Just about two years ago, Krista Lichtenberger opened her home decor shop in downtown Nazareth.
Lichtenberger’s new shop quickly found success, with its rustic, modern home decor and furniture.
Over the winter, she brought her business, temporarily anyway, to Easton’s Winter Village, an annual event that transforms the downtown into a European holiday village. Her Abode Home Decor was among the pop-up businesses that welcomed shoppers looking for unique holiday gifts.
“We had a wonderful experience and were well received by Easton and surrounding locals. As an Easton native, it makes it that much more special to me to have a brick and mortar here,” Lichtenberger said.
It’s then that she knew opening up her second shop in Easton would be the next move for her growing business. Abode Home Decor recently opened at 131 N. 3rd St.
“Both stores are stocked with items that fit the same decor style, but have different selections,” said Lichtenberger. “You won’t find the same item at both stores. We do offer online shopping for pick up at either location, so customers can shop all of our inventory in one place.”
If your design esthetic is clean, comfy and chic, you’ll find a lot to like at the Easton shop — including wall decor, garden and floral items and lighting. You’ll also find kitchen and entertainment gear and items for your furry friends.
Info: https://abodehomedecor.com/
A trio of delicious updates
Get ready to sink your teeth into three restaurant updates. First up, Nathan’s will open, in a temporary trailer, on June 22 at 328 W. Linden St. It’s the southwest corner of Linden Street and American Parkway in Allentown.
“The trailer will be there while we continue to go through the Allentown approval process to build the restaurant,” said developer Nat Hyman. “The trailer will carry everything the restaurant will have.”
Nathan’s is, of course, the famous hot dog brand that was established more than a century ago in Coney Island, New York. This will be the first Lehigh Valley location for Nathan’s.
The menu includes Nathan’s world-famous beef hot dogs in traditional, cheese, chili and bacon cheese, as well as burgers, chicken tenders and sandwiches. The menu also will feature onion rings and fries in a number of varieties including cheese and bacon ranch.
The restaurant, which had been targeted to open last summer, has been moving slowly through the city’s approval process.
The opening of the trailer is welcome news just after the Valley lost Pete’s Hot Dogs in south Bethlehem and Willy Joe’s on Lehigh Street in Allentown.
Our second bite of tasty news is that at long last, the Macungie Family Diner is open for business. The long-delayed project transforms the former Bear Swamp Diner at 202 E. Main St., which closed in 2020 after three decades in business.
The Macungie Family Diner is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Over in Easton, The Raven 96, “where every day feels like Sunday brunch,” is poised to open July 6 at Easton’s Simon Silk Mill. It’s taking the space formerly occupied by The Local Eatery, which closed last month. The restaurant is waiting for its final permits.
The restaurant will join the list of other food and beverage businesses in Simon Silk Mill including Easton Wine Project, Owowcow Creamery, Zekraft and County Seat Spirits.
Info: http://facebook.com/TheRaven2023
Leiser’s Rentals to become….
I had a few readers ask me what’s under construction at the former Leiser’s Rentals along Route 191 near Oakland Road in Bethlehem Township. Samantha Smith, the township’s zoning officer/staff planner, said it is a Wawa under construction.
The convenience store giant, along with rival Sheetz, have numerous new stores in progress across the Valley.
What’s open
Habitat ReStore is now open at the Trainers Corner shopping center on North West End Boulevard near Quakertown. It’s the third Habitat ReStore location in the Valley, with the others in Whitehall Township and in the South Mall, Allentown.
Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. They accept donations and those are then sold to shoppers at a fraction of the original cost.
What you’ll find varies from week to week but in general, Habitat ReStores offer a wide selection of new and gently used home improvement items, appliances, furniture and home decor. All proceeds benefit the organization, which works to build and secure affordable housing around the world.
Info: http://habitat.org/restores
Speaking of Quakertown, the Rustic Camo Boutique has opened at 109 W. Broad St. near Proper Brewing Co. The shop was originally in Ottsville, Bucks County but the owner, Brooke Beers, closed that location to relocate it to downtown Quakertown. The Rustic Camo Boutique specializes in a host of women’s apparel, including jeans, jewelry and activewear. You’ll also find purses, shoes and boots, jewelry and other accessories.
Info: facebook.com/TheRusticCamoBoutique/
What closed
Cave Brewing has closed its taproom at 521 Main St., Bethlehem.
“We will be going ‘back to the garage’ again for possible online ordering and we have a number of events scheduled around the Lehigh Valley that we will be popping up over summer 2023. Unfortunately the brewery will not be open to the public,” reads a social media post. “While our long-term future is uncertain the one thing that is certain is our deep appreciation for all our customers who have supported us and made this idea a reality over the years.”
The “nano” brewery — founded by Jeff and Alison Bonner — first came on the scene in 2015, specializing in a wide range of artisan ales, lagers and seltzers made from largely local ingredients. The Bonners started the brewery business out of their garage in Salisbury Township.
Info: cavebrewing.com
Keep those tips coming
Reach out if you see any openings and closings of new retail businesses or restaurants around the Valley. Email: js[email protected] and include “Retail Watch” in the subject line.