{"id":7063,"date":"2025-10-18T12:17:17","date_gmt":"2025-10-18T12:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/7063\/"},"modified":"2025-10-18T12:17:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T12:17:17","slug":"lehigh-valley-pizzeria-celebrates-new-ownership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/7063\/","title":{"rendered":"Lehigh Valley pizzeria celebrates new ownership"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ernesto Rangel is no stranger to the restaurant business.<\/p>\n

During a summer trip to Allentown in the 1990s, he stepped in to help his uncle, Jerry Rodriguez, owner of Pancho & Sonny\u2019s<\/a> at 2073 31st St. in Allentown, when another employee didn\u2019t show up.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne week, I was washing dishes,\u201d Rangel said. \u201cThe next one, I was already on the line cooking because I liked it. And I went and finished high school, finished college, and I always had that idea of my own little place. With the years, I came to the United States, and I started working in restaurants all the way from the bottom.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the past 15 years, Rangel has worked at My Place Pizza, 270 E. Northampton St. in Bath. In April, he took over as owner.<\/p>\n

Emanuel Mirabito founded My Place Pizza in 1988, and Rangel worked as a cook and manager there. Mirabito still owns the property itself, which Rangel hopes to eventually purchase.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been working this out, for me to buy the place, for a while,\u201d Rangel said. \u201cThe pandemic got in between, so it got a little difficult. And then [it] was finally time. The old owner retired and it was perfect timing for me to take over.\u201d<\/p>\n

My Place Pizza will hold a a ribbon cutting to celebrate Rangel\u2019s ownership at 5 p.m. Nov. 10, offering guests free finger foods and entertainment from a mariachi singer.<\/p>\n

The restaurant<\/a> obviously offers pizza but also wings, breaded cauliflower, garlic knots, pierogi, onion rings, calzones, pasta, cannoli, salads, sandwiches, wraps and specials such as for burgers and burritos.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a passion for food,\u201d Rangel said. \u201cI don\u2019t even consider this a job. I see it like my hobby, like something I like [and] something I love. There\u2019s things that make it a job or work, like dealing with certain things that are difficult. But other than that, the base of the business, which is food and the happiness of the people \u2026 that\u2019s my motto. That\u2019s what keeps me going.\u201d<\/p>\n

My Place Pizza is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.<\/p>\n

\"Ernesto<\/p>\n

Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years who took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April, holds two popular pizzas, a margherita and a cheese pizza on Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Buffalo<\/p>\n

Buffalo chicken pizza, with grilled buffalo chicken, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Italian<\/p>\n

Italian Hoagie, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Cheesesteak,<\/p>\n

Cheesesteak, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The seating area is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Shrimp<\/p>\n

Shrimp Scampi, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

Chocolate Milk Shake, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Regular<\/p>\n

Regular pizza a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Bianca<\/p>\n

Bianca Pizza, with
\nricotta, mozzarella
\nand pesto, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Ernesto<\/p>\n

Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years who took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April, cooks shrimp scampi on Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Homemade<\/p>\n

Homemade bread, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Garlic<\/p>\n

Garlic Knots with fresh basil, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The seating area is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Small<\/p>\n

Small sized Peanut
\nButter Cup Sundae, with chocolate syrup and
\npeanut butter sauce, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Shrimp<\/p>\n

Shrimp Scampi, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"Calzone,<\/p>\n

Calzone, a popular menu item, is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The exterior is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The exterior is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The exterior is seen Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years, took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 19<\/p>\n

Ernesto Rangel, a My Place Pizza employee of roughly 15 years who took over the restaurant from founder Emanuel Mirabito in April, holds two popular pizzas, a margherita and a cheese pizza on Thursday, Oct, 9, 2025, at My Place Pizza in Bath. The restaurant will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ownership on Nov. 10. (April Gamiz\/The Morning Call)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a>
\nLehigh Valley retail and restaurant news in brief<\/p>\n

The Gemeral Store will host a grand reopening<\/a> at 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at 216 W. Broad St. in Bethlehem after a summer fire forced it to close.<\/p>\n

Ye Olde Spring Valley Tavern will reopen as the Spring Valley Tavern in mid-November<\/a> at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township.<\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s Ice Cream went up for sale at $224,900 for a three-year lease<\/a> at 100 S. Main St. in Nazareth.<\/p>\n

Circle Cafe on Main will open for a soft launch by Christmas at 2 N. Main St. in Nazareth, where customers can enjoy homemade quiches<\/a>, soups, flatbreads, pastries, pasta, potato salad, iced tea, lemonade and Electric City Roasting Co. coffee.<\/p>\n

Dino Sweets closed last week<\/a> at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township after five years of operation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The outdoor design company G Outdoor Living & Design held a grand opening for its new showroom Saturday at 1036 N. Irving St. in Allentown, it announced online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After initially opening<\/a> in September, Jimmy John\u2019s held a grand opening on Saturday at the Schoenersville Centre at 3219-A Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem, franchisee Abe Stity said, where it offered discounted sandwiches and free merchandise.<\/p>\n

The Bacon Strip will reopen in February at 18 N. Second St. in Coplay, according to Emily Alkhal, who opened it about a decade ago<\/a> with her fianc\u00e9 Ruben Santiago.<\/p>\n

The reopening would be roughly one year after a fire forced it to close<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe both had to find jobs just to keep our minds right,\u201d Alkhal said earlier this month. \u201cIt\u2019s hard. It was very \u2026 frustrating. We were depressed, upset, but this week, we got the best news ever. Permits came in, inspections are passing, and it\u2019s smooth sailing from now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Property landlord Matt Morrow said online<\/a> the restaurant would reopen with renovations to replace the electrical system, plumbing, framing, insulation and drywall.<\/p>\n

Alkhal added that the menu will feature bacon-based dishes such as sandwiches and wraps as well as burgers, pancakes, soups, chili and a few surprises.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just eager to get back and be with our customers and please the community,\u201d she said. \u201cBecause it\u2019s like \u2026 customers weren\u2019t only customers. They were like family to us. And the outpouring, the reaching out they did to all of us, I just \u2026 I\u2019m so excited to see all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Retail Watch is a weekly column covering retail and restaurant news in the Lehigh Valley. Have a question, tip, or want to see something in the area? Contact retail reporter Graysen Golter at retailwatch@mcall.com.<\/p>\n

Originally Published: October 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM EDT<\/p>\n