EMMAUS, Pa. – A longstanding spot for beers, burgers, sandwiches and sports viewing has ended operations in the Lehigh Valley.
The Emmaus location of Volpe’s Sports Bar held its last day of operation on Saturday at 501 Broad St., according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
“I never thought I would own a bar, especially after seeing what it was like growing up around the business,” owner Fran Volpe said in the announcement.
“18 years ago, I decided to start a new business in Emmaus. My family was welcomed to Emmaus and always treated great by the Borough and community. I made so many great friends, had great employees and loyal customers. I am very proud of the number of organizations we have been able to sponsor, teams we could help and host meetings for, fundraisers, dine and donates… This business is a perfect example of how much one small business can help a local community. Make sure you support all your favorite local businesses.”
Volpe opened the Emmaus location of Volpe’s Sports Bar in 2008 at Broad and South Fifth streets in the borough.
The establishment was a second location of the landmark sports bar, which Volpe’s father – Robert Volpe – continues to operate at 1926 W. Tilghman St. in Allentown.
Robert’s late father, Americo Volpe, started what is now Volpe’s Sports Bar in 1941 at the Tilghman Street site.
The family-run establishment went by a couple of other monikers, including Volpe’s West Side Lounge, over the decades, but it’s operated as Volpe’s Sports Bar since Robert took over operations in 1984.
At the former Emmaus location, guests could choose from two different bars: a “modern day cigar bar” that showcased the space’s original bar dating back to the 1920s and the sports bar’s “main bar/dining room,” a smoke-free space featuring 20 TVs and a pool table, according to the business’ website.
The Emmaus establishment offered more than a dozen rotating draft beers, over 50 bottle beer selections and a food menu featuring a wide array of appetizers, burgers, cheesesteaks, jumbo chicken wings, specialty fries and pierogies, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and more.
“Volpe’s was built as a bar, primarily a drinking establishment and with the changing times, we need to change a lot of things to be successful today,” Fran wrote in Sunday’s announcement.
“I thought right now was a good time to close the doors and figure out what is next. Volpe’s as it once was, won’t be back in the same form, but I know some food business will do great at this location. I am not sure if I will be a part of that change or not, but THANK YOU to everyone who worked here, and every patron who stepped foot in this building.”
Within a few hours of its posting, Sunday’s Facebook announcement had garnered more than 300 reactions and over 70 comments, primarily from individuals extending warm wishes to Fran and the Volpe’s Emmaus team.
“Best of luck to you in the future!” one person stated. “We loved spending time at Volpe’s and made so many great memories there!”
“Oh, man!” another person commented. “I’ll miss this place. Tremendous friends and memories made here. Thanks, Fran!”
“This makes me so sad,” another person wrote. “Fran and crew, thank you for being part of Emmaus for as long as you were. Many of us appreciate your sponsorship support and you were always willing to help. Here’s to the next chapter, Fran and family and crew! Thank you!”
Fran noted that he had a lot of fun at the Emmaus location and “always enjoyed seeing other people enjoy their time” as well.
“It’s been a great 2 decades, now it’s time for the next chapter,” he said.