BETHLEHEM, Pa. – While most cafes serve up coffee, tea and light fare in small, informal spaces, a cafe coming soon to Northampton County will offer artisanal drinks, baked goods and hearty dishes – including gourmet French toast, lamb chops, rib eye steaks and buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches – in a posh, pink-filled dining room.
A new location of Pink Pistachio Cafe, a full-service restaurant featuring elevated drinks and dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is expected to open in late spring or early summer 2026 at 30 E. Third St. in south Bethlehem, owner Ishrat Ilyas said.
The cafe will occupy the ground floor of the former Goodman Furniture property, which has been developed into a mixed-use project with retail, commercial and office space.
A new location of Pink Pistachio Cafe is coming soon to 30 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Pink Pistachio’s first location opened in January in Somerset, New Jersey, Ilyas said.
The Bethlehem cafe will be Pink Pistachio’s first Pennsylvania location, and Ilyas is planning to further expand the business’ footprint with additional cafes in Columbus, Ohio and upstate New York.
“We’re very excited to be opening in Bethlehem,” Ilyas told 69 News.
“In Somerset, we have customers coming from one to two hours away, and a lot of people who have been coming from the Bethlehem area have been asking for a closer, more convenient location. So, we really can’t wait to open there. There is still some construction that needs to be complete, but we’re hoping for everything to be done by early next summer. The Bethlehem location is a great corner spot, with great visibility, and it’s going to be very beautiful.”
Pink Pistachio Cafe’s original location operates in Somerset, New Jersey.
Pink Pistachio Cafe
Pink Pistachio Cafe, which has a tagline of “where mornings begin in luxury,” offers a variety of freshly prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Bethlehem cafe will feature a menu “very similar” to the one offered in Somerset, Ilyas said.
In New Jersey, guests can enjoy artisanal coffee and gourmet halal brunches, with dishes such as crepes, omelettes, croissant sandwiches, avocado toast, banana walnut pancakes and shakshuka (two poached eggs, marinara sauce with black olives, white onions and peppers with toast).
Other offerings include salads such as chicken and kale Caesar; sandwiches such as chipotle chicken, caprese chicken and hearty veggie; and main options such as lamb chops, rib eye steak, roasted salmon and supreme de volaille (roasted chicken, creamy lemon butter sauce, and mushrooms and quinoa pilaf).
Pink Pistachio Cafe
Like the Somerset location, the Bethlehem cafe also will offer specialty drinks such as matcha lattes, Nutella lattes, Pink Pistachio chai and non-alcoholic mojitos; and fresh baked goods and desserts such as specialty cakes, almond croissants, tiramisu and tres leches cake.
“Not only does everything taste amazing, it also has a great aesthetic,” Ilyas said. “So, people love to take pictures of their food and drinks, and we also host events like birthday parties and baby showers.”
The Bethlehem cafe will occupy a roughly 3,000-square-foot space, with seating for more than 50 guests, Ilyas said.
Like the Somerset location, a chic and colorful aesthetic will be showcased with plentiful pink decor.
Pink Pistachio Cafe
“I travel a lot, to places like Dubai and London, and I see different pink-themed cafes,” Ilyas said. “So, the name Pink Pistachio just came to me, and it’s worked out amazing.”
At Pink Pistachio Cafe, classic American breakfast, coffee and lunch “come together with an all-Halal twist,” according to a message on the business’ website.
The business’ mission is “to provide a warm, inclusive space where delicious food and exceptional service are at the heart of every visit.”
“At Pink Pistachio, we serve up hearty breakfast platters, expertly brewed coffee, and wholesome lunch options made with premium ingredients, ensuring every dish meets the highest standards of quality and taste,” the cafe’s online description reads. “From morning routines to midday pick-me-ups, we offer something for everyone in a welcoming and stylish atmosphere.”
More foodie finds’Bring your sweet tooth’: New Lehigh Valley shop serving premium, made-on-site ice cream
LOWHILL TWP., Pa. – A new destination for chilled treats is now open in Lehigh County.
The Tin Rooster Creamery, featuring premium, made-on-site ice cream, opened Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7207 Kernsville Road in Lowhill Township.
“Bring your friends, bring your sweet tooth and lets kick off our very first night with scoops of fun,” an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The creamery is offering 24 flavors, including 20 staples such as chocolate, vanilla and cookies and cream, and four rotating, seasonal options such as pumpkin cheesecake and caramel apple, owner Buddy Wessner said. Full story here.
The Tin Rooster Creamery
‘Light’s at the end of the tunnel’: Pizza shop nearing completion of new Bethlehem spot
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Nearly three years after a fire damaged a much-loved Bethlehem pizza shop, the family-run business is almost ready to welcome fans to its new location in the Christmas City.
Paranormal Pizza, specializing in scratch-made vegan pizza, is planning to open a new brick-and-mortar spot this fall at 125 E. Third St. on Bethlehem’s South Side, co-owner Marc Kubushefski said.
Paranormal Pizza’s original restaurant opened in March 2022 at 554 N. New St. in Bethlehem, but that location was forced to temporarily close less than a year later – in February 2023 – due to a fire that damaged the restaurant and upstairs apartments. Read more here.
Paranormal Pizza offers a variety of vegan pizzas, including the “Smoking Man” (garlic knot crust, red sauce and cashew mozzarella).
Paranormal Pizza
Raising Cane’s plan to expand Lehigh Valley footprint paused
HANOVER TWP., Pa. – A preliminary land development plan for a fast-food restaurant was tabled Wednesday night during the Hanover Township Council meeting in Lehigh County.
The plan involves a 3,000-square-foot Raising Cane’s establishment on the site of the former Friendly’s Restaurant at 1836 Catasauqua Road, near its intersection with Airport Road.
On Aug. 19, the township’s planning commission recommended preliminary land development plan approval but denied recommending final plan approval, citing the number of will-comply issues cited by township staff reviews and outstanding issues such as permit acquisition. Read more.
Raising Cane’s
Easton area news’More fresh, healthy options’: New grocery store opens in Northampton County
EASTON, Pa. – A grocer has expanded its Lehigh Valley footprint, bringing fresh meats, produce, baked goods and other foods to another location.
An Ideal Food Basket store, featuring a deli, bakery, hot prepared foods section and seven aisles of groceries, opened 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at 901 Northampton St. in Easton’s West Ward, manager Alvis Diaz said.
The property previously housed a Rite Aid location, which closed in 2023.
The new grocery store is owner Juan Diaz’s second Lehigh Valley Idea Food Basket store, supplementing a location that opened in 2023 at a former Ahart’s Market site at 410 Montclair Ave. in Bethlehem’s South Side. Full story here.
An Ideal Food Basket store operates at 410 Montclair Ave. in Bethlehem. Another Ideal Food Basket store is coming soon to 901 Northampton St. in Easton.
Ryan Kneller
‘Rebirth of a local institution’: Easton landmark restaurant set to reopen under new ownership
EASTON, Pa. — A staple of the Lehigh Valley’s restaurant scene for more than three decades will start a new chapter in October.
Pearly Baker’s Alehouse, offering freshly prepared pub fare, a full bar, live music and more, will hold a grand reopening under its new ownership at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at 11 Centre Square in downtown Easton, according to a news release.
A soft opening for friends, family and media will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 1
Brothers Philip, Joseph and Michael Simonetta acquired Pearly Baker’s earlier this summer. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
‘Modern sanctuary’: Lehigh Valley’s new cutting-edge skincare clinic to hold grand opening
EASTON, Pa. — A new, premier skincare facility will celebrate its opening with live consultations, product demos, wellness mocktails, giveaways, discounts and more in Northampton County.
IRIYA Wellness & Aesthetics, a cutting-edge skincare clinic redefining skincare through science, personalization and wellness, will hold its grand opening open house noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at 100 Northampton St. in downtown Easton, a news release announced.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Easton Business Association will be held at 1 p.m.
IRIYA is operating inside The Commodore, a seven-story, mixed-use development near the Easton-Phillipsburg free bridge. Read more.
IRIYA Wellness & Aesthetics, a cutting-edge skincare clinic redefining skincare through science, personalization and wellness, operates at 100 Northampton St. in downtown Easton.
Willianson Agamez, Park Street Weddings Corp
Bakery buzz’A whole new dream’: Lehigh Valley bakery moving to larger location
EASTON, Pa. – A popular bakery, known for its unique assortment of sweet and savory treats, is making moves in Northampton County.
Pie + Tart, a small-batch, urban bakery specializing in pies and tarts, is planning to move this fall from its seven-year-old spot at 444 Northampton St. in downtown Easton to a larger, nearby spot at 349 Northampton St.
The bakery’s forthcoming spot is located a few doors down from the Easton Public Market, about a block away from the bakery’s current spot. Full story here.
Pie + Tart
Looking for ‘mo sweets’? New Lehigh Valley bakery set to open next week
U. MOUNT BETHEL TWP., Pa. – A new destination for cookies, cupcakes, croissants and other baked goods is coming soon to Northampton County.
Mo Sweets Bakeshop, offering a wide array of made-fresh-daily baked goods, is set to open Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2165 Mount Bethel Highway, Suite 5, in Upper Mount Bethel Township, owner Morgan Lattig said.
The new bakery will operate between Mt. Bethel Beverage and Mt. Bethel Auto Supply in the Mt. Bethel Plaza, just west of Route 611.
Lattig, an Upper Mount Bethel resident, is a 2022 graduate of Bangor Area High School. Read more here.
Mo Sweets Bakeshop
Popular Lehigh Valley bakery to relocate later this year
A business known for its freshly prepared cakes, doughnuts, sticky buns and other sweet treats is making moves.
Baker Ben’s Bakery, a full-service bakery offering a wide array of made-on-site cakes, croissants, muffins and more, this fall will move from its two-year-old spot at 4330 Lehigh Drive in Lehigh Township, Northampton County to 656 Delaware Ave. in Palmerton, Carbon County.
An exact opening date for the Palmerton location has not yet been determined, but it should be welcoming customers sometime in October, owner and baker Ben Steitz said.
Steitz, a resident of Whitehall Township, opened Baker Ben’s Bakery in July 2023 in a renovated Lehigh Town Center space that was previously home to A Ca Mia, a former BYOB Italian restaurant. Read more.
Baker Ben’s Bakery
Quakertown area news1 vendor closing, another expanding, 3 more coming soon at Trolley Barn Public Market
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – As the Trolley Barn Public Market celebrates its fifth anniversary, the bustling Quakertown dining and shopping destination is undergoing several changes, including two restaurant concepts offering fast-casual and full-service options.
First, Black River Farms Vineyard & Winery, an original tenant of the Trolley Barn, will close its Black River Wine Bar at the market on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Black River Farms Vineyard & Winery fans will still be able to visit the winery’s primary location at 2472 Black River Road in Lower Saucon Township.
“We have been very proud members of the Trolley Barn Public Market Community and are grateful for every customer, every Team member, and every experience that made the BRF Wine Bar so special,” an announcement on Black River Farms’ Facebook page reads.
“Thank you. After five years, we will not plan to remain open in Quakertown but will continue reflecting on many fine memories that were created.” Full story here.
True Blue Mediterranean Grill operates at the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown.
Ryan Kneller
‘Store closing’ sale underway at Quakertown area Staples location
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – A destination for pens, paper, printers and other office supplies will soon end operations in upper Bucks County.
A location of Staples, the popular retail chain offering office supplies such as desk organizers, file folders, notebooks and scissors, is set to close on Oct. 3 at 654 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township, according to the store’s general manager.
The Quakertown area store, located in the Richland Marketplace shopping center, is hosting a store closing sale, with all items – excluding ink, toner and print and tech services – discounted 50% off their original prices. Read more here.
Popular events, attractionsNorthampton County farm getting ready to welcome visitors for some fall fun
EAST ALLEN. TWP., Pa. – Farmers around our region have been working long hours in the heat preparing for their fall season of fun.
In Northampton County, a farm is preparing to welcome visitors to its pumpkin patch and corn maze this weekend.
“It’s fall season,” said Andrea Delong, general manager of Seiple Farms.
Seiple Farms in East Allen Township is just about ready to trade the sunflowers for pumpkins.
“It’s our 43rd annual pumpkin season and corn maze,” said Delong. Read more.
Opa! Popular Lehigh Valley festivals returning with Greek food, music and dancing
Organizers and volunteers from two local churches are once again getting ready to serve up gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita and other Greek specialties.
First, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, at 1607 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem, will host its biannual Greek Food Festival Thursday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 21.
The event features several handmade Greek specialties for sale, including chicken or pork souvlaki, pastitsio (alternate layers of pasta and Greek-style ground beef, topped with bechamel sauce), moussaka (baked dish consisting of layers of sauteed slices of eggplant, ground beef flavored with tomatoes, onions and cinnamon, covered with a custard sauce and grated cheese) and Athenian chicken (boneless and skinless chicken, filled with spinach, feta and other Greek cheeses, baked and topped with light gravy). Full story here.
‘Fun for everyone!’: Easton festival to showcase Latin American food, music, crafts and more
EASTON, Pa. – A free community event will celebrate the vibrant flavors, rhythms and cultures of Latin America this weekend in Northampton County.
Latin Festival Easton, showcasing Latin American cuisine, crafts, live musical performances and more, will be held noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Riverside Park in Easton.
“We’ll have a bunch of live bands playing salsa, bachata, mariachi and more,” festival organizer Marcel Bedoya said.
“So, we’ll have music as well food from many different Latin American countries. There also will be bouncy houses and activities for children. We’re trying to bring all of the local families and people together. So, there will be fun for everyone!” Read more here.
Oley Valley Community Fair celebrates over seven decades of tradition and community spirit
OLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Thursday marked the first official day of the Oley Valley Community Fair.
The Oley Fair has been going on for more than 75 years and is a fair that’s deeply rooted in agriculture and community.
“There’s a lot of very close family connections within the fair,” said Madeline Schoener, co-chair of publicity for the Oley Valley Community Fair. “A lot of the younger volunteers had family members that had been involved in it either since the start or a really long time.” Read more.