LEHIGH TWP., Pa. – A former scorching spot for manicotti, veal saltimbocca and different Italian specialties will quickly be a vacation spot for muffins, strudels and different contemporary baked items in Northampton County.

Baker Ben’s Bakery, a full-service bakery providing truffles, doughnuts, rolls and extra, is predicted to open by the second week of June at 4330 Lehigh Drive in Lehigh Township, proprietor and baker Ben Steitz stated.

Steitz, with assist from members of the family, is overhauling the Lehigh City Heart house that was beforehand dwelling to A Ca Mia, a BYOB Italian restaurant that abruptly closed in January after 10 years of enterprise.

The Whitehall Township resident is including new lighting, kitchen gear and partitions for an workplace, break room and storage space.

The bakery will provide a wide selection of made-on-site treats, together with truffles, cupcakes, pies, doughnuts, sticky buns, iced cinnamon buns, whoopie pies and various pastries.

Vacation and seasonal baked items akin to cut-out cookies, kiffles, nut rolls, Irish soda bread and paska bread are additionally deliberate.

“We’re additionally going to have fastnachts,” Steitz stated. “We have to have these.”

Baker Ben’s Bakery, with indoor seating for round 16 prospects, additionally will promote numerous breads and rolls, together with Kaiser rolls, steak rolls, Italian bread and braided bread, together with CBD canine treats and CBD cookies, brownies and granola bars for individuals.

“I will have a restricted quantity of breads and rolls to start with of the week, however on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, I am actually going to push them as a result of that is when everybody will get along with household and has events,” Steitz stated.

Steitz, a 2016 graduate of Whitehall Excessive Faculty, traces his love for baking again to his childhood, when he’d spend time at his neighbor’s home – watching and serving to her bake – round age 10.

He additionally studied business baking at Lehigh Profession & Technical Institute in North Whitehall Township and labored at a number of Lehigh Valley companies, together with Uncle Paul’s Pierogies and BabaNonna Kiffles, all through highschool.

From 2016 to 2020, he labored within the bakery departments of a number of native Weis Markets shops, the place he held quite a lot of roles together with a administration place.

Presently, Steitz works within the bakery division of Big on West Emmaus Avenue in Allentown, however he plans to dial again his work schedule there within the coming weeks as he prepares to open his personal bakery.

“This was a dream even earlier than I went to LCTI in highschool,” Steitz stated. “In center faculty, I took the summer time camp program that they provide there. Additionally, my neighbor would throw Halloween events, and one 12 months, I simply made a shirt that stated ‘Ben’s Bakery.’ I did not suppose it could really occur.”

Steitz remains to be finalizing the bakery’s hours, however tentative hours are 6 a.m. to five p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. to six p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m. 3 p.m. Saturdays and eight a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. The bakery can be closed on Mondays for cleansing and prep work, and Tuesdays can be reserved for pre-order pickups.

Closing occasions can be versatile, Steitz stated.

“Closing occasions can be 5ish, 6ish and so forth,” he defined. “If I am nonetheless there cleansing up, I will keep open till I am able to go dwelling.”

Baker Ben’s Bakery will settle for customized orders for truffles, cookies and different treats.

There are additionally plans to promote espresso and breakfast sandwiches (on bagels, rolls and croissants), though the latter might turn out to be accessible down the road, Steitz stated.

For foodies keen to trace the bakery’s progress, a enterprise web site and Fb web page are anticipated to debut throughout the subsequent couple of weeks, Steitz stated. Additionally, a forthcoming enterprise telephone quantity will enable potential workers to inquire about job openings.

Extra in Northampton County

‘Every little thing’s contemporary’: New grocery retailer fills void on Bethlehem’s South Facet

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A brand new vacation spot for contemporary meat, produce, dairy merchandise and different groceries has opened in Bethlehem.

Supreme Meals Basket, a roughly 15,000-square-foot retailer that includes a bakery, deli and 7 aisles of groceries, held a grand opening Friday at 410 Montclair Avenue on town’s South Facet.

The renovated constructing beforehand housed an Ahart’s Market, which closed in April 2021 after 20 years of enterprise. Full story right here.

Bethlehem Township zoners reject Wawa proposed for Freemansburg Avenue

BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – Bethlehem Township won’t be a three-Wawa city, a minimum of not anytime quickly. Just one is assured proper now.

The township’s Zoning Listening to Board voted 4-0 Wednesday to reject a problem from a developer who sought to construct a comfort retailer on Freemansburg Avenue.

Wagner Enterprises had proposed a Wawa with fuel pumps, a financial institution and 16 flats for 4900 Freemansburg Ave., a spot on the intersection with Wagner Drive that is named Harvey’s Nook. Learn extra right here.

Longstanding Hellertown gymnasium increasing providers with sports activities efficiency coaching heart

HELLERTOWN, Pa. – A longstanding health facility is leveling up its providers in Northampton County.

Principal Avenue Fitness center, providing cardio and energy coaching gear, private coaching, tanning and extra, is planning to debut a sports activities efficiency coaching heart throughout the subsequent few weeks on the constructing’s decrease degree, 910 Principal St., Hellertown.

Proprietor Kevin Branco had been subletting the two,600-square-foot house to different tenants – most lately, Grit Mat Membership wrestling membership, which moved to a bigger location on Route 378 in Decrease Saucon Township – over the previous a number of years. Learn extra.

Easton Metropolis Council opinions new downtown resort plan once more

EASTON, Pa. Easton Metropolis Council permitted a certificates of appropriateness for a proposed resort Wednesday night time at metropolis corridor.

The brand new resort is slated for 1-6 Centre Sq., which was beforehand occupied by The Commonplace bar and restaurant. The plan is obtainable by developer and restauranteur Mick Gjevukaj, founding father of Get pleasure from with Gusto Hospitality Group.

The seven-story constructing will characteristic 49 rooms, with the bulk 40 rooms situated on flooring 4 via seven. The constructing will characteristic additionally two eating places and a gathering house, which may have a 125-person capability. Full story right here.

Lehigh County information

‘Pushed’ mother opens Lehigh County playspace, providing lively, sensory, imaginative play for ages 1-5

COOPERSBURG, Pa. – A brand new facility in Lehigh County is offering high-quality play experiences for younger kids.

Transfer N Play, an indoor playspace providing open play, lessons, non-public events and extra for ages 1-5, opened April 17 at 551 E. Station Ave. in Coopersburg.

The three,000-square-foot facility options all kinds of lively, sensory and imaginative play choices, together with constructing blocks, sliding boards, tunnels, tents, driving toys, diner and veterinarian playsets, and a drawing wall. Learn extra right here.

Widespread Lehigh County eatery, identified for loaded scorching canines, to proceed working beneath new homeowners

MACUNGIE, Pa. – A well-liked restaurant serving “conventional meals in a really nontraditional means” will proceed operations beneath new possession in Lehigh County.

Mad Canines Scorching Canines, specializing in distinctive, loaded scorching canines, was set to shut on the finish of April at 17 N. Poplar St. in Macungie as a result of homeowners Christopher and Melissa Moyer retiring.

Nevertheless, the enterprise will proceed working beneath the Promote household – Bob and Megan Promote and their kids, Lucas and Axle Promote, in accordance with a put up on the enterprise’ Fb web page. Learn extra.

Whitehall Dunkin’ to have fun newly transformed restaurant with free espresso for a 12 months promotion on Saturday

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A Lehigh Valley Dunkin’ location is celebrating its newly transformed Subsequent Era restaurant with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 29.

The occasion will embody free espresso for a 12 months giveaways to the primary 100 visitors (beginning at 11 a.m.) on the restaurant, 3670 MacArthur Street, Whitehall Township.

Free espresso for a 12 months recipients will obtain a coupon ebook containing 4 medium scorching or iced espresso coupons per 30 days for 14 months, legitimate solely on the 3670 MacArthur Street location. Full story right here.

Widespread unbiased bookstore opening second Lehigh Valley location

A well-liked Emmaus bookstore is starting one other chapter with a second location in Lehigh County.

Let’s Play Books, established in 2013, is planning to open a second outpost, dubbed “The Finish: a bookstore,” on April 29 – Unbiased Bookstore Day – at 3055 Tilghman St. in South Whitehall Township.

The brand new location, close to the township’s border with Allentown’s West Finish, will characteristic new books for all ages together with writer occasions. Learn extra right here.

Easton grad opens ‘dream’ barbershop in Lehigh County

SALISBURY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Whether or not you need a fast trim or an entire new search for spring, a brand new barbershop in Lehigh County can preserve your hair in tip-top form.

Encourage Barber Studio, providing haircutting and styling for shoppers of all ages, opened March 15 at 200 E. Emmaus Ave. in Salisbury Township.

Proprietor and barber Joshua Hernandez of Allentown beforehand labored for six years at Life-style Barbershop in Easton and Emmaus. Learn extra.

Transitioning companies

Easton-area sports activities bar, leisure facility briefly closes because it plans to relocate

PALMER TWP., Pa. – A Lehigh Valley enterprise providing indoor golf and leisure has ended operations at its location of practically two years because it plans to reopen at a brand new venue throughout the subsequent few months.

X-Golf Lehigh Valley, a ten,000-square-foot golf-themed sports activities bar and household leisure heart, has closed at 80 Kunkle Drive in Palmer Township and “won’t reopen at this location,” in accordance with a message posted Wednesday on the enterprise’ social media pages.

“Search for us to reopen in Palmer Township/Easton PA by September of 2023,” the announcement continues. Full story right here.

Upkeep points drive board sport cafe to search out new location in Easton, homeowners say

EASTON, Pa. – A enterprise serving up meals and enjoyable is shifting after a number of months of operation in Northampton County.

Punch Out Video games, a board sport cafe providing meals, drinks and house to play practically 300 board video games at 161 Northampton St. in downtown Easton, is planning to relocate in late June or early July to 1458 Northampton St. in Easton’s West Ward, co-owner Barbara Vasconez stated.

The BYOB cafe opened in December, and Vasconez and her companion, Mik Matiss, over the previous few months have handled a number of constructing points, primarily ceiling leaks and different water harm, Vasconez stated. Learn extra right here.

Scrumptious occasions

Dig into offers at Casa Toro, Diana’s Cafe and extra throughout Southern Lehigh Restaurant Week

Sink your enamel into tasty dishes whereas supporting native companies throughout the fifth annual Southern Lehigh Restaurant Week.

The occasion, which kicked off Sunday and continues via Saturday, is offered by the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and options fixed-price, multi-course menus and different promotions at eight Southern Lehigh space eating places, together with Pink Robin at The Promenade Retailers at Saucon Valley. Learn extra.

Allentown to host inaugural VegFest, seventh annual Sip and Snack cocktail path

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Two scrumptious occasions will please style buds over the following couple of weekends in Allentown.

First, the inaugural Allentown VegFest, selling health-conscious and eco-friendly residing, can be held 11 a.m. to six p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Cedar Seashore Park, 2600 Parkway Blvd.

The rain-or-shine occasion, offered by the Allentown Chamber of Commerce, is dubbed “Allentown’s premier vegetarian and vegan well being and wellness pageant” and is devoted to celebrating clear power, wholesome existence, and plant-based meals. Full story right here.

Berks buzz

Father and son to open Berks eatery, serving specialty cheesecakes, milkshakes and extra

WEST READING, Pa. – A family-run enterprise specializing in decadent desserts is coming quickly to Berks County.

Tristan and Sons Truffles and Shakes, providing specialty cheesecakes, milkshakes, cotton sweet and extra, will maintain a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at 10 S. Fifth Ave. in West Studying.

The house beforehand housed different companies, together with J&J Hair Salon and, most lately, Ezekiel 47 Cafe. Learn extra right here.

Rita’s to have fun new Berks County location with free Italian ice for a 12 months for first 50 visitors

HAMBURG, Pa. These seeking to beat the warmth with a cool deal with this spring and summer time can reap the benefits of a candy promotion in Berks County.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the favored water ice and frozen custard chain with roughly 550 areas in 30 states, will maintain a grand opening of its new store at 400 S. Fourth St. in Hamburg on Friday, April 28, in accordance with a information launch. Learn extra.

Closing notes

Wells Fargo to shut branches in Berks, Bucks

Wells Fargo & Co. is closing two extra branches within the area as prospects transfer towards banking from their telephones and computer systems, and away from workplaces.

“Wells Fargo has made the tough determination to shut the Washington Cross department (Bucks County) and West Garden department (Berks County) on Wednesday, July 12,” in accordance with an announcement from the financial institution. “Till then, prospects can use the department and financial institution with us as they all the time have.”

The West Garden Department is at 2137 Penn Ave., a mile from the Spring Township department, and never removed from workplaces in Shillington and Studying.

The Washington Crossing department is at 1276 Normal Washington Memorial Blvd., simply off River Street (Route 32). After it closes, Washington Crossing prospects can use the Newtown Village department, about 5 miles away, and branches in Yardley. Full story right here.

Liquidation gross sales starting this week at Mattress Tub & Past after firm information for chapter

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – After 52 years in enterprise, Mattress Tub & Past has filed for Chapter 11 chapter.

“It was type of a shock. I believed, wow I’ve identified about Mattress Tub & Past for so long as I have been alive, possibly. And so, it is like the top of an period,” stated buyer Chris Economu Olson.

The corporate has 360 areas nationwide, with a number of in our space. BuyBuy Child, additionally owned by the corporate, can be affected. Learn extra right here.

Weissport espresso store to shut

WEISSPORT, Pa. – A Carbon County espresso store is downsizing.

UnCommon Grounds has stopped working its cellular cafe, and is closing its espresso store on the Hofford Mill in Weissport in June, the homeowners stated on Fb.

The cafe plans to proceed on the Hometown Farmers Market on Wednesdays. Learn extra.