A kiosk that drew shoppers in search of a sugar fix now is no longer at Lehigh Valley Mall just ahead of the busy holiday season.
Dino Sweets last week was no longer operating on the mall’s upper level and has since been removed from the online directory. The kiosk operated for five years at the mall.
Owner Eddie Pagan posted on the business’ Facebook page that increasing rent rates and management representatives asking him to upgrade the kiosk were factors in his decision to close.
“We’re proud to have represented our community and brought a little color, sweetness, and culture to the mall,” Pagan stated in the posting. “However, it’s disappointing to see how little support there is for small local businesses that work hard to grow and serve.”
Pagan then teased about future plans.
“Still, this is not a goodbye — it’s a new beginning,” Pagan added in the posting.
Citizen Relations, the California- and New York-based public relations firm that handles communications for Simon Property Group, which owns the mall, could not immediately be reached for comment about the closure.
Dino Sweets currently has a second location at Rockaway Mall in Morris County, New Jersey. However, Pagan told lehighvalleylive.com he also plans to soon close that site and focus on the business’ food truck operation instead.
The shop is known for its mini doughnuts often topped with glazes, sugar, candies, sprinkles, walnuts and crushed Oreos.
There’s also mini churros on the menu. Selections are paired with shakes, coffee, hot chocolate or sweet slushies.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in September 2025 closed in the former Bravo! Cucina Italiana space at the Lehigh Valley Mall’s Lifestyle Center. Pictured is the Hershey location, which also closed.Bidding farewell
Dino Sweets isn’t the only tenant in recent months to call it quits at the bustling shopping destination at MacArthur Road and Grape Street.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in September closed in the former Bravo! Cucina Italiana space at the Lifestyle Center. A message on the chain’s website Tuesday morning indicated all locations have since shuttered.
Indian Bite shuttered for good on Oct. 6 on the main level.
Pocono Brewing Company, next to the Apple store, abruptly closed in February at the Lifestyle Center. Also in February, fashion clothier Forever 21 announced its closure on the upper level. Austin 5 on the main level also shuttered.
Two other eateries have announced plans to close next year.
Chick-fil-A on the main level is expected to close in early 2026. It opened in the late 1990s near the mall’s main entrance. The reason for that closure is unclear. Simon representatives declined comment at the time.
Dunderbak’s Market Cafe Owner Bill Baker announced in the summer he would close permanently if he couldn’t find a new owner by February 2026. The cafe is the longest continuously-operated, independently-owned business at the mall.
A long-awaited Dunkin’ still has plans to open a kiosk on the main level, across from LUSH and Francesca’s. It’s moving into the former Starbucks location.Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.comComing up
The departure of Dino Sweets isn’t all bad news for those craving confections.
A long-awaited Dunkin’ still has plans to open a kiosk on the main level, across from LUSH and Francesca’s. It’s moving into the former Starbucks location, which abruptly shuttered in late August 2024.
Also new to the dining scene will be Nori Japan, which is moving into vacant space on the main level beside the Cheesecake Factory. An exact opening date has not been announced by mall representatives.
The eatery plans to serve up Japanese-style selections prepared with fresh ingredients. Such dishes as teriyaki beef and chicken will be offered by chefs on a teppanyaki grill in front of patrons. Other menu items are expected to include Tempura; sesame chicken; Kushiyaki and assorted sushi rolls.
Additionally, Drink Fresh by Djurdjura recently opened on the mall’s upper level. The business serves up smoothies and fresh fruit smoothies.
Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery has since filled the 2,200-square-foot anchor space previously occupied by Pocono Brewing Company at the Lifestyle Center. D’Colombia Restaurant & Bakery opened in the summer at the site previously occupied by Indian Bite.
Since the start of the year, the mall has seen several other changeups to its tenant roster.
Some of the most recent arrivals include women’s fashion retailer, Dry Goods; Star Park Indoor Playground & Party; and Sugar Bear Candy Store, all on the main level, as well as Waikiki, a women’s boutique, on the upper level.
More additions include Address For Him; Miniso; and Carter’s/OshKosh B’gosh. Address For Him opened on March 1 in the former spot of Jennifer’s Unique Boutique on the upper level. The boutique has since moved to the Lifestyle Center.
Just a few vacancies remain at the mall.
Aside from the former Ruby Tuesday space on the main level, there’s the former Face Foundrie space at the Lifestyle Center and some empty spots next to the Pink store on the main level.
There’s a handful of other empty storefronts on the mall’s upper level, according to mall directory maps.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.