WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular coffee and baked goods chain, with more than 40 locations throughout the Lehigh Valley, is continuing to expand its footprint in the region.
A location of Dunkin’, the country’s largest coffee and doughnuts brand, is set to open on Dec. 29 on the Lehigh Valley Mall’s lower level near the escalators in Whitehall Township, according to signage.
Dunkin’
The new Dunkin’ location will occupy a kiosk that was previously home to a Starbucks location, which closed last year.
Plans for the new Dunkin’ kiosk were first announced in February.
Founded by Bill Rosenberg in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ is owned by Atlanta-based Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio also includes Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, SONIC Drive-In, Rusty Taco and Jimmy John’s.
In addition to coffee and doughnuts, the chain offers a variety of other food and beverages, including sandwiches and Wake-Up Wraps, frozen drinks like Coolatas and frozen matcha lattes and baked goods such as bagels, croissants and muffins.
Dunkin’
Dunkin has more than 14,000 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets.
The forthcoming Dunkin kiosk at the Lehigh Valley Mall will join more than 40 other Lehigh Valley locations throughout the Lehigh Valley.
More mall changes
It’s opening amid a slew of other changes in the Lehigh Valley Mall’s food and beverage lineup.
A location of Chick-fil-A, a quick-service restaurant company known for its freshly-prepared chicken selections, will cease operations at 2 p.m. Dec. 31 near the mall’s main entrance on the lower level, according to signage at the restaurant.
“We want to thank the community of Lehigh Valley for the support over these many years,” the sign reads.
Next door to the departing Chick-fil-A location, Nori Japan – an eatery offering Japanese cuisine – is coming soon to a space that previously housed Tasty Bitez, a fast-casual eatery that closed in the fall.
The new Nori Japan restaurant will provide a full range of Japanese dishes, including teriyaki options freshly prepared right in front of customers on a tepanyaki grill, according to an online description.
Other menu highlights will include tempura, sesame chicken, kushiyaki and assorted sushi rolls.
“Our dishes are prepared fresh daily with the finest ingredients,” the online description reads. “Our Japanese recipes are developed by master chefs with care to deliver the highest quality and authenticity.”
A target opening date for the new Nori Japan location has not been announced.
Drink Fresh by Djurdura operates at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Other food and beverage spots that opened at the mall this year include Drink Fresh by Djurdjura, offering freshly prepared smoothies, juices, acai bowls, Dubai chocolate cups and more; Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery, offering award-winning wines, brick-oven pizza and more; and D’Colombia Restaurant & Bakery, offering authentic, freshly-prepared Colombian food.
In addition to Tasty Bitez, which offered cheesteaks, gyros, fried chicken, salads and more, other food and beverage spots that left the mall this year include Dino Sweets, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Spice n Shake and Pocono Brewery Company’s Lehigh Valley taproom.
Pocono Brewery Company’s flagship location continues to operate in the Swiftwater section of Pocono Township, Monroe County.