WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A much-loved, family-run business is expanding operations in Lehigh County.
The owners of SMP Mini Mart, a popular business that is part fast-casual eatery and part convenience store at 1341 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township, are nearing completion of a sister location of SMP across the street at 1050 Schadt Ave.
SMP’s original location operates at 1341 Mickle Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
In November, husband and wife owners Chad and Nancy Sankari purchased the Schadt Avenue property, which previously housed a soccer specialty store, Soccer Post, and they’ve spent the past several months overhauling the space for a new SMP location.
The new SMP eatery is expected to open in early August, will offer an improved sit-down dining experience, Chad said.
At SMP’s original location, seating is available for around 25 guests at tables that are situated next to store shelves and other retail displays carrying drinks, snacks, household necessities and other convenience items.
SMP’s new sister location will feature a distinct dining section, where tables are situated further apart, along with a separate ordering area, Chad said.
A second location of SMP is coming soon to 1050 Schadt Ave. in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
“The atmosphere and vibe inside the new location will be more clean-cut,” Chad explained.
“So, you will not be dining in between refrigerators or shelves as we are right now. There still will be a small section where you can buy chips, snacks and drinks, but it won’t be anywhere near the sit-down area. It will offer a better experience overall for the customer to dine-in.”
Like the original SMP location, the sister location will operate in a fast-casual format where customers place orders at a counter.
Staff members will take orders, and there also may be a kiosk option to help minimize wait times.
“We’re thinking about doing both, but we will never ever eliminate the experience of talking with a worker,” Chad said. “I am very opposed to the concept of people walking into a restaurant, where the business just takes your money with no human interaction.”
SMP Mini Mart
Also similar to the original SMP location, the new sister eatery will feature Philadelphia Eagles décor, and there also will be other nods to the City of Brotherly Love.
“The new location will have more of a city vibe,” Chad said.
“The one wall will have a large decal of the Ben Franklin Bridge with Philadelphia’s skyline behind it. When you look at it, it looks like you’re looking outside of a window at it.”
SMP, known for its cheesesteaks, chopped cheese sandwiches, house-breaded chicken cutlet sandwiches and other freshly prepared handhelds, opened in November 2022.
The popular spot is an outgrowth of the Sankaris’ more than decade-old wholesale business, SMP Wholesale, which distributes items to nearly 60 Lehigh Valley area gas stations and convenience stores.
SMP is named after the first letter of each of the couple’s three children – Sarina, Milana and Pierre.
SMP owners Chad and Nancy Sankari pose in front of their new food trailer.
Ryan Kneller
“The idea for this mini mart and eatery originated because we already had the product,” Nancy previously told 69 News.
“So, we thought, ‘Since we already have the product, why don’t we have our own store?’ We’re both also really into food and decided that adding really good sandwiches to the mix would complete the concept.”
Initially, SMP Mini Mart offered primarily cold hoagies and sandwiches, along with a few hot breakfast sandwiches.
A few weeks after opening, however, a customer’s cheesesteak request led to the Sankaris bringing in a grill and expanding the menu to include more hot selections.
The eatery’s menu has continued to grow over the years, and the Sankaris installed another grill in 2024 to accommodate the increasing orders.
SMP Mini Mart
“We’re so grateful for everybody’s support,” Nancy said.
“When we started this, we didn’t expect it to turn into what it is today. The menu that we have today is about a year in the making, as we’ve continued to add more items month after month.”
The Sankaris label the “SMP” cheesesteak (featuring onions and a mix of wiz and Cooper cheeses) as the business’ top seller, with the chopped cheese sandwich (hamburger, American cheese, sauteed onions, green peppers, special seasoning, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayonnaise) coming in a close second.
A variety of beef and chicken cheesesteaks are available, including specialty varieties such as Buffalo ranch chicken, Western BBQ bacon chicken and Boom Boom chicken (chicken, onions, jalapenos, pepper jack, Boom Boom sauce, lettuce and tomato).
SMP Mini Mart
Customers also can enjoy other specialties such as a gyro and garlicky chicken parm sandwich, along with hoagies – made with sliced-to-order meats – such as grilled chicken, Italian and turkey and cheese.
Other menu highlights include traditional and boneless wings, hot dogs, burgers, sliders/bowls and breakfast sandwiches (available all day) on your choice of croissant, Kaiser roll or bagel (everything, plain or sesame).
Hoagies, cheesesteaks and sandwiches are available in 8- and 12-inch sizes, with rolls being delivered fresh each morning from Corropolese Italian Bakery & Deli in Montgomery County.
Rotating special sandwiches are also regularly featured, and if customer feedback on a new special is very positive, there’s a chance that item could end up on the eatery’s regular menu, Chad said.
“Whatever rolls we don’t use at the end of the night, we donate to local food banks,” Chad said.
“We also donate gift cards to local fundraisers and charities. We enjoy giving back to the community because this is our home. I grew up in North Catty, and she grew up in Whitehall. So, we want to help our neighbors and friends as much as possible.”
SMP also offers catering, including appetizer, pasta, salad and sandwich trays, and a SMP food trailer makes appearances at local fairs, festivals and other public events and is also available to rent for private functions such as weddings, birthday parties and graduation celebrations.
SMP Mini Mart operates at 1341 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
“The opportunity came up, knocked on our door and we took it,” Chad said in reference to SMP’s forthcoming sister location.
“I think by doing what we’re doing there, we’re trying to give back to our customer base that’s been awesome to us since day one. We’re excited to always serve the customers and see their smiling faces. That’s what means the most to us. Seeing the customers happy, hearing the positive feedback and interacting with the customers means more to us than anything else.”
For the latest updates, follow the business’ Facebook page. Info: 610-443-3002.
More in WhitehallCar wash chain to open new Lehigh Valley location, featuring 2 tunnels, 60-plus vacuums
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Drivers looking to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape will soon have a new, cutting-edge car wash to frequent in Lehigh County.
A new location of Sparkle Car Wash is expected to open in late 2026 in the 2600 block of MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, according to Allie Detrick, Sparkle Car Wash’s regional manager.
The new car wash is being constructed in what was previously a parking lot in the MacArthur Commons shopping center, next to Walmart.
“When completed, this will be one of the largest and most technologically advanced car wash facilities in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Detrick told 69 News.
“The new location will feature a dual-tunnel design, consisting of two 124-foot express wash tunnels, allowing us to provide a fast, efficient, and high-quality wash experience for our customers. The site will also include six pay station lanes and more than 60 complimentary vacuum stations available with the purchase of a tunnel wash.” Full story here.
A new location of Sparkle Car Wash is coming soon to the MacArthur Commons in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
‘Coming this summer’: Fashion retailer planning to open new Lehigh Valley location
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A year after closing its only Lehigh Valley location, a popular men’s and women’s fashion retailer is returning to the area with a new brick-and-mortar location in Lehigh County.
A new location of Lucky Brand, offering men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, is coming soon to the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township, according to storefront signage.
The new store will operate on the mall’s lower level between Lovisa and Miniso.
Lucky Brand previously had a brick-and-mortar presence in the Lehigh Valley with a former Promenade Saucon Valley store, which closed in March 2025 after 18 years of business. Read more here.
A new location of Lucky Brand is coming soon to the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.
Coffee, pancakes and more’Exciting journey’: Billy’s Downtown Diner begins franchising, signs initial 10-unit agreement
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A beloved Lehigh Valley diner concept, known for its fresh and creative dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch, is expanding operations.
Billy’s Downtown Diner, a Lehigh Valley favorite since 2000 with locations in Bethlehem and Easton, recently launched a national franchise program and has now signed its first franchisee and regional developer.
The brand – with a tagline of “not your ordinary diner” – is expanding to Evansville, Indiana with the first franchise sale to Paul and Kelly Snider who owned and operated McDonald’s restaurants in the area for 30 years, according to a news release.
The Sniders are also the company’s first regional developers with a 10-unit territory that includes Evansville, Indiana and Owensboro and Bowling Green, Kentucky and the surrounding areas. Read more.
The original location of Billy’s Downtown Diner operates at 10 E. Broad St. in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
New Lehigh Valley ice cream and coffee shop to employ individuals with different abilities
L. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Just in time for the summer heat waves, a new spot for chilled treats is set to open soon in Northampton County.
Get Joy, an ice cream and coffee shop that employs individuals with different abilities, will open later this month at 3592 Route 378 in Lower Saucon Township, co-owner Sara Heintzelman told 69 News.
The space, which was previously home to a Brazilian jiu-jitsu and cardio kickboxing studio, underwent renovations that include new flooring, lighting, kitchen equipment and more.
Soft-opening events, starting in mid-June, will be announced on the business’ social media pages in the coming weeks, and regular hours will kick off on June 30, Heintzelman said. Full story here.
Get Joy is coming soon to 3592 Route 378 in Lower Saucon Township.
Ryan Kneller
‘Exciting first step’: Restaurant operator brings popular breakfast and lunch concept to region
STROUD TWP., Pa. – The first Pennsylvania location of a national breakfast and lunch concept has opened its doors to the community, and its multi-unit restaurant operator has plans to expand the brand’s footprint throughout the state and Northeast.
A new location of Eggs Up Grill, a daytime restaurant franchise brand serving breakfast, brunch and lunch for more than 25 years, is now open at 292 Frantz Road Suite A105 in Stroud Township, Monroe County, according to a news release.
The new restaurant marks the first Eggs Up Grill location opened by Metz Group, a family-owned hospitality organization with decades of restaurant and food-service experience.
Metz Group brings extensive experience operating and supporting nationally recognized restaurant brands, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Dunkin’, Chick-fil-A and TGI Fridays. Read more here.
Eggs Up Grill (PRNewsfoto/Eggs Up Grill)
By Eggs Up Grill
Lehigh County newsNew restaurant and bar set to bring former Sunset Grille property ‘back to life’
U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – A new tasty chapter – filled with American and European specialties – will begin later this month for a prominent restaurant site in Lehigh County.
U-MAC Tavern, offering a fusion of American and European dishes and drinks, will hold a soft opening on June 15 at 6751 Ruppsville Road in Upper Macungie Township, owner Emmanuel Teloniatis told 69 News.
The freestanding building was previously home to Sunset Grille, a full-service establishment that closed in 2024 after more than 30 years.
Teloniatis signed a lease for the Upper Macungie property in February and spent the next few months implementing renovations that include new flooring, lighting, wall paint and kitchen equipment. Read more.
U-MAC Tavern is coming soon to 6751 Ruppsville Road in Upper Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
After sports bar’s closure, commercial property goes up for sale or lease in Lehigh County
EMMAUS, Pa. – The home of a former longstanding spot for beers, burgers, sandwiches and sports viewing is ready for its next chapter in Lehigh County.
The Emmaus location of Volpe’s Sports Bar held its last day of operation on April 4 at Broad and South Fifth streets in the borough, and now, the 52 S. Fifth St. property is available for purchase or lease, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The sale price is listed at $2.8 million and includes the R liquor license, bar and restaurant equipment, six 1-bedroom and two 2-bedroom apartments, A/V systems, fire suppression system, ATM, vending machines and alarm system.
The highly visible corner location offers “outstanding potential for a restaurant, tavern, sports bar, entertainment venue, brewery, event space, or adaptive commercial redevelopment,” according to the listing. Full story here.
The Emmaus location of Volpe’s Sports Bar previously operated at Broad and South Fifth streets.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh Valley distillery makes a splash with 7 medals at top international competition
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Ahead of the fifth annual Ginvitational – a cocktail and food celebration returning to Bethlehem on June 14, a popular Lehigh Valley distillery has garnered several accolades, including “best of class” and “best of category” honors, at a prestigious international competition.
County Seat Spirits, at 905 Harrison St. in Allentown, earned national recognition at the 2026 American Distilling Institute (ADI) International Spirits Competition, receiving seven medals across its portfolio, including the competition’s highest honors for gin.
Since 2007, ADI has been recognizing the best artisan spirits from around the world.
Leading the awards was County Seat Spirits’ Lock Keeper Barrel Finished Gin, which was named: Best of Class – Distilled – Gin; Best of Category – Distilled – Aged Gin; and Gold Medal. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Bethlehem buzzNorthside Hot Fitness to fire up workouts – with temps topping 105 degrees – in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new fitness facility is heating up downtown Bethlehem’s business scene.
Northside Hot Fitness, a full-service, boutique fitness studio specializing in hot classes conducted in a state-of-the-art space, held a soft opening on Monday, June 1, at 77 W. Broad St. Unit 5C in downtown Bethlehem, co-owner and instructor Rachel Griffith told 69 News.
The new fitness studio is located next to Ripper’s Pub and near the Sun Inn Courtyard.
It occupies an updated space that was previously home to the Fraternal Order of Police, Bethlehem Star Lodge #20, which recently relocated to the former Adagio seafood restaurant on Pembroke Road in Bethlehem.
Griffith operates Northside Hot Fitness with her partner, Anthony Spagnola. Read more.
Northside Hot Fitness is coming soon to 77 W. Broad St. Unit 5C in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
‘Revolutionary’ dinner experience in Bethlehem to commemorate America’s 250th birthday
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Costumed characters, including Benjamin Franklin, a Continental Army soldier, and member of the British Army’s 43rd Regiment of Foot, will be on hand to commemorate America’s 250th birthday during an upcoming dinner in historic Bethlehem.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites invite the community to a revolutionary dinner experience, “Liberty & Lanterns: An Evening of Food, Stories & Surprises,” 6-10 p.m. June 18 at Hotel Bethlehem, 437 Main St.
As guests step out of the elevator, they’ll enter the ambiance of a 1776 colonial tavern, where they’ll meet “Benjamin Franklin” and explore a selection of scientific experiments with him, according to a news release.
Guests will also enjoy 18th century games and amusements before they head into the candle-lit Grand Ballroom for dinner. Full story here.
Bethlehem cafe helps fight hunger with love and community involvement
BETHLEHEM, PA. – A cafe in Northampton County is on a mission to reduce food insecurity in the Lehigh Valley.
Essentials Cafe in Bethlehem is a non-profit, pay-what-you-can community cafe, hoping to serve up more than just food.
“We came up with the name ‘Essentials Cafe’, because what is essential in life, right?” said Dana Fenner, Executive Director of Essentials Cafe. “Food is essential.”
The cafe is nestled on the 400 block of Third Avenue in Bethlehem, in a house that Fenner said is the former parsonage of the West Side Moravian Church.
Squashing food insecurity is one goal and the other, to create a warm, welcoming space that feels like home. Read more here.
Essentials Cafe operates on Third Avenue in Bethlehem.
WFMZ-TV
Hot Yoga Hut heats up operations with ‘new and improved’ Bethlehem studio
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular, family-run fitness facility – known for its signature programs practiced in a room heated to 110 degrees – has leveled up with a larger location in the Lehigh Valley.
Hot Yoga Hut, offering instructor-led hot yoga classes for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, has moved from its home of 12 years at 2108 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem to a larger space at 2290 Avenue A in Bethlehem.
The business held its last day at its original location in late April and began operations at its new location on Thursday, June 4.
Hot Yoga Hut opened in 2014 in the Lehigh Shopping Center, and its “new and improved” spot – located just east of Airport Road near Lehigh Valley International Airport – features larger class space and better parking, according to Ali Trexler, who runs the business with family members. Read more here.
Closing notes‘Grateful heart’: After more than 80 years, Lehigh Valley florist set close as owner retires
HELLERTOWN, Pa. – A longstanding business offering beautiful floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, holidays and other occasions is set to end operations in Northampton County.
Pondelek’s Florist & Gifts, specializing in floral arrangements for weddings and other large events, will hold its last day of operation on June 30 at 202 Main St. in Hellertown as owner Jackie Bodor plans to retire, according to an online announcement.
Pondelek’s was established in 1942, and Bodor has owned and operated the business for the past 35 years.
Bodor made the announcement “with a grateful heart” on the business’ social media pages.
“It has been an honor to serve this community since 1942,” Bodor wrote in the online post.
“… Pondelek’s Florist has been part of my heart and life for over 3 1/2 decades. It has truly been my passion, and I have loved every single moment I have owned it. To my amazing clients and customers ~ You are so much more than that to me. You are family. You have supported me through the best of times, and the hardest times. Together, we’ve celebrated life’s most joyful moments ~ weddings, birthdays, new beginnings, and we’ve walked alongside each other through times of loss and sorrow. It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your lives in such meaningful ways.” Read more.
‘Very special place’: Restaurant with ties to the American Revolution permanently closes
FRANCONIA TWP., Pa. – A casual fine dining restaurant, known for its bison dishes, countryside setting and rich history dating to the 1700s, has ended operations.
Rising Sun Inn, a full-service American restaurant and event venue, has closed at 898 Allentown Road in Franconia Township as the owners prepare for retirement, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The establishment, located just outside Telford, operated in an 18th century structure with ties to the Revolutionary War.
“We want to sincerely thank our patrons, staff, friends, and families who celebrated weddings, birthdays, holidays, dinners, and countless milestones with us,” the online announcement reads.
“Being part of this community has meant more to us than words can express. The friendships and relationships built throughout the years made the Rising Sun Inn a very special place. While our retirement played an important role in this decision, the changing economic landscape and ongoing challenges facing small, locally owned businesses also contributed. We worked hard to continue operating and serving our guests, but ultimately it became clear that we could not sustainably continue for the future.” Full story here.
Rising Sun Inn, a casual fine dining restaurant and event venue, has closed at 898 Allentown Road in Franconia Township as the owners prepare for retirement.
Jenny McCain/WFMZ-TV