WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – After nearly five decades in business, a popular destination for sauerbraten, wienerschnitzel and other popular German dishes is looking to transition to new ownership in Lehigh County.
The sale of Dunderbak’s, an independently owned, family-run restaurant located on the lower level of the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township, could take place in early 2026, owner Bill Baker announced on Saturday on the business’ Facebook page.
The business opened on Nov. 11, 1977 and is the oldest independently owned and operated business in the Lehigh Valley Mall.
“We are in discussions with interested parties for the purchase of Dunderbak’s at the Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall, PA,” Baker stated.
“It is likely that should any of these inquiries lead to the sale of the restaurant, that the transition to new ownership will be after our target date of February 28, 2026. Therefore, we intend to operate afterwards on a month to month basis until a settlement date is determined. Any inquiries concerning the purchase of the business should be emailed to dunderbaklvmall@gmail.com.”
In July, Baker shared that he and his wife, both 78 years old, had decided to step away from the business due to age-related concerns.
In the summer announcement, they announced that they were seeking a buyer to take over the business and their target date to close or transfer the business was Feb. 28.
“For the last 10 years, our children have been encouraging us to retire,” Baker announced in the summer. “We have decided that now is the time to take their advice.”
Dunderbak’s food menu showcases German/American cuisine with various categories, including soups and munchies, specialty sandwiches and salads, burgers and wurst, and haus platters.
Popular selections include Bavarian mushroom soup, ultimate pierogies, the rathskeller sandwich, sauerbraten and wienerschnitzel.
The restaurant also offers more than 100 bottled beers and 12 specialty draft beers from more than a dozen countries. The German beers are the focus of the beer menu, and Spaten Oktoberfest is served on draft all year around.
Dunderbak’s features vibrant décor that emulates the Oktoberfest held each year in Munich, Germany.
There’s large beer steins, colorful wall art, decorative tile tabletops and striped canvases on the ceiling that evoke the Oktoberfest tents. Polka music also plays in the background.
“Dunderbak’s theme is ‘Where every day is Oktoberfest,’” read a message on the restaurant’s website. “Our goal is to everyday provide good food and service in an old world atmosphere of fun and relaxation.”
For the latest Dunderbak’s updates, including future announcements regarding the business’ possible sale, follow the business’ Facebook page.