Retail rewind: Lehigh Valley area restaurants, stores and more that opened or closed in 2025

The new year is almost here, and foodies and shoppers in the region have much to look forward to in 2026.

Dozens of businesses set to open in the coming months include Nori Japan in Whitehall Township, Circle Café on Main in Nazareth, Weil’s Doghouse Antiques in Allentown, Katie’s Country Kitchen in North Whitehall Township and Pistachio Café, The Blast Furnace sports bar and Don Carlos Fine Mexican Food & Tequila Bar in Bethlehem.

Several chains, including Sheetz, Burlington, Sephora, PrimoHoagies, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Tractor Supply Co., are also expanding their footprints in the region.

But before we browse new stores and dig into new dishes in 2026, let’s take a look back at some of the past year’s memorable moments – from bidding farewell to beloved restaurants such as Darto’s, Petey’s Eatey’s, Southside 313 and Casa Catrina to welcoming new locations of popular chains such as Chipotle, Honeygrow, Marco’s Pizza, Paris Baguette, Insomnia Cookies and Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls.

So, as 2025 comes to a close, let’s reflect on the Lehigh Valley area restaurants, stores and more that we’ve welcomed and bid farewell to over the past year.

January

Drive-thru Wawa location, Lower Macungie Township (Lehigh Valley’s 1st drive-thru Wawa closes after less than a year)

Ruby Tuesday location, Bethlehem Township (Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday: Casual restaurant chain’s last Lehigh Valley location closes)

A location of Ruby Tuesday, the full-service chain known for its “simple fresh American dining,” previously operated at 2102 Emrick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township.

Ryan Kneller

Saylors & Co. location at Easton Public Market, Easton (‘Exciting new chapter’: Easton Public Market vendor closing as owners pass torch to daughter)

1001 Thai, Easton (Restaurant bidding farewell, property for sale in Easton)

Rite Aid location, St. Lawrence (‘Difficult business decisions’: Rite Aid location in Berks set to close)

February

The Curious Plantaholic, Nazareth (‘Beyond grateful’: Popular Lehigh Valley plant shop to close as owner begins ‘next chapter’)

Silvershell Counter + Kitchen, Easton (‘Loved every bite’: Another Easton Public Market vendor closing, but new concept in the works)

Tomblers Bakery, Glendon (‘We’ll miss everyone’: Popular Lehigh Valley bakery bids farewell after 40-plus years)

Ryan Kneller

Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses, Whitehall Township (Furniture retailer closing one Lehigh Valley store, opening another soon)

Pocono Brewery Company’s Lehigh Valley taproom, Whitehall Township (Family restaurant and brewery’s Lehigh Valley taproom closes after 6 years)

March

Verde, Bethlehem (‘So very grateful’: Family-run store set to close in Bethlehem)

Forever 21, Whitehall Township (‘Everything must go!’: Fashion retailer closing only Lehigh Valley store)

Lucky Brand, Upper Saucon Township (‘Everything’s 60% off!’: After 18 years, retailer set to vacate Promenade Saucon Valley)

The Sweet Spot Bar & Grill, Allentown (‘Hard to say goodbye’: Allentown restaurant, entertainment facility set to close permanently)

Darto’s, Bethlehem (Beloved breakfast and lunch eatery to close in Bethlehem)

Darto’s operated on West North Street in Bethlehem.

Ryan Kneller

Lehigh Sweets, North Whitehall Township (‘We’ll miss everyone’: Lehigh Valley chocolate and candy shop to close)

Cheesy Charlie, Bethlehem (‘See you later!’: South Bethlehem eatery to close later this month)

Last Chance Ranch Thrift Store, Quakertown (‘Heavy heart’: Thrift store benefiting local animal rescue to close due to rising costs)

Buff City Soap, Hanover Township, Lehigh County (Retail chain’s only Lehigh Valley location permanently closes)

A Buff City Soap store previously operated in the Airport Center in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.

Ryan Kneller

Ruby Tuesday, Wyomissing (Casual-American restaurant chain closes only Berks location)

The Potato Factory, Allentown (Allentown restaurant closes as owner looks to continue operations via mobile format)

April

Mad Dogs Hot Dogs and Sugar Shack, Macungie (‘Bittersweet’: Lehigh County eatery known for loaded hot dogs to close, shift to mobile operation)

CVS, Easton (‘Difficult decision’: CVS to permanently close Easton location)

Hop Hill Brewing Company, Lower Saucon Township (Northampton County brewery closing original location, planning to reopen at new spot)

Downtown Allentown Market, Allentown (‘Difficult decision’: Downtown Allentown Market to close as venue didn’t meet long-term expectations)

The Downtown Allentown Market previously operated on the ArtsWalk in downtown Allentown.

Ryan Kneller

Salvatore’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Forks Township (‘We’ll miss everyone’: Popular Lehigh Valley restaurant to close after nearly 50 years)

Wiz Kidz location, Bethlehem Township (Popular cheesesteak restaurant closing one Lehigh Valley location, opening another)

Speedway location, South Whitehall Township (‘Thank you’: Lehigh Valley gas station and convenience store set to close permanently)

Alibi Bar & Lounge, Bethlehem (Upscale Bethlehem bar and lounge, known for hand-crafted cocktails, closes)

May

FD Market’s brick-and-mortar location, Upper Saucon Township (‘Thank you will never really be enough’: Retail store to close at Promenade Saucon Valley)

Rainbow, Palmer Township (‘Everything must go now!’: Fashion retailer to close Lehigh Valley store following drop in sales)

Petey’s Eatey’s, Plainfield Township (‘Deeply disappointed’: Lehigh Valley eatery bids farewell, making way for larger convenience store)

Petey’s Eatey’s is pictured at 5879 Sullivan Trail in Plainfield Township.

Ryan Kneller

Flying Hills Pharmacy, Cumru Township (‘Thank you for your loyalty’: Berks pharmacy set to close this weekend)

Amanda’s Riverside Cafe, Tinicum Township (‘We will miss you’: Scenic family restaurant near Delaware River closes)

June

Custom Cakes by Adele, Whitehall Township (‘It’s been an honor’: Lehigh Valley cake bakery to close due to owners’ health issues)

The 330 Thrift, Bethlehem (‘Will miss it tremendously’: Popular resale boutique bidding farewell in Bethlehem)

Over the Rainbow consignment shop, Heidelberg Township (‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts’: Lehigh Valley consignment shop bidding farewell)

Hometown Liquidation operated at 6 E. Pennsylvania Ave. in Pen Argyl.

Ryan Kneller

Hometown Liquidation, Pen Argyl (Lehigh Valley liquidation store, offering discounted clothes, furniture and more, set to close)

Project Paw, Easton (‘Difficult decision’: Lehigh Valley cat lounge, thrift store set to close)

July

Chestnut Hill Nursery, Chestnuthill Township (‘Heartfelt decision’: Popular garden center to close after nearly 50 years of business)

Something Different, Fountain Hill (‘Bittersweet’: Lehigh County restaurant closes, but owners may revisit concept in the future)

Something Different previously operated at 605 N. Fiot St. in Fountain Hill.

Ryan Kneller

Bed Head Vegan Brunch House, Bethlehem (‘Cannot thank you enough’: Lehigh Valley eatery no longer planning to reopen after staffing issues)

La Casera, Freemansburg (Family-run restaurant bids farewell in Northampton County)

August

The Growing Tree, Bushkill Township (‘New chapter’: Lehigh Valley children’s clothing store to close as owner plans new play place)

Southside 313, Bethlehem (‘All good things must come to an end’: Bethlehem pub to close after 10 years)

Claire’s, Palmer Township (‘Challenging time’: Retailer closing 16 Pa. stores, including Lehigh Valley, other regional locations)

A location of Bar Louie previously operated at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township.

Ryan Kneller

Bar Louie, Upper Saucon Township (‘Thank you for the many memories!’: Restaurant shutters at Promenade Saucon Valley)

One Dollar Zone, Whitehall Township (1 retailer closes, another coming soon at MacArthur Commons in Whitehall)

September

GailGray Home Furnishings and Design, Upper Saucon Township (‘Heavy heart’: Longtime retailer kicks off store closing sale – all items 50% off – at Promenade)

Black River Wine Bar, Quakertown (1 vendor closing, another expanding, 3 more coming soon at Trolley Barn Public Market)

Ryan Kneller

Breakfast on Broadway, Bangor (‘Gratitude in my heart’: Lehigh Valley breakfast and lunch spot bids farewell)

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Whitehall Township (‘Deeply grateful’: Iron Hill closing all locations, including year-old Lehigh Valley brewpub)

October

Handmade Mystic location, Whitehall Township (‘Thank you for the love’: Whitehall store set to close as owners move out of state)

Chernay Printing, Inc., Upper Saucon Township (‘Immensely grateful’: Lehigh Valley printing company to close after nearly 60 years in business)

Dino Sweets location, Whitehall Township (‘Time has come to say goodbye’: Lehigh Valley sweet spot bidding farewell)

November

Cycle Masters, Wind Gap (‘Very heavy heart’: Lehigh Valley bike shop holding going-out-of-business sale)

Ayat location, Allentown (Allentown restaurant abruptly closes its doors)

Karl Ehmer Quality Meats, Allentown (‘Bittersweet’: After 50 years, popular meat market and deli bidding farewell in Lehigh County)

Wendy’s, Salisbury Township (Wendy’s restaurant permanently closes in Lehigh County)

December

HiJinx Brewing Company’s Allentown taproom, Allentown (‘Tough decision’: Lehigh Valley brewery’s taproom to close as owner eyes new location)

Gallows Hill Spirits Co., Allentown (‘Heavy heart’: Lehigh Valley distillery and tasting room set to close)

Adagio, Bethlehem (‘Unbelievable run!’: Lehigh Valley seafood restaurant sets closing date)

Adagio is pictured at 530 Pembroke Road in Bethlehem.

Ryan Kneller

Chick-fil-A location, Whitehall Township (Chick-fil-A location sets closing date, new restaurant coming soon at Lehigh Valley Mall)

Casa Catrina, Lower Macungie Township (‘Difficult decision’: Mexican restaurant bids farewell in Lehigh County)

Robert’s Jewelers, Upper Macungie Township (‘All must go!’: Longtime Lehigh Valley jewelry store holds closing sale with 75% off everything)

January

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, Whitehall Township (Come hungry to new all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, hot pot spot, opening Sunday in Whitehall)

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot in Whitehall Township

Ryan Kneller

Wingstop, East Stroudsburg (Following new Bethlehem eatery, fast-casual restaurant chain continuing regional expansion)

Club Pilates, Hanover Township, Lehigh County (Lehigh County’s Airport Shopping Center to welcome new tenant later this month)

Tiki Bowls, Allentown (‘Feel like it’s summer’: Lehigh Valley to welcome Pa.’s 1st Tiki Bowls location this week)

Moxy Allentown Downtown, Allentown (‘Playful’ hotel, with carnival-themed décor, sets opening date in Allentown)

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, Upper Saucon Township (Popular lobster roll chain sets opening date for Lehigh Valley restaurant, the 1st in Pa.)

Ryan Kneller

Lu Taqueria location, Hellertown (Popular Mexican restaurant to debut new Lehigh Valley pick-up, delivery spot)

Nowhere Coffee Co., Allentown (‘We’re so excited’: Lehigh Valley coffee shop expands with new roastery and cafe)

Redd’s Piano Bar & Lounge, Tobyhanna Township (New Poconos piano bar hitting the right note with music lovers)

LV Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, South Whitehall Township (New Lehigh Valley restaurant to celebrate opening with free all-you-can-eat meals)

Casa Di Italia, Upper Macungie Township (‘We’re excited’: Popular Italian restaurant moves to new Lehigh Valley location)

Zekraft location, Hanover Township, Lehigh County (New food and beverage option set to take off at Lehigh Valley International Airport)

The Market Grille, Allentown (New Allentown eatery serving up sourdough melts, signature hot dogs and more)

Ryan Kneller

LoRusso’s Italian Restaurant, Palmer Township (‘Back in it!’: Seasoned chef bringing culinary chops to new Italian restaurant in Easton area)

Jessie the Florist, Lower Macungie Township (Eat, Sip, Shop: Parkland grad’s business blooming with 1st brick-and-mortar flower shop)

February

Lehigh University Pub, Bethlehem (Lehigh University to debut full-service pub that’s open to the public)

Zen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Upper Saucon Township (Newest tenant of Fairmont Village near Coopersburg to celebrate grand opening)

The Juice Pod, West Reading (‘We’re so excited’: Fast-casual concept to celebrate 1st Berks County location with free food)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Bethlehem (Lehigh Valley’s newest Chipotle restaurant set to open this week)

Presley’s Cocktail Bar, Easton (Eat, Sip, Shop: Lehigh Valley ‘upscale dive bar’ to offer elevated cocktails, local beer and wine)

Pictured is The Little Apple, a cocktail featuring Avallen Calvados, lemon, chamomile and red wine float, at Presley’s Cocktail Bar in Easton.

Ryan Kneller

My Tequila House, South Whitehall Township (‘Vibrant flavors’: Popular Mexican restaurant to open 2nd Lehigh Valley location this week)

Blazing Hot Halal Grill, Allentown (Allentown’s new Mediterranean restaurant invites you to ‘set your taste buds ablaze’)

La Hacienda Mexican Grill, Lower Nazareth Township (New Mexican restaurant heating up Lehigh Valley dining scene)

Bharat Bistro, Palmer Township (Eat, Sip, Shop: Palmer Park Mall’s business boom continues with new restaurant, playground)

Halal Food Express, Easton (Lehigh Valley’s new family-run eatery serving up specialty platters, sandwiches and more)

Taste of Greece, Moore Township (‘Taste of Greece’: New Lehigh Valley eatery serving up souvlaki, other Greek favorites)

Taste of Greece offers a variety of Greek specialties, including lamb and beef gyro sandwiches.

Ryan Kneller

Play It Again Sports, Hanover Township, Lehigh County (‘Score great deals’: New Lehigh County store offering cash for gently used sports gear)

MINISO, Whitehall Township (Popular global retailer opens 1st Lehigh Valley store)

March

Club Pilates, South Whitehall Township (‘Super excited!’: Lehigh County’s Crest Plaza to welcome new tenant in March)

Insieme Event Venue, Richland Township (Owners of popular Quakertown area pizzeria, Italian market opening new event venue)

Utopita, Bethlehem Township (Copperhead Grille owners to debut new restaurant, serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine)

Utopita, a fast-casual eatery offering fresh Mediterranean cuisine, operates at 3650 Nazareth Pike Unit 8 in Bethlehem Township.

Ryan Kneller

nyche, Easton (Fashionista finding her ‘nyche’ with new Lehigh Valley boutique, offering luxe looks for less)

Mamacita’s Latin Cuisine, Richland Township (Eat, Sip, Shop: New restaurant joins string of new tenants at Quakertown Farmers Market)

Wondaffle, Bethlehem (Opening date announced for Lehigh Valley’s new waffles and ice cream shop)

Whole Foods, Doylestown Township (Region’s newest Whole Foods Market location opening with local products, giveaways)

La Kang Chicken & Rice, Bethlehem (Popular restaurant team sets opening date for new full-service concept in Bethlehem)

953 Deli, Allentown (Lehigh Valley’s new deli serving up specialty sandwiches, salads, snacks and more)

Rosa Blanca, Allentown (‘Festive and fun’: Renowned chef sets opening date for Cuban cafe, rum bar in Allentown)

Rosa Blanca operates at 950 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown.

WFMZ-TV

Starbucks, Plainfield Township (Eat, Sip, Shop: Coffee lovers line up for Lehigh Valley’s newest Starbucks location)

Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses, Bethlehem (Freshen up your home with help from new Lehigh Valley furniture store)

Address for Him, Whitehall Township (Dunkin’ coming soon, 2 fashion retailers opening 1st regional locations at Lehigh Valley Mall)

The Gravity Vault, Whitehall Township (‘Brings value to the community’: Lehigh Valley’s new rock climbing gym sets opening date)

The Tipsy Crow, Easton (‘So excited to grow’: Fresh drinks and eats coming to familiar Easton spot)

Cumin N Eat, Northampton (‘We’re so thankful’: Popular Indian restaurant opens 2nd Lehigh Valley location)

Radical Rations featuring Madam Mac, Easton (‘From the heart’: Lehigh Valley’s new family-run restaurant serving up tasty soul food)

Carter’s, Whitehall Township (Another clothing retailer opening new store at Lehigh Valley Mall)

Dolly’s Dressing Room, Upper Saucon Township (Fashion retailer opening this weekend, 5 other tenants coming soon at Promenade Saucon Valley)

Ryan Kneller

Sweet Revenge, Bethlehem (New Orleans-inspired sweet spot serving up local ice cream, beignets and more in Bethlehem)

Tinto Tapas & Pasta, Fountain Hill (‘Very thankful’: New Lehigh County restaurant debuts full bar, lounge and outdoor deck)

April

Thirsty Turtle Tavern, Whitehall Township (New Lehigh Valley tavern, opening Monday, to serve up burgers, pizza, wings and more)

Thirsty Turtle Tavern

Clever Girl Winery’s wine cottage, Upper Mount Bethel Township (Savor local wines, scenic views at Lehigh Valley ‘wine cottage’)

Moe’s Southwest Grill, Bethlehem (Wind Creek Bethlehem welcomes Moe’s Southwest Grill, another dining option coming soon)

Grazia’s Italian Market, Hanover Township, Northampton County (Popular Bethlehem area Italian market changes hands, expands product lineup)

Monster Mini Golf, South Whitehall Township (Lehigh Valley’s new entertainment spot to offer mini golf, laser maze, bowling and more)

Da’V Family Treasures, Slatington (‘Shop amazing finds’: New Lehigh Valley thrift store opening Tuesday)

Fleetwood Bank, Maxatawny Township (Fleetwood Bank to host ribbon-cutting ceremony for newly renovated Kutztown branch)

Horizon Sports Pickleball, Wind Gap (‘Excitement is crazy’: Lehigh Valley’s new pickleball facility opening with free play this week)

The 3W Eatery, Washington Township, Lehigh County (Slatington Farmers Market welcomes new family-run eatery, pickleball courts)

Di Kitchen Jamaican Restaurant, Wilson (Lehigh Valley’s new Jamaican restaurant to hold grand opening this weekend)

Wawa, Smithfield Township (Wawa continuing regional expansion with newly opened, planned locations)

Cookie Plug, Pocono Township (‘Nothing cookie-cutter about us!’: Popular cookie chain’s new store opening this weekend)

Uncle Aldo’s, Bethlehem (Eat, Sip, Shop: New restaurant brings tasty eats back to former Pete’s Hot Dog Shop)

Uncle Aldo’s recently opened at 400 Broadway in south Bethlehem. Shannon Finnegan (right) and her son, Aidan Finnegan (center), are running the restaurant with Finnegan’s fiance, Angelo Georgio (left).

Ryan Kneller

Paris Baguette, Bethlehem (‘Beyond excited!’: Expansive bakery and cafe to open in downtown Bethlehem next week)

Mexico Lindo, Easton (Popular Mexican restaurant sets opening date for 2nd Lehigh Valley location)

Spice Crust Pizzeria, Bethlehem Township (New eatery spicing up Lehigh Valley food scene with unique pizzas, burgers and more)

S. Main Street Market, Coopersburg (‘One-stop shop’: New Lehigh Valley market offering groceries, gifts, game room and more)

You Got Cone’d, Wilson (‘Something for everyone’: New Lehigh Valley barbecue, ice cream shop opening this weekend)

Waikiki, Whitehall Township (Candy business, fashion retailer open 1st regional locations at Lehigh Valley Mall)

Sugar Bear, Whitehall Township (Candy business, fashion retailer open 1st regional locations at Lehigh Valley Mall)

Manhattan Bagel, Allentown (‘Fuel your day’: New Manhattan Bagel shop opens, another coming soon in Lehigh Valley)

Redd & Co. Fine Jewelers, Lower Macungie Township (‘Very thankful for the support’: Popular jeweler adds more sparkle at new Lehigh Valley store)