SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A mom-and-pop business, known for serving up tasty treats at venues across the region, has found a permanent home in Lehigh County.
Onward Coffee, a mobile coffee shop offering a wide array of classic and specialty drinks, on Oct. 16 expanded operations with its first brick-and-mortar location at 3900 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
The new cafe operates near Bixlers jewelry store in The Shops at 3900 Hamilton, across from Dorney Park.
Onward Coffee operates at 3900 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
It occupies a renovated space that previously housed the brick-and-mortar location of the paperbag, which is continuing to operate in a mobile format.
Husband and wife Steve Kemper and Scarlett Allunis established Onward Coffee as a mobile operation in November 2024.
For nearly two years, the Emmaus couple has brought the coffee trailer to local businesses and various public and private events, garnering a large and loyal following along the way.
The duo is excited to be serving even more individuals at a brick-and-mortar location, operating 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
The new cafe features indoor seating for around 15 guests at lounge furniture and six dining tables, and seasonal outdoor tables are coming soon, Kemper said.
Onward Coffee operates at 3900 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
“We’re very excited,” Allunis said about Onward’s expansion.
“By starting mobile, we were able to find our community, and that’s been a really positive experience for us. We love serving such an amazing community that shows us so much support.”
“We already had such an amazing following before opening the cafe, and we’re just so appreciative of everyone’s continued support,” Kemper added. “On our first day open, we had a line out the door. It was really great.”
Onward’s new brick-and-mortar location offers the same drink menu that’s been featured on the trailer, along with rotating specials and a new food menu.
The business, which sources locally roasted coffee from Allentown-based Mad Catter Coffee Roasters, offers classic coffee drinks such as a cappuccino, cortado, Americano, latte, red eye and double espresso.
Husband and wife Steve Kemper and Scarlett Allunis are pictured in their mobile coffee trailer, Onward Coffee.
Onward Coffee
Specialty drinks include top sellers such as a Banana Foster Blondie Latte (espresso, banana syrup, caramel and banana cold foam) and Bonfire Cold Brew (marshmallow cold foam, house-made cold brew, graham cracker and chocolate syrup).
There are also “not coffee” selections such as strawberry matcha, ube matcha and house-made hot or iced chai; and fall specials such as a pumpkin cheesecake latte and salted maple tahini latte.
“We’re definitely known for our Banana Foster Blondie, but our Spanish Latte and Bonfire Cold Brew are also top sellers,” Kemper said.
A new food menu was developed by Kemper, a classically trained executive chef with more than a decade of professional culinary experience.
Onward Coffee
Kemper previously worked in the kitchens of prominent local restaurants, including Mister Lee’s Noodles in the Lehigh Valley and GoFish! Seafood Market & Sushi Bar in Sinking Spring, and he’s leading the new cafe’s culinary team in preparing various sweet and savory items for breakfast and lunch.
Guests can enjoy breakfast sandwiches, including egg and cheese with optional sausage or turkey bacon, along with specialty toasts such as avocado toast with feta and hot honey, lox with capers and pickled onions and pumpkin butter with brie and pumpkin seeds.
There are also grab-and-go items such as chicken salad wraps, oatmeal balls and yogurt parfaits.
“We’ll also be featuring seasonal food specials,” Kemper said. “I like switching things up and keeping everything fresh.”
Kemper and Allunis plan to continue operating Onward Coffee’s mobile trailer, with regular appearances at venues such as Kiddie Academy and Swim-in Zone in Center Valley and the Coopersburg Farmers Market.
They are good friends with Brittany Morse, owner of barre3 fitness facilities in Bethlehem and South Whitehall Township, where the trailer has also welcomed customers.
Onward Coffee operates at 3900 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Barre3’s South Whitehall location operates a few doors down from the new cafe, and Morse had recommended Onward Coffee to the shopping center’s landlord, Allunis said.
“The rest is history,” she added.
For the latest Onward Coffee updates, including future announcements regarding the new café, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: onwardcoffeepa.com.
More in Lehigh CountyNew Lehigh Valley location of The UPS Store opens at former jewelry store site
U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers has expanded its footprint in Lehigh County.
A new location of The UPS Store opened last week at 7751 Glenlivet Drive West Suite 106 in the Fogelsville section of Upper Macungie Township.
The space previously housed a jewelry store, Robert’s Jewelers. Full story here.
MGN
‘New chapter’: After fire, Allentown restaurant and lounge holds grand reopening event
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – After a nine-month hiatus, a venue serving up fresh food, drinks, and nightlife entertainment is welcoming back guests this weekend.
Love’s Restaurant & Lounge, offering American pub fare along with craft cocktails, DJ entertainment, and more, held its grand reopening on Friday, Oct. 23, at 1019 Union Blvd. in Allentown.
The business had been temporarily closed since a fire caused minor damage, primarily on the property’s lower level, in late January, owner Bazz Jarjous told 69 News. Read more here.
Love’s Restaurant & Lounge is located at 1019 Union Blvd. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
New Lehigh Valley medical cannabis dispensary to hold grand opening with deals, giveaways, food truck
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new medical cannabis dispensary will celebrate its grand opening this weekend at a former restaurant site in Lehigh County.
A new location of RISE Dispensary, a medical cannabis dispensary, will hold its grand opening at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2805 Lehigh St. in Allentown, according to a news release.
Special patient deals and giveaways will be available throughout the day, while supplies last, and the All Belgium Waffles food truck will be on site from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Read more.
A new location of RISE Dispensary operates at 2805 Lehigh St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
‘Sorry for any inconvenience’: Lehigh Valley pharmacy permanently closes
LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – A destination for prescription medications, flu shots and other health products and services has ended operations in Lehigh County.
Macungie Community Pharmacy has permanently closed at 6465 Village Lane Suite 9 in Lower Macungie Township, according to signage on the door.
“Sorry for any inconvenience,” the posted message reads.
The signage instructs clients to call their doctor for prescription refills. Full story here.
Macungie Community Pharmacy is pictured at 6465 Village Lane Suite 9 in Lower Macungie Township.
Northampton County news‘Happy to be back’: 8 months after fire, popular Lehigh Valley breakfast and lunch spot reopens
EASTON, Pa. – Eight months after a fire led to extensive water damage in its basement, a beloved restaurant is once again serving up French toast, frittatas, fried egg reubens, and other breakfast and lunch specialties in Northampton County.
The State Cafe and Grill held a soft reopening on Thursday at 14-16 S. Fifth St. in Easton, owner Bill Sneeringer told 69 News.
The restaurant had been temporarily closed for repairs since late February, when runoff water used to fight a blaze at the nearby Hotel Hampton building led to six feet of water in its basement.
“Everything had to be totally replaced – our hot water heaters, the alarm system, camera system, walk-in cooler and all of its contents and our electrical system,” Sneeringer said. Read more here.
The State Cafe and Grill operates at 14-16 S. Fifth St. in Easton.
Ryan Kneller
‘Beyond thankful’: After 27 years, beloved Lehigh Valley garden center bidding farewell
UPPER MOUNT BETHEL TWP., Pa. – A longstanding destination for flowers, vegetables, shrubs, garden supplies, home decor, and more is bidding farewell in Northampton County.
Ginder Greenhouse & Garden Center, Inc.’s retail operations will conclude at the end of the year at 558 Lake Minsi Drive in Upper Mount Bethel Township, co-owner Joann Ginder told 69 News.
Ginder and her husband, Bob Ginder, established the business in 1999, and they’re looking to retire from the retail industry and spend more time with family.
“We’re beyond grateful to this community,” Joann told 69 News.
“A lot of our customers have become good friends over the years, and that’s one of the best gifts of all. So, we really appreciate the amazing support that we’ve received from the community, and we wouldn’t be here today without them. But now, it’s just time to slow down and stop and smell the roses.” Read more.
Ginder Greenhouse & Garden Center, Inc. is located at 558 Lake Minsi Drive in Upper Mount Bethel Township.
Ryan Kneller
ArtsQuest’s Christkindlmarkt to return for 34th year with new experiences
BETHLEHEM, Pa . – Starting next month, ArtsQuest’s Christkindlmarkt will return to Christmas City for its 34th year, featuring opportunities to shop and celebrate the holiday season.
Inspired by the traditional German Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial kicks off at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem on Nov. 13 and runs on weekends through Dec. 20.
Admission is $14 on Thursdays and Fridays, and $16.50 on Saturdays and Sundays. There is free entry or discounted entry for ArtsQuest members, depending on their membership level. Children five years old and younger are free.
This year the nationally recognized holiday market has new and expanded features. Full story here.
Christkindlmarkt 2025
Photo by Kim Kanuck
Events and milestones’Unstoppable community’: Lehigh Valley businesses holding fundraisers to benefit cancer research
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, fundraising events are being held at two popular businesses in downtown Bethlehem.
First, Northside Hot Fitness, a Bethlehem-based boutique fitness studio specializing in hot fitness classes, is partnering with The Void, an Easton-based hot fitness studio, to hold an event benefiting breast cancer awareness and research on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Northside Hot Fitness, 77 W. Broad St. Unit 5C, downtown Bethlehem.
The event will feature two fitness sessions, $25 each: 2:30-3:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m.
The 2:30 p.m. session will feature 30 minutes of Hot Power Pump, strength training and mild cardio followed by 30 minutes of Hot Pilates, while the 4 p.m. session will feature 30 minutes of Lift followed by 30 minutes of Hot Pilates. Read more here.
Northside Hot Fitness is coming soon to 77 W. Broad St. Unit 5C in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
On 25th anniversary, independent Lehigh Valley retailer shares story of perseverance
Chaar, a local, family-owned business offering pet food and supplies, professional grooming services, and a distinctive assortment of hiking, cowboy, and work boots with quality apparel to match, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a look back on how it not only survived but grew amid the rise of big box chains and massive e-commerce platforms.
The business is also marking the milestone with giveaways, planned for every day in November at each of its four Lehigh Valley stores.
Chaar originated in 2001 as Chaar Saddlery, offering primarily horseback-riding tack and apparel out of a small warehouse.
In 2004, it expanded its product lineup to include pet food and supplies as well as fashions inspired by the American West when it moved into its anchor store on Airport Road in Allentown. Read more.
AJ ElChaar (left), Chaar’s senior vice president, is pictured with his father, Tony ElChaar, Chaar’s president and CEO.
Courtesy Chaar
Berks buzzPopular eatery known for cheesesteaks, hoagies, pizza opens 1st Berks County location
BOYERTOWN, Pa. – A popular business has brought its “fat subs,” loaded hoagies, specialty pizza, and other mouthwatering eats to its fourth regional location – its first in Berks County.
A new location of Lorenzo’s Steaks, Hoagies & Pizza held its grand opening on Monday, Oct. 19, at 159 S. Reading Ave. in Boyertown.
Dine-in, takeout, and catering services are available.
“Lorenzo’s Steaks, Hoagies & Pizza is coming to town, and we’re bringing the flavor!” reads an announcement on the business’s website. “Get ready for big cheesesteaks, loaded hoagies, delicious pizza, and a whole lot of Lorenzo’s love!” Full story here.
Lorenzo’s
New winery opens in historic location in Maxatawny Township
MAXATAWNY TWP., Pa. – A new winery celebrated its grand opening in Maxatawny Township near Kutztown.
Vintage House Winery held a ribbon-cutting and celebration on Oct. 15 at 15305 Kutztown Road.
The winery serves Pennsylvania wines and small bites in a stone tavern that dates back to the 1740s. Read more here.
Key Item Collectibles prepares to open new location as Berkshire Mall’s future remains uncertain
WYOMISSING, Pa. — A large figure was still being painted Thursday as workers filled shelves and unpacked cards inside the new home of Key Item Collectibles near The Works.
They did not have much time as the store was scheduled to open Friday morning.
“As you can see, [we’re] trying to build it out as quickly as possible,” owner Neeko Gonzalez said on Thursday. “We’re opening tomorrow, so it is crunch time.”
Gonzalez started the business with a kiosk at the Berkshire Mall before moving into a storefront. But he said water-main breaks, heating problems, and uncertainty about the mall’s future made it difficult to plan ahead. Read more.
Earn prizes, visit local coffee spots on the Berks County Coffee Trail
READING, Pa. – Coffee lovers have a new way of exploring cafes in Berks County.
The Berks County Coffee Trail is a new, free online passport program to explore coffee spots and cafes, earn points towards prizes and cash-in on exclusive offers.
“We do think that it will help to stretch people and to get them to experience some new places,” said Bill Ziegler, an owner of Honey Brew Coffee Co.
Ziegler said online trails like these can help give small businesses the support they need. Full story here.
Colebrookdale Railroad awarded $10M federal grant for preservation, repairing tracks
BOYERTOWN, Pa. – The Colebrookdale Railroad was awarded a $10 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Program.
“The investment is generational, so the infrastructure that’s going to be built is going to last well over a century, so longer than me and you will be here,” said Railroad general manager Josh Alderfer.
The grant will add on to the $25 million grant the railroad received earlier this year. Read more here.
Closing notes‘Thank you for everything’: Family-run eatery bidding farewell in Berks County
MUHLENBERG TWP., Pa. – A Berks County restaurant, serving up Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks, hoagies, smash burgers and more, is set to end operations later this month.
Philly Style Subs will close on Oct. 28 at 3400 Plaza Drive in Muhlenberg Township, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
“After a lot of thought, many difficult conversations, and trying our absolute best with just the two of us, we have made the difficult decision to sell Philly Style Subs,” reads the online post.
“This was not an easy decision, but sometimes you have to do what’s best for your family, your health and your peace of mind. Our last day open to serve will be October 28th.” Read more.
Philly Style Subs
‘We’ll miss you!’: Pet supply store closes in Quakertown
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – A longtime destination for pet food, accessories and more has ended operations in upper Bucks County.
A location of Pets Plus Natural, offering pets, pet food, supplies, a self-wash station and more, closed on Sunday at 117 S. West End Blvd. in Quakertown.
It’s unclear what led to the store’s closure. A Pets Plus Natural representative has not returned a message seeking more information.
In an announcement posted at the store’s entrance, the business’ team thanked its Quakertown family for 30 years. Full story here.
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