ALLENTOWN, Pa. \u2013 Allentown City Council voted Wednesday night to transfer a liquor license from South Whitehall Township to The Felix Restaurant LLC, 395 S. Cedar Crest Blvd.<\/p>\n
The applicant is Donny Petridis, a restaurateur who owns The Shelby in Lower Macungie Township.<\/p>\n
Petridis is purchasing the former TGI Fridays restaurant, located at the Shops at Cedar Point.<\/p>\n
Petridis intends to open a higher-end American cuisine establishment by the end of this year.<\/p>\n
Plans show 150 seats inside and an additional 80 seats on an outdoor patio.<\/p>\n
Although the conceptual designs have not been finalized, Petridis intends to apply for building permits in the next 60 to 90 days.<\/p>\n
Freshly prepared eats and drinks will return to a prominent restaurant site in Lehigh County.<\/p>\n
The existing restaurant building will be kept, but the interior will be completely redone.<\/p>\n
Council held the required public hearing prior to its regular voting meeting.<\/p>\n
No members of the public made any comment.<\/p>\n
At the hearing, Councilmember Candida Affa thanked Petridis for bringing more business into the downtown.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need more restaurants and people like you running the restaurants,\u201d Affa said. \u201cThank you for coming to Allentown. I think this is a great idea and is a great location with parking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Council President Santo Napoli said the proposal will result in a much better restaurant.<\/p>\n
\u201cI personally prefer small businesses versus chains, so I think it’s a great swap,\u201d Napoli said. \u201cAnd your track record is impeccable. So, this is good news for Allentown.\u201d<\/p>\n
Petridis said the restaurant is expected to create 60 new jobs, with health care benefits available for all positions.<\/p>\n