WILSON, Pa. – Good friends are brewing good times with specialty drinks, local pastries, and sourdough toasties in a renovated, multi-room space in Northampton County designed for “community, connection, wellness, and real-life good moments.”
Good Times, a community-focused cafe featuring unique areas for relaxing, studying, children’s play, and more, held a soft opening a few months ago at 2001 Fairview Ave. in Wilson.
Ryan Kneller
The coffee shop, which occupies an updated space that was previously home to medical offices, began pop-up events in May before starting regular weekly hours on Sept. 1, according to Good Times co-founder Kyle George.
“We spent several months transforming the space and another few months getting situated and fully up and running,” George said.
“For us, it wasn’t about rushing to get open. We wanted to make sure that we were creating a warm and welcoming space where everyone – families, friends, students, literally everyone – could feel at home and have an amazing experience. The heart of this space is community, and that’s exactly what we want this coffee shop to be – a community space centered around good drinks, good food, good health and good company.”
Good Times is a collaborative venture, run by George and his wife, Chloe, and their friends, Tim and Rachelle McCormick.
The couples met through their church a few years ago, and Good Times represents the fulfillment of a longtime dream to create “a welcoming space where people can come exactly as they are,” Kyle said.
Ryan Kneller
The McCormicks are also medical professionals who operate Good Health – a premier acupuncture and integrative medicine practice – on the Wilson building’s upper floor, and the group saw the lower-level space to be a great fit for bringing their neighborhood cafe concept to life.
“[Rachelle] and I have been working upstairs for several years, and we always thought about doing something downstairs – something with a café vibe, but still health-focused,” Tim said.
“It all just came together because Kyle and I had also wanted to open a café – one that showcases Aussie culture – in the Lehigh Valley,” added Chloe, an Aussie native.
“So, our roaster is a friend of mine, who I knew back in Sydney before we both moved to the [United] States. He now lives in Virginia and roasts premium coffee beans there through his business, Hohl. He also operates a couple of restaurants there under the same name.”
The Georges and McCormicks spent several months overhauling the lower-level space with new drywall, lighting, counters, and other upgrades.
They also refinished the floors, updated the bathrooms and created cozy areas for sipping, socializing, studying and more.
Ryan Kneller
Spaces were designed with intention, with the goal of being a “welcoming space for all,” Kyle said.
There’s a main dining area, featuring tables, banquettes, counters, and lounge furniture; a children’s play space where parents can supervise their kids as they enjoy calm, creative play; a tucked-away corner with large tables suitable for groups; and a library workspace, featuring a soundproof door, circular table, and peaceful, secluded environment ideal for reading, studying, and business tasks.
“We completely transformed the space, and people are really surprised by its large size as well as its seemingly hidden areas when they visit,” Rachelle said.
“As parents, we found it really important to have a separate children’s play area where kids could have fun and just be themselves, and no one else is bothered. So far, it’s been super popular with families.”
Ryan Kneller
“This is a coffee shop for everyone, and we designed it specifically so everyone feels welcome,” Kyle added.
“For us, we very much understand that it can be difficult bringing our kids to cafes because there’s often not a lot of room, and we also never want to be an interruption if our kids start crying. So, here, none of that is an issue, and everyone can have a good time.”
Good Times guests can enjoy a wide array of hand-crafted drinks, including classics like Americano, cortado, cappuccino, flat white, and mocha; and signature varieties such as strawberry matcha, vanilla bean latte, mushroom adaptogen mocha, miso good (iced latte, house caramel syrup, miso syrup and sweet cream top) and Cali sunrise refresher (fresh-squeezed orange juice, organic strawberry syrup and sparkling water).
There’s also an Aussie-inspired “Mont Blanc” (iced Americano, house-made orange oleo, orange vanilla cream top and nutmeg), along with seasonal options such as pumpkin spice latte, “Better Together” (iced latte with house-made syrup steeped from whole cardamom pod, topped with pistachio maple cream and crushed pistachios) and “Autumn in the Catskills” (iced latte with house-made organic pumpkin, grass-fed brown butter, warm spice, and finished with maple cream and smoked birch sea salt).
Ryan Kneller
“The seasonals seem to be our top sellers lately,” Chloe said.
“We have a large fall menu, which has taken off really well, and our biggest seller right now is probably Autumn in the Catskills. All of our drinks are made with a lot of love, intention, and high-quality ingredients – local and organic whenever we can. We also make our own syrups.”
In addition to drinks, the cafe offers hot sandwiches, known as “toasties,” such as a grilled cheese toastie and “good morning breakfast toastie” (organic everything sourdough layered with herb-baked eggs, aged Kerrygold cheddar, avocado oil mayo and onion jam), along with baked goods from Fiddler’s Farm & Bakery in Harmony, N.J.
“Our sourdough toasties are hot and pressed sandwiches, almost like a panini, but we call them toasties in Australia,” Chloe explained.
“We also have a great selection of sourdough baked goods, all made locally with organic ingredients.”
Ryan Kneller
Good Times, which also sells Fiddler’s Farm raw honey and Hohl coffee in bags to brew at home, is currently open 7 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
However, at the end of October, the coffee shop plans to expand its weekday hours to 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, Kyle said.
For the latest Good Times updates, follow the business’ Instagram page. Info: goodtimeseaston.com.
More coffee buzz‘Stay awhile’: New Bethlehem coffee shop to feature specialty drinks, eats, cozy vibes
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new welcoming spot for cortados, cappuccinos, croissants and conversation is brewing in Northampton County.
Bethlehem Coffee Company, offering a wide array of classic and signature coffee drinks along with tea, baked goods, sandwiches and more, is coming soon to 9 W. Fourth St. in South Bethlehem.
An opening date has not yet been finalized, but the team is aiming to open the new coffee shop within the next few weeks, manager Eric Clouse told 69 News.
“We’re tentatively shooting for an Oct. 17 opening, but we still have a few last-minute tasks to complete before we know for sure,” Clouse said. Full story here.
Bethlehem Coffee Company is coming soon to 9 W. Fourth St. in south Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Couple behind popular mobile coffee trailer putting finishing touches on new Lehigh Valley cafe
SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A mom-and-pop business, known for serving up tasty drinks at venues across the Lehigh Valley, is brewing a new tasty venture in Lehigh County.
Onward Coffee, a mobile coffee shop offering a wide array of classic and specialty drinks, is expanding operations with its first brick-and-mortar location – tentatively set to open later this month – at 3900 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
The new cafe will operate near Bixler’s jewelry store in The Shops at 3900 Hamilton, across from Dorney Park.
Husband and wife Steve Kemper and Scarlett Allunis established Onward Coffee as a mobile operation in November 2024. Read more here.
Onward Coffee, a mobile coffee shop offering a wide array of classic and specialty drinks, is expanding operations with its first brick-and-mortar location at 3900 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Easton area news’A great run’: Lehigh Valley sewing machine and vacuum shop pulling the plug after 60-plus years
EASTON, Pa. – In an age when many consumers purchase household appliances online and prefer replacing items over repairing them, a beloved, family-run business has endured with attentive, old-fashioned customer service, but its decades-long run is coming to an end later this fall in Northampton County.
White Sewing Center, offering sewing machine and vacuum sales and service, is set to close on Oct. 31 at 209 Northampton St. in downtown Easton, operator Robert Brindisi told 69 News.
Brindisi’s father, Peter Brindisi, established the business in 1962.
“We had a great run, but financially, it’s just not profitable anymore,” Robert said. “The internet really killed our sales.” Read more here.
Robert Brandisi is pictured outside White Sewing Center, which his family has operated for more than 60 years at 209 Northampton St. in downtown Easton.
Ryan Kneller
Palmer Township considers potential liquor license for Rutter’s
PALMER TWP., Pa. – The Palmer Township Board of Supervisors held an intermunicipal liquor license transfer for a convenience store Monday night at the municipal building.
CHR Corp. is requesting the transfer of a license from Michael Gulycz at 1616 Main St. in Catasauqua for a proposed Rutter’s at 1280 Main St.
On Aug. 4, 2025, supervisors granted final land development plan approval for the Rutter’s project. The plan called for a 13,267-square-foot convenience store with 14 gasoline fueling stations, four diesel fueling stations and 50 retail parking spaces and 94 for tractor-trailers. Read more.
Easton Winter Village to look a little different this year
EASTON, Pa. – The Winter Village returns to Easton next month, but the holiday event will look a little different this year.
“All of the streets will be decorated with lights; all of the businesses and storefronts will be lit up and have things going on inside of our small businesses,” said Julie VanOsdol, manager of the Easton Main Street Initiative.
The goal is to spread the holiday experience beyond Centre Square.
“We have so many great retailers and small businesses; it felt like we really wanted people to go into their stores,” VanOsdol says. “And we were hearing that directly from small businesses.”
The huts will still be in Centre Square, but organizers say there will be fewer than last year, with different vendors rotating through the four-week event. Full story here.
Courtesy of the city of Easton’s Facebook page
Downtown Bethlehem news‘Great to be back’: Popular restaurant returning to downtown Bethlehem with new location
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After moving operations to Allentown last year, an eatery known for its unique and flavorful dishes will soon have a presence in Bethlehem once again.
A new location of Birriaholic, a Latin fusion restaurant specializing in birria tacos, is expected to open in late October or early November at 444 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem, co-owner Joel Almonte told 69 News.
The new location will operate alongside Lost Tavern Brewing’s Bethlehem taproom in a shared Moravian Book Shop space.
Birriaholic’s existing location at 545 Cleveland St. in Allentown will continue to operate as normal, Almonte said. Read more here.
Bethlehem Paris Baguette employee serves up smiles, connects with others through work
BETHLEHEM, PA. – October marks national disability employment awareness month, a time to celebrate the value and contributions people of all abilities bring to the workforce.
“I make the bacon, I make the egg patties, and today I’m gonna make the chicken caesar,” says Jason Kluska, an employee who serves up wraps, sandwiches, and smiles.
For the past year, Kluska has been working at Paris Baguette in Bethlehem.
“I use my height to get things from top shelves, and I’m also very observant when stuff is low; I’m on it,” he says.
For Jason, his shifts are more than just work; they’re also a chance for him to connect with others. Read more.
Paris Baguette operats on West Broad Street in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Retail chainsPromenade Saucon Valley announces new retail tenant set to open in 2027
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – A popular retailer’s new Lehigh Valley location is in sight.
Promenade Saucon Valley, an open-air lifestyle shopping center in the Center Valley section of Upper Saucon Township, on Thursday announced the addition of Warby Parker, a premier eyewear brand known for its stylish, designer-quality glasses and innovative approach to vision care.
The new 1,559-square-foot store is expected to open in 2027 between Athleta and Dandelion. The space was previously home to shoe retailer Johnston & Murphy.
Since Warby Parker’s launch in 2010, the company has “pioneered ideas, designed products, and developed technologies that help people see — from designer-quality prescription glasses (starting at $95) and contacts to eye exams and vision tests,” according to a message on the business’ website. Full story here.
Ryan Kneller
Popular retailer bringing unique designs to Whitehall with 1st Lehigh Valley location
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A business known for its inspirational jewelry, clothing, hats and more is expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint with a location in Lehigh County.
A new location of The Inspiration Co. is set to open Nov. 1 at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township, a company spokesperson told 69 News.
The new location will operate on the mall’s lower level near Joseph Jacob Jewelry, a mall spokesperson said.
Over the past several years, The Inspiration Co. has made a name for itself with unique, high-quality bracelets, charms and other pieces displaying inspirational messages such as “All I need is within me,” “Believe in yourself as much as I do” and “Brave – Strong – Humble – Kind.” Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Five Below to bring ‘newest, coolest stuff’ to latest regional store
NORWEGIAN TWP., Pa. – A popular value retailer is expanding its footprint.
A new location of Five Below, a high-growth retailer offering “trend-right, extreme value, high-quality products loved by the kid and the kid in all of us,” is coming to the Fairlane Village Mall at 7211 Fairlane Village Mall in Norwegian Township, Schuylkill County.
The new store will operate just outside Pottsville.
An exact opening date has not yet been announced, but Five Below estimates that the new store will begin welcoming shoppers sometime in 2027, a company spokesperson told 69 News. Read more.
Berks County newsGround broken on mixed-use Broadcast District in Spring Township
WYOMISSING, Pa. — Crews broke ground on a planned walkable community that will mix housing, shopping, dining and recreation in Berks County.
Lennar said in a news release that the Broadcast District in Spring Township will include 441 townhomes and single-family homes.
Lennar said the Broadcast District will include a 120,000-square-foot retail center anchored by a Whole Foods Market and featuring Sephora and Shake Shack. Full story here.
All‑aboard for fall: Railroad offers scenic train rides in Berks
ALBANY TWP., Pa. – Waves of red, orange, and gold are slowly covering trees across our region, and in Berks County, there’s a pretty scenic way you can take it all in.
One track leads to another, and this one heads straight into the fall foliage season.
“That’ll be the next two weeks. That will be really pretty,” said Linda Hartman, who’s the treasurer of the WK&S Railroad.
Those vibrant colors are just starting to peak through in Albany Township, which is perfect timing for all to hop on board the WK&S Railroad. Read more here.
‘It’s become quite popular’: Reading Roots Market holds final market of the season
READING, Pa. – The Reading Roots Market held its final market of the season, giving shoppers one last chance to fill their bags with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Rubi Vasquez had been a regular at the farmers market since it opened in June. She said the market was a great way to support the community while making sure residents had access to the nutrition they needed.
The market had been a part of Reading for years, but this year brought a major change. What was once known as the Penn Street Market, held on the 800 block of Penn Street, moved to GoggleWorks and got a new name: the Reading Roots Market. Read more.
National ‘Coffee with a Cop Day’ celebrated at West Reading diner
WEST READING, Pa. – Police in West Reading joined community members for coffee and conversation Wednesday morning at the American Diner.
A number of departments hosted events like this Wednesday for “National Coffee with a Cop Day.”
The event was a chance for officers and community members to get to know one another over coffee. Full story here.
Closing notes‘Memories will play on’: Lehigh Valley piano lounge bidding farewell after a year
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A destination for great melodies, cocktails and food is set to go quiet when it closes later this month in Lehigh County.
1812 Piano Lounge, a piano lounge offering live music, small plates and drinks, will end operations on Oct. 22 at 1812 W. Allen St. in Allentown’s West End, owner Jill Schaefer announced on the business’ Facebook page.
The piano lounge, which opened in June 2025, invites the community to reserve a table for its final farewell performance on Oct. 22 with Lis Bockelman and the “Last Dance.”
“When we opened 1812, we wanted to create a place where great music brought people together, where strangers became friends, and where an ordinary night could become a soundtrack worth remembering,” Schaefer stated.
“To our staff and entertainers: thank you for bringing this room to life night after night. Your talent, energy, hard work, and dedication made 1812 what it was. To our guests: thank you for singing along, requesting songs, celebrating with us, bringing your friends, and making 1812 part of so many special occasions. Thank you for choosing to spend your evenings with us and for giving us the opportunity to be part of your memories.” Read more here.
1812 Piano Lounge
‘Difficult decision’: Rice’s, a beloved Bucks County market, to close after more than 150 years
SOLEBURY TWP., Pa. – An iconic market offering “a unique and eclectic bargain shopping experience” is set to end operations later this year in Bucks County.
Rice’s Market, a 30-acre indoor and outdoor market offering a wide array of goods, will hold its last day of operation on Dec. 29 at 6326 Greenhill Road in Solebury Township, according to an online announcement.
The market will continue on its usual schedule, operating 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays through Dec. 29, with additional hours on Black Friday.
Rice’s, located a few miles west of New Hope, traces its origins to 1860, when A.L. Rice settled on a Solebury Township farm – now the site of Rice’s Market – and began auctioning his products, as well as his neighbors’ products, at various times during the year, according to a historical account on the market’s website. Read more.