S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A family-run eatery will soon end operations in Lehigh County.
The Wicked Chef, a fast-casual restaurant offering “fresh homemade food with a twist,” will hold its last day of business on Jan. 30 at 279 Cetronia Road in South Whitehall Township, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The Wicked Chef, a fast-casual restaurant offering “fresh homemade food with a twist,” operates at 279 Cetronia Road in South Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
“2025 has been a series of Highs & Lows to say the least,” chef and owner John Walter Moniak wrote in the online announcement.
“My biggest low, the passing of my father in November. This life event has made me re-evaluate life, restaurant and the future for my family. With that being said, I am closing The Wicked Chef, the last day is January 30, 2026. Thank you, to all our customers for your support, friendship and allowing me to feed you.”
The Wicked Chef’s second iteration debuted in July 2024 and represented a culinary comeback for Moniak.
The Wicked Chef owner John Walter Moniak poses inside his restaurant at 279 Cetronia Road in South Whitehall Township in July 2024.
Ryan Kneller
Moniak originally opened the eatery at the same location in October 2019 before closing the business less than a year later in July 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, Moniak cited the pandemic’s “devastating effect” on his business as the reason for ending operations.
Four years later, he was back in the same kitchen cooking up the same “wicked” delicious sandwiches, salads and sides.
The Wicked Chef offers “fresh homemade food with a twist.” Pictured is the “Twisted Chicken” sandwich.
The Wicked Chef
“I’m super happy to be here, in the same spot where The Wicked Chef started,” Moniak told 69 News in July 2024. “Cooking is my passion, and when the opportunity came along to do it again, I thought to myself, ‘I’m not getting any younger. I’m going to do what I love.’”
The Wicked Chef serves up hand-crafted, creative fare, including “The Mojo” sandwich (smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, applewood-smoked bacon, pickled red onions, zesty Carolina barbecue sauce and pickles on an onion ciabatta roll), “The Gobbler” sandwich (fresh ground turkey breast, smoked gouda, roasted red peppers, arugula and balsamic roasted tomatoes on a brioche roll) and “The ‘Mac’ Gowan” (traditional mac and cheese “kicked up to the next level” with smoked gouda and a blend of extra sharp cheeses, topped with applewood-smoked bacon and balsamic roasted tomatoes).
There are also nods to Moniak’s Polish heritage, including placek ziemnoaczany (potato pancakes, served with sour cream and chunky homemade apple sauce).
The Wicked Chef offers placek ziemnoaczany (Polish potato cakes, served with sour cream and chunky homemade apple sauce).
Ryan Kneller
Other menu highlights include smoked brisket hash (smoked brisket atop a bed of home fries with a poached egg and drizzle of lemon crème fraiche) and smoked pork or brisket “Nacho Libre” (fresh tortilla chips, cheddar cheese sauce, sliced jalapenos, black olives, pico de gallo and sour cream).
Moniak, who holds degrees in culinary arts and food service management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, leads The Wicked Chef’s culinary team.
The business has been a family affair with his late father, John Moniak Jr., his wife, Georgiann Moniak, and son, Chase, assisting with operations over the years.
Ryan Kneller
Within an hour, the closing announcement had garnered dozens of reactions and comments, primarily from individuals extending warm wishes to the ownership and staff.
“So sorry to hear of your father’s passing and that you are closing,” one person commented. “We love your food. Best wishes for your next chapter!”
“While we fully support your family and your decision, we also recognize how greatly you will be missed,” another person wrote. “Absolutely irreplaceable.”
The Wicked Chef
The Wicked Chef also debuted a food truck last year, and its future is unclear.
In response to one person’s comment inquiring if the food truck will continue, the business replied “still in the air, but probably not.”