BETHLEHEM, Pa. – More than a year after a fire forced its temporary closure, a popular dining establishment is making a comeback in Northampton County.
The Bethlehem location of Mister Lee’s Noodles, specializing in “inspired takes on Japanese ramen dishes,” on Friday held a soft reopening for takeout/pickup only at 512 E. Third St., co-owner Erin Shea told 69 News.
The restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Five 10 Flats apartment building, had been closed since a fire damaged the Bethlehem complex in May 2025.
The Five 10 Flats apartment complex is located on East Third Street in south Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Mister Lee’s sustained extensive water damage, forcing crews to replace drywall, an HVAC system and other parts of the restaurant.
During its soft-opening phase over the next couple of weeks, Mister Lee’s in Bethlehem is offering a limited menu for takeout/pick-up only.
Customers can view the limited menu on the business’ Facebook page or website and call 484-809-1346 to place a takeout order.
Pick-up orders will again be available from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, and takeout operations are tentatively set to continue next week: Wednesday, June 17, through Sunday, June 21, Shea said.
The restaurant is then tentatively set to reopen for dine-in service on Wednesday, June 24.
Mister Lee’s Noodles operates at 512 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
“We’re still hiring some front-of-house staff,” Shea said. “But we’ve hired our kitchen staff, and that’s why we’re doing this soft opening – to help with training.”
Mister Lee’s Noodles originated in 2016 at the Easton Public Market, with Shea and her husband, Lee Chizmar, opening a second location of the successful concept in 2021 in south Bethlehem.
The Easton location of Mister Lee’s remains open as normal, serving the same “farm to ladle goodness” that the community has come to love over the past 10 years.
During the restaurant’s soft reopening phase in Bethlehem, customers can choose from a variety of freshly prepared dishes, including appetizers such as Asian Caesar salad, sourdough steamed buns, Mr. Lee’s famous wings and Mike’s Tonkotsu (panko-crusted local pork loin, sauerkraut, scallion, sesame, special sauce and miso aioli).
Mister Lee’s Noodles operates on East Third Street in south Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Customers also can enjoy handhelds, including a Szechuan chili fried chicken sandwich and Mr. Lee’s Backyard Burger (bulgogi marinade, kimchi, pickles, sesame aioli, pickled jalapeno and chips); hot noodle dishes such as fried chicken ramen and “hot & spicy” ramen (Mr. Lee’s ground pork, bok choy, soy, cilantro, pork mushroom dashi, jalapeno and 60 minute egg); and cold noodle dishes such as Korean BBQ beef and “Green Machine” (mushroom soy marinated tofu, wakame, local mushrooms and sesame soy vinaigrette).
Following its grand reopening for dine-in service, customers also can anticipate “some fun menu additions,” such as an Asian-inspired burger, Shea said.
“We’re also talking about having oysters, the same oysters that we have at Bolete, which is exciting,” Shea said.
Mister Lee’s Noodles operates on East Third Street in south Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
A delicious journey
Chizmar and Shea, who met while working at a restaurant in Boston, opened their first dining establishment, Bolete, in 2007 in a 200-year-old former stagecoach inn on Seidersville Road in Salisbury Township.
The highly lauded, farm-to-table restaurant has earned several national accolades over its 17 years, including being named a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant in 2019.
Additionally, Chizmar was a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for “Best Chef – Mid-Atlantic” in 2015.
Bolete operates on Seidersville Road in Salisbury Township.
Ryan Kneller
Chizmar, a Salisbury Township native, has had a strong relationship with food since childhood, when he was introduced to oysters (still his favorite food) at the age of 3.
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York in 2000, he moved to San Francisco to work at Bradley Ogden’s Lark Creek Inn in Marin County.
In California, he developed an appreciation of and dedication to serving locally grown, seasonal ingredients. He frequented farmers’ markets where the tomatoes were enjoyed like apples, and the restaurant’s back door was a frequent stop for local farmers selling their produce.
Shea, who grew up near Silvershell Beach in Marion, Massachusetts, has been in the restaurant world since age 6, when she opened “Maggie’s Cafe” in her home’s basement.
She spent her summers digging for Quahogs and eating plenty of fried clams, steamers and lobsters, helping to solidify her relationship with fresh, local ingredients at a young age.
After graduating from Georgetown University, Shea decided to abandon her dream of being a prison warden and pursue her love of food more seriously.
A summer working at Balance Restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard put her in touch with Liz Vilardi and Nick Zappia, operators of the Blue Room, a former farm-to-table staple of Cambridge’s dining scene.
With that experience under her belt, Shea then approached a friend about helping oversee operations at his new Boston restaurant, where Chizmar and Shea’s story would eventually begin.
“A shared desire to own their own restaurant led them back to Lee’s hometown (following a smart suggestion from Lee’s dad to check out an old stagecoach inn as their spot),” reads a message on Bolete’s website. “And the rest, as they say, is history…or in this case, just the beginning.”
For the latest Mister Lee’s updates, including future soft opening hours and other details, monitor the restaurant’s website and Facebook page.
Easton updatesPopular Lehigh Valley hot dog and sandwich shops ‘combine forces’ under one roof
EASTON, Pa. – A new location of an iconic Lehigh Valley hot dog shop is now home to another popular food brand – serving up hand-crafted sandwiches, salads and more – in Northampton County.
Downtown Easton’s Ciao! Sandwich Shoppe on Thursday moved operations from its original home at 12 N. Third St. to a new location – directly across the street – at the newly opened Jimmy’s Hot Dogs location at 9 N. Third St.
Jimmy’s Hot Dogs and Ciao! are now sister brands, utilizing the same kitchen and dining room, co-owner Raj Muddu told 69 News on Thursday. Full story here.
A new location of Jimmy’s Hot Dogs, at 9 N. Third St. in Easton, is now also home to Ciao! Sandwich Shoppe.
Ryan Kneller
New Easton Public Market vendor to serve specialty tacos, margaritas and more
EASTON, Pa. – A new tenant will soon spice up the Easton Public Market with flavorful eats and drinks, including horchata, margaritas, tacos and tortas.
Tortuga Club, specializing in freshly prepared tacos and margaritas, is tentatively set to open on June 24 at the downtown Easton market, co-owner CJ Moyer told 69 News.
The stand will operate near the market’s Northampton Street entrance and will occupy an updated space that previously housed a variety of former market tenants, including 3rd & Ferry Fresh Fish, Silvershell and Cluck N’ Shuck.
Moyer will operate Tortuga Club with Jean Jimenez, who he also partners with at Presley’s Cocktail Bar in downtown Easton. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh Valley’s new outdoor vintage market offering unique, monthly shopping experience
EASTON, Pa. – A new destination for vintage goods – including pre-loved fashions, mid-century furniture and locally crafted products – is attracting swarms of shoppers in Northampton County.
The Easton Vintage Market, presented by Lucky Gal Vintage in partnership with Easton Main Street Initiative, kicked off April 12 and is returning monthly through October in the 300 block of Northampton Street in downtown Easton.
The market’s next date is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14.
Additional 2026 market dates are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11. Read more.
@photostakenbyg
‘Bursting with flavor’: New Lehigh Valley eatery to specialize in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine
EASTON, Pa. – A new restaurant will soon serve up a taste of the tropics in Northampton County.
Carlitos Cuchifritos & Cubanos, specializing in Puerto Rican cuisine and also offering Cuban and Dominican dishes, is set to open July 18 at 1213 Washington St. in Easton, owner and chef Carlos Rodriguez told 69 News.
Carlitos, offering takeout, delivery and catering, will occupy an updated space that previously housed Radical Rations featuring Madam Mac, a soul food business that is continuing to operate via a mobile format.
Rodriguez has more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry, having worked at various dining establishments in New York City and other major cities since 2001. Full story here.
Brunch buzzPopular chain to open 1st Lehigh Valley restaurant on Monday, offer free coffee all week
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – A national, full-service restaurant chain known for its brunch specialties prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients will soon have a presence in the Lehigh Valley.
The first Lehigh Valley location of First Watch, a leading daytime dining concept with more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, is set to open on Monday, June 15, at 2102 Emerick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township, according to Mackenzie Garrett, First Watch’s public relations manager.
The property was previously home to the last Lehigh Valley location of Ruby Tuesday, a casual, full-service chain known for its “simple fresh American dining,” which closed in January 2025.
The Bethlehem Township location will total approximately 4,300 square feet and will feature a new outdoor dining patio, Garrett said. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Fast-growing ‘better breakfast’ franchise eyes expansion into Lehigh Valley
A popular national restaurant franchise, serving crème brulee French toast, Philly cheesesteak omelets and other tasty breakfast and lunch dishes, has announced a major expansion into Pennsylvania and is targeting development opportunities in Allentown, Philadelphia and other statewide markets.
Eggs Up Grill, a fast-growing “better breakfast” restaurant franchise, on Tuesday announced an expansion push into the Keystone State, where the brand is targeting significant franchise development as part of its broader Northeast growth strategy.
The expansion builds on a newly established multi-unit agreement with the Metz Group, which is actively developing multiple locations across the state, according to a news release.
Eggs Up Grill is seeking additional multi-unit operators and local entrepreneurs to help scale its presence alongside the Metz Group and introduce the brand to more communities across Pennsylvania. Read more.
Eggs Up Grill
Billy’s Downtown Diner expanding nationwide with new franchise locations
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Serving up everything from chicken and waffles to cappuccinos and burgers since 2000.
Billy’s Downtown Diner owner Billy Kounoupis said it all started with one goal.
“The only thing I wanted to do was literally feed my family,” said Kounoupis.
The diner with Easton and Bethlehem locations is growing beyond its Lehigh Valley roots, now franchising across the country.
“People started saying to us wow this place is really, really great, do you have any other locations?” said Kounoupis. Full story here.
The original location of Billy’s Downtown Diner operates at 10 E. Broad St. in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh County newsLehigh Valley mobile coffee trailer expanding operations with 1st brick-and-mortar cafe
SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular mom-and-pop business is brewing a new tasty venture in Lehigh County.
Onward Coffee, a mobile coffee shop offering a wide array of classic and specialty drinks, is expanding operations with its first brick-and-mortar location – set to open in September – at 3900 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township, Co-Owner Scarlett Allunis told 69 News.
The new cafe will operate near Bixlers jewelry store in The Shops at 3900 Hamilton, across from Dorney Park.
It will occupy a soon-to-be-renovated space that previously housed the brick-and-mortar location of the paperbag, which is continuing to operate in a mobile format. Read more here.
Onward Coffee
Lehigh Valley native launches early childhood enrichment program for infants through age 6
WHITEHALL, Pa. — A Lehigh Valley entrepreneur and community figure – best known as the owner of 7 Deadly Spins Fastpitch and The Hitter’s Edge sports training facility in Whitehall Township – is debuting her most personal venture to date.
Alexandra MacLean Valenzuela, a former star pitcher at Northampton Area High School (’09) who continued showcasing her softball chops at Bucknell University (’13), has launched CHAMP Academy — a credentialed early childhood enrichment program for infants through age 6 — at The Hitter’s Edge.
CHAMP Academy hosted an open house on Wednesday, June 10, at The Hitter’s Edge, 3679 Eberhart Road, Whitehall, according to a news release.
CHAMP Academy delivers seven distinct weekly classes built around five developmental pillars: Confident, Holistic, Academic, Mindful, and Play. Read more.
CHAMP Academy
Lehigh County farm won’t open this year after freeze destroys fruit crop
COPLAY, Pa. – A Lehigh County farm would typically be getting ready for a busy summer season, but due to a late spring freeze, it won’t be able to open this summer or fall.
Meticulously maintained trees line acres of farmland at Gogle Farms, where farming is a family business.
This time of year, the Gogle family would be getting ready for cherry and peach season. The trees would be filled with peaches.
“Normally, there would be so many hanging this time of year, we would be getting ready to thin,” said Tim Gogle.
Instead, the family is faced with a farm full of bare trees. Full story here.
Grand reopeningsLehigh Valley Chick-fil-A location to hold grand reopening party after remodeling project
L. NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – After a three-month hiatus for upgrades, a popular destination for chicken sandwiches, nuggets and more is set to welcome back customers with crafts, face painting, giveaways and more later this month.
A location of Chick-fil-A, the quick-service restaurant company known for its freshly-prepared chicken selections, will hold its grand reopening from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at 3750 Dryland Way in Lower Nazareth Township, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The Lower Nazareth eatery has been temporarily closed for remodeling since March 6. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Newly renovated Lehigh Valley hotel to celebrate reopening with music, raffles, refreshments and more
UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. – A hotel in Lehigh County has upgraded its studio suites and gathering spaces.
The Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce invites the community to help celebrate the grand reopening of SpringHill Suites by Marriott Center Valley next week as the hotel unveils its newly renovated spaces during a special evening of networking, entertainment and patriotic celebration.
The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 5 p.m., marking the official unveiling of the property’s refreshed studio suites and gathering spaces, according to a news release.
Guests will have the opportunity to tour the renovated hotel, participate in raffle prize drawings and enjoy live music, refreshments and light fare. Read more.
Courtesy Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce
Construction delays push back grand reopening of family-run gym at former Bon-Ton location
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – A new tenant will soon breathe new life into a former department store in upper Bucks County.
Relentless Iron, a state-of-the-art fitness facility offering one-on-one and group training along with open gym access, will hold a grand reopening at 2 p.m. June 27 at its new, larger location at 751 S. West End Blvd. in Richland Township.
The gym was originally set to reopen on June 13, but construction delays pushed back those plans, according to Alex Fillman, who owns and operates the business with his wife, Jessica Fillman.
Relentless Iron is moving from its home of three years at 585 S. West End Blvd. in Quakertown. Full story here.
Anniversaries and eventsPopular Lehigh Valley bakery celebrating 100 years in business with $1 donut deal
An iconic, family-run bakery – known for its fresh breads, cakes, doughnuts and pastries – is marking a major milestone in the Lehigh Valley.
Vallos Bakery, offering a wide array of scratch-made baked goods, is celebrating 100 years of business with a tasty deal: $1 doughnuts every Thursday at its main location, 1800 Broadway in Salisbury Township, and its two stands at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market, 302 N. 17th St. in Allentown, co-owner Tina Hanuschak told 69 News.
Hanuschak operates Vallos with her husband, Scott Hanuschak, and two sons, Trevor and Parker. Read more here.
Vallos Bakery offers a wide variety of freshly baked doughnuts.
Ryan Kneller
Iconic Lehigh Valley soda brand unveils special America 250 flavor
OREFIELD, Pa.- America’s 250th birthday is so close, you can almost taste it.
That’s especially true if you’re a fan of A-Treat soda.
The iconic Lehigh Valley brand is rolling out a special limited-edition Cherry Cola in honor of the coming semiquincentennial.
The 20-ounce bottles come complete with a patriotic red, white and blue label and will be available beginning this week at grocery stores, convenience stores and beverage distributors. They can also be ordered online on A-Treat’s website. Read more.
Image courtesy of A-Treat
Nazareth Food Truck Festival returning with over 24 food trucks, drink vendors, live music
NAZARETH, Pa. – Enjoy a tasty array of foods while supporting local small businesses during a popular annual event this weekend.
The Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce, a partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, will host the Nazareth Food Truck Festival, 2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 13, on Belvidere Street between Main and Broad streets in downtown Nazareth, according to a news release.
The free event, dubbed a “festive food lover’s paradise,” will feature over two dozen food trucks, along with beverage vendors, live music and a family-friendly, block-party vibe. Full story here.
Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce
Berks County newsPopular Berks cafe opens 2nd location
MUHLENBERG TWP., Pa. –A cafe that’s developed quite a following has opened a second spot in Berks County.
Cafe Folino is celebrating the grand opening of its second location. It’s in the 1100 block of Mount Laurel Road in Muhlenberg Township.
It replaces “Oliver’s Place,” which closed last summer. Read more here.
New location for Reading Roots Market opens at GoggleWorks
READING, Pa. — A weekly farmer’s market is moving from Penn Street to the GoggleWorks campus, giving folks in Reading more access to healthy food.
“I travel to the Dominican Republic and Mexico a lot so fruits there are really fresh,” says Emilia Portes, who lives and works in Reading. “I find that the ones at the farmer’s market are a lot more similar to the freshness and I enjoy that.”
“We’re trying to bring a beautiful Reading Roots Market to downtown Reading,” says Goggle Works Executive Director, Levi Landis.
The Reading Roots Farmer’s Market at GoggleWorks is the result of a lot of hard work and collaboration. Read more.
Berkshire Mall sale postponed again as developer plans demolition
WYOMISSING, Pa. – Officials with Wyomissing say the closing date for the sale of the Berkshire Mall has been pushed back again.
They now say the sale is expected to be complete in September.
They had been working toward a mid-July closing date.
As previously reported, Abrams Realty and Development is looking to buy the property and demolish most of the mall, but not the Boscov’s store.
The mall still has a number of tenants and remains open. Full story here.