BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A tasty new dining option will soon be spicing up historic Bethlehem’s Main Street.
3 Broke Blokes Grille, serving “comfort food with a Cajun twist,” will hold its ribbon cutting and grand opening event 1-10 p.m. July 19 at 444 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem, co-owner Tim Smith said.
The restaurant will operate alongside Lost Tavern Brewing’s Bethlehem taproom in a shared space within Moravian Book Shop.
Ryan Kneller
3 Broke Blokes Grille is an off-shoot of Clam Jam Boil & BBQ, a local mobile food business that has built a large following in recent years by serving up freshly prepared eats from a food trailer at various public and private events.
Clam Jam originated as a catering operation 10 years ago before expanding operations with the trailer around three years ago, Smith said.
The business sets up shop at local breweries, wineries, festivals and other venues, and it’s also available for catering weddings, birthday parties and other private functions.
The Clam Jam trailer will continue to operate as normal following the restaurant’s opening, Smith said.
Clam Jam Boil & BBQ
“We’re very excited to be opening [a restaurant] in Bethlehem,” Smith said.
“We love that area, and it’s a great opportunity for us to grow. The guys at Lost Tavern are also great, and we’re looking forward to operating alongside them.”
For the past few months, Clam Jam has been hosting pop-up events in the downtown Bethlehem space, and the team is excited to kick-off full-time hours on July 19, Smith said.
3 Broke Blokes Grille’s hours will mirror those of Lost Tavern’s Bethlehem taproom, operating Tuesday through Sunday, Smith said.
Ryan Kneller
The menu will be similar to Clam Jam’s food trailer menu, with some new additions such as burgers and cheesesteaks.
Guests will be able to enjoy snacks and sides such as chili fries, cornbread, spicy slaw, pierogies, Lost Lager Bavarian pretzels, “Three Pigs Chili” (pulled pork, bacon and ground pork chili topped with sour cream and cheddar) and “Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo” (shrimp, clams, andouille sausage, chicken, corn and potatoes in a Cajun gumbo).
A half dozen sandwiches will include options such as a “Phandemonium Cheesesteak” (New York strip shaved down and topped with Cooper American cheese or Wiz on a French roll), “Slawth Burger” (beef patty, cheddar, Jacked Whisky onion jam and spicy slaw on a brioche bun) and “Who Dat Shrimp Po-Boy” (hand-breaded shrimp, slice of andouille sausage and drizzle of special sauce on a French roll).
Clam Jam Boil & BBQ
There also will be items that are served over fries or pierogies, including “Lost Tavern Brisket & Gravy” (shredded smoked brisket with a gravy made with Lost Tavern Porter) and “The Booty Bowl” (pulled pork with grilled peppers and onions, jalapenos and melted cheddar jack cheese); and “Feeling Crabby” options such as crabby dip, crabby mac and crabby pretzel.
“We’re also trying to incorporate some of the local history in our menu items,” Smith said. “One of the burgers is a 1742 smash burger, which is named after the year that Moravian University was founded.”
The restaurant’s name is a nod to Smith, co-owner Anthony Logan and Cody Paetzell, a longtime member of the Clam Jam team.
“He’s the best, and we couldn’t do any of this without him,” Smith said in reference to Paetzell.
3 Broke Blokes Grille
“The name’s just fun. We’re not broke, but there’s a saying that if you have a restaurant, you’re broke. So, we kind of wanted to make fun of that a little bit.”
The partners chose to operate under a different name at the Moravian Book Shop partially because they didn’t want customers to associate the business with just seafood and barbecue, Smith said.
“Over the years, we found that some people didn’t stop by our food truck because they assumed that we were just doing seafood based on our name,” Smith explained.
“One time, we did a chili contest and there was a good percentage of people who just walked right past our table and didn’t even try it. Later, we found out that they thought our chili had clams in it. So, we’re just trying to change people’s mindset a little bit with the new name.”
At the shared space with Lost Tavern, 3 Broke Blokes Grille will feature indoor and outdoor seating.
Live entertainment will be featured on the restaurant’s grand opening.
Ryan Kneller
For the latest 3 Broke Blokes Grille updates, follow the business’ Facebook page. Info: 484-387-2611.
More Bethlehem buzz’We’ve had so much fun’: Popular Bethlehem pub set to close after 10 years
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A destination for beers, burgers and fun times with friends is bidding farewell in Northampton County.
Southside 313 Bar & Grille, a full-service restaurant and bar serving freshly prepared pub fare, hand-crafted cocktails and more, is set to end operations within the next few months at 313 E. Third St. in Bethlehem, co-owner Bill Dech said.
An exact closing date has not yet been determined, but the business will likely cease operations in late August or sometime in September, Dech said. Full story here.
Southside 313 operates at 313 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
‘Blown away by the love’: Community rallies around Bethlehem shop, temporarily closed by fire
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A little more than a week after its grand opening, a new Bethlehem retail store is temporarily closed due to a fire, but the community can still support the business by shopping online and at in-person events.
The brick-and-mortar location of The Gemeral Store, offering natural home decor, gemstones, minerals and more, is temporarily closed at 707 N. New St. due to a fire that broke out in the building on July 6.
The store opened on June 28.
“It’s a really surreal moment, and we’re so moved by how amazing the Lehigh Valley community has been in this situation,” Gemeral Store co-owner Ted Chiaparas told 69 News.
“So many people have reached out to see if they can help in any way, and we are so grateful for that. We are so fortunate to have the community rallying behind us and asking, ‘What do you need?’ We are OK, and that’s the biggest thing. I’m just glad that no one got hurt or injured in the fire.” Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Easton area news’Great beer, good vibes’: New Lehigh Valley craft brewery set to open next week
EASTON, Pa. – A tasty new business will soon offer brewed-on-site stouts, IPAs and other craft beer along with fresh food and fun times with friends in Northampton County.
Ranch City Brewing, a brewery offering a wide array of hand-crafted beer and food, has announced its soft opening will be held noon to 8 p.m. July 17 and 5 to 10 p.m. July 18 at the Simon Silk Mill, 1250 Simon Blvd., Easton.
The brewery will hold its grand opening at 11 a.m. to midnight July 19, with live music to be featured from 7 to 9 p.m. Full story here.
‘Grateful for every moment’: After 31 years, popular Easton restaurant changes hands
EASTON, Pa. – A staple of the Lehigh Valley’s restaurant scene has new owners.
Pearly Baker’s Alehouse, offering freshly prepared pub fare, a full bar, live music and more, is transitioning to new ownership at 11 Centre Square in downtown Easton, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page. The restaurant was established 31 years ago.
“Since opening our doors in 1994, it has been a privilege to be a gathering place for friends, families and neighbors,” original owners Jonathan Davis and Greg Schuyler stated in the online post.
“Your support, laughter and stories have made Pearly Baker’s more than just a restaurant – it’s been a home for memories, celebrations and community spirit. We are grateful for every moment shared with you over the past three decades. To all of our staff through the years, thank you for being a part of this journey, it has been a pleasure working with you all.” Read more here.
Bethlehem teen opening new restaurants in Lehigh Valley, Berks County
PALMER TWP., Pa. – A year after opening his first restaurant, an entrepreneurial teen plans to debut additional dining establishments in the region.
Abdul S. Wali, 19, will soon be able to call himself a multi-restaurant owner as he is teaming up with his father, Mohammad Wali, to open additional fast-casual locations of Sizzling Bites Halal Grill in the 25th Street Shopping Plaza, at 2429 Nazareth Road in Palmer Township, Northampton County; and the Plaza 222 shopping center, at 3225 North Fifth Street Highway in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County.
The Palmer restaurant will hold a soft opening on July 21, while the Muhlenberg eatery is expected to open in late August, Abdul told 69 News this week. Read more.
Palmer planners recommend approval for Rutter’s convenience store
PALMER TWP., Pa. – The final land development plan for a Rutter’s convenience store and gas station was conditionally approved by the Palmer Township Planning Commission at its Tuesday night meeting, marking what will become the York-based chain’s first Lehigh Valley location.
The plan, offered by M&G Realty Inc., calls for a 13,467-square-foot store at 1280 Main St., at the intersection of Main Street and Carson Court.
The 13-acre site is in the Main Street Commercial zoning district. It contains no major wetlands but includes a detention basin, a 10-foot-wide bike path and 143 parking spaces — 50 for cars and 93 for trucks. The site will also feature 12 six-pump fueling stations and four diesel fueling stations. Read more.
Easton Heritage Day returns this weekend
EASTON, Pa. – A special celebration of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness returns this weekend.
Heritage Day is back in Easton.
At noon on July 8th, 1776, Easton was one of only three places where the Declaration of Independence was first read publicly.
Now, the city celebrates with an annual all-day festival. Full story here.
Lehigh County news’Delicious food and drinks’: New Lehigh Valley Mall tenant to serve local wine, brick-oven pizza
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular winery is blossoming with a new satellite location, set to open later this summer at the former Pocono Brewery Company spot at the Lehigh Valley Mall.
Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery, offering specialty wines and scenic views at 239 Blue Ridge Road in Saylorsburg, will open a new location in about a month at the Lehigh Valley Mall’s outdoor lifestyle center in Whitehall Township, co-owner and winemaker Randy Detrick told 69 News.
The Whitehall venue will supplement Blue Ridge’s primary location in Saylorsburg, along with a satellite store at 1937 Sullivan Trail in Tannersville.
Detrick and his wife, Tiffany, have operated Blue Ridge for the past 10 years and are looking forward to serving even more individuals in the Lehigh Valley. Full story here.
New Lehigh Valley cheesesteak restaurant serving up flavor-packed eats
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new destination for mouthwatering cheesesteaks, fresh-cut fries and other tasty eats began accepting orders this week in Lehigh County.
A new location of Wiz Kidz, a 1980s- and 90s-themed restaurant offering cheesesteaks, fries, pierogies and more, opened for takeout and delivery orders on Tuesday, July 8, at 751 Union Blvd. in Allentown, co-owner Mo Taylor said.
Dine-in service should be available by the end of the month.
“I’m very excited,” Taylor told 69 News on Tuesday. “We’re really looking forward to meeting new people who may have heard about us but haven’t tried us out yet in Bethlehem.” Read more here.
Lehigh Valley marketplace, home to over 140 vendors, to host 10th anniversary celebration
WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. — A popular destination for antiques, collectibles and vintage merchandise is celebrating its 10th birthday with live music, market specials and a pig roast this weekend in Lehigh County.
The Slatington Marketplace, featuring more than 140 vendors selling a wide variety of antiques, primitives, collectibles and more, will host its 10th anniversary celebration noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at the marketplace, 8281 Route 873, Washington Township, according to a news release.
The milestone event will feature a pig roast, market specials and live music entertainment. Read more.
First look: New restaurant offering pasta, pizza and prosecco at prominent Allentown dining spot
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new restaurant is welcoming fans of arancini, porchetta, tiramisu and other Italian favorites this week in Lehigh County.
Simpatico, a modern Italian restaurant, opened Monday, July 7, at 27 N. Seventh St. in Allentown, owner Jesse Haik told 69 News.
The full-service dining establishment occupies an updated ArtsWalk space that previously housed other restaurants, including Shula’s Steak House, Queen City BBQ and, most recently, Blended, on the ground floor of the Strata West apartment complex. Full story here.
‘Bittersweet’: Lehigh County restaurant closes, but owners may revisit concept in the future
FOUNTAIN HILL, Pa. – A new Lehigh Valley dining establishment has closed, but its owners have left the door open to revisiting the concept in the future.
Something Different, a full-service restaurant offering contemporary American cuisine, has closed at 605 N. Fiot St. in Fountain Hill, co-owner Luke Prosseda said.
“We are closing the Fiot Street restaurant and selling the building and liquor license,” Prosseda said in a written statement Saturday morning.
“We don’t have any plans to look for a new location at this time. The great thing about Something Different is that it’s not tied to a location. It’s a fun concept we may revisit in the future.” Read more here.
Lower Macungie planners examine Sprouts Farmers Market proposal
L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission reviewed a land development plan involving a chain grocery store Tuesday night at the township building.
The project calls for a 23,000-square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market at 2550 Route 100, at the Route 100 and unfinished Sauerkraut Lane intersection. The property is a single lot shared with a St. Luke’s University Health Network medical office building to the west.
The plan includes 211 parking spaces, exceeding easily the 94 required. Most parking will be on the building’s north side.
The project’s developer, Jaindl Land Co., made significant additions from a sketch plan presented in April. Those additions include a 23,400-square-foot retail center and a 4,675-square-foot bank between the proposed Sprouts and the St. Luke’s office building. Read more.
Berks County buzzNew Berks County restaurant serving up Italian-American favorites, late-night hours
WEST READING, Pa. – A new destination for pizza, cheesesteaks and other freshly prepared eats is celebrating its grand opening with $1 pizza slices, live entertainment and more this weekend in Berks County.
Chef David’s Pizza & More, offering Italian and American favorites such as pizza, cheesesteaks, burger and wings, will hold a grand opening 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at 500 Penn Ave. in West Reading.
The event will feature $1 pizza slices, live entertainment by Jimbo the clown and an 11:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony with West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag.
There also will be an appearance from West Reading Police Department’s police dog, K9 Zea. Full story here.
Liquor store coming soon to former Chuck E. Cheese building in Berks County
SPRING TWP., Pa. — A one-time destination for pizza, arcade games and family friendly entertainment will soon be home to merlot, vodka and other alcoholic beverages in Berks County.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is relocating its Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection store at 1101 Woodland Road in Wyomissing to 2721 N. Meridian Blvd. in Spring Township.
The store’s new spot will operate at a renovated property that was previously home to a location of Chuck E. Cheese, an American entertainment restaurant chain aiming “to create positive, lifelong memories for families through fun, food, and play.” Read more here.
Berks County Fair kicks off with farm animals, food, and fun
BERN TOWNSHIP, Pa.- The Berks County Fair is officially underway in Bern Township, and organizers say they’re ready, even after a week of storms, heat, and unpredictable weather.
From goats and homegrown vegetables to quilts, flowers, and honey, there’s no shortage of small-town charm on display at the fairgrounds.
“This is the home goods building,” said Amber Fessler, a board member with the fair. “We have flowers, art, photography, needlecraft, even honey products, things made at home or in gardens.” Read more.
‘We’re just blown away’: Berks Book Bonanza is back
MOHNTON, Pa. – The Friends of Berks County Public Libraries is once again hosting the Berks Book Bonanza. It’s an opportunity to not just give back to the community but to also get lost in the realm of books.
“People read; it’s ingrained in them from the time they’re very little,” said Judy Ellsworth, co-chair of Berks Book Bonanza.
In Mohnton, you have the chance to do just that.
“We’re just blown away with the amount of stuff that has been donated,” Ellsworth said.
Whether it is ghost stories or Christmas books, there is something there for everyone to enjoy. Full story here.