every step. He always had a second option if one didn’t work. I highly recommend him.”
Barber said he was pleased to help Ansari acquire the property and looks forward to the opening.
“Iffy is a smart, committed business owner who understands his market well,” Barber said. “This location will serve the neighborhood and expand his already impressive footprint across the Valley.”
Chris Raad of Harvey Z. Raad Realtors was the listing agent for the transaction, and the closing was handled by VAST Abstract of Bethlehem.
Ansari, who often builds and renovates his stores himself, will work with a trusted group of local contractors for the electrical, plumbing and finish work.
Looking ahead, Ansari hopes to make a lasting impact on the community by building a 24-hour indoor recreational center offering pickleball, badminton, table tennis, and a walking track.
“There’s a huge need for a facility like that in the Valley,” Ansari said. “As a professional marathon walker and badminton player, I know how important it is to have healthy spaces where kids and adults can stay active.”
He is currently searching for land or an existing warehouse to convert and said Barber has already offered to help secure the financing for the future project.
Ansari invites the public to follow A1 Quick Shops on social media for updates on the renovation and opening of the new Bethlehem location.