EASTON, Pa. – A decades-old destination for pizza and other Italian favorites is getting a fresh lease on life under new ownership in Northampton County.
Joey Embo’s Old Fashioned Family Pizzeria is under development at the former Joe’s Pizza location at 1133 Northampton St. in Easton.
Joe’s Pizza closed in late summer, and longtime Lehigh Valley chef Joseph Embardino and his family purchased the pizzeria last month with plans to open Joey Embo’s Old Fashioned Family Pizzeria later this fall.
Joey Embo’s Old Fashioned Family Pizzeria is coming soon to 1133 Northampton St. in Easton.
Ryan Kneller
Over the past few weeks, the family has been deep cleaning the space, installing new equipment and implementing cosmetic updates such as new wall paint, Embardino told 69 News.
An opening date has not yet been determined, but the family is hoping to welcome guests sometime in mid-November pending restaurant licensing and final inspections, he added.
“We’re going to be a family-owned and -operated restaurant, and we can’t wait to welcome the community,” Embardino said.
Embardino has roughly 40 years of experience in the restaurant and food service industry, and he will be assisted by his wife, Jean, his daughter, Marissa, and his sons, Mario and Anthony, at the Northampton Street pizzeria.
Joseph Embardino
Many local foodies will remember Joseph from his time operating Fratello’s, an Italian restaurant on Bushkill Park Drive in Forks Township, during the mid- to late 2000s.
Following damage from three floods, Fratello’s closed in 2009 after about seven years of business, Joseph said.
The menu for Joey Embo’s Old Fashioned Family Pizzeria is still being finalized, but individuals can expect some popular staples from Fratello’s to make the cut, Joseph said.
The menu will feature a variety of specialty pizzas, hot and cold sandwiches, salads and more, Joseph said.
All items will be hand-crafted with premium ingredients.
“We have sandwiches from Fratello’s that are legendary,” Joseph said.
“People still ask me about them 18 years later. So, we’re going to be bringing some of those back, and those were named after my family members. The sandwiches feature crazy combinations, liked grilled chicken, sauteed spinach and fresh mozzarella on garlic bread; and grilled chicken with pepperoni, fresh mozzarella and garlic sauce.”
Opening Joey Embo’s Old Fashioned Family Pizzeria will be a homecoming of sorts for Joseph, who grew up on 13th Street in Easton, about a block away from the pizza shop.
Joseph, who now lives in Forks Township, has fond memories of frequenting the pizzeria as a child in the 1970s.
“That’s my old neighborhood, my old stomping grounds,” he said.
“I actually went to [the pizzeria] before it was Joe’s Pizza. When I was young, it was known as Rose’s Pizza. I practically lived there because we used to play the pinball machines in there every day.”
Joey Embo’s Old Fashioned Family Pizzeria is coming soon to 1133 Northampton St. in Easton.
Ryan Kneller
The Embardinos are excited to breathe new life into the Easton dining landmark, which is situated in a residential neighborhood and around the corner from Easton’s Cottingham Stadium.
Beginning in the 1980s, Joe’s Pizza continued to build a large and loyal following, with longtime former owner Nick Alestas having operated it for decades before a new owner took over operations about six years ago, Joseph said.
Joseph has had an interest in old world-style cooking since childhood, learning culinary skills at a young age by watching his grandmother and other family members cook, and he looks forward to serving the Easton area community once again with a new restaurant.
Prior to opening Fratello’s, Joseph’s career focused on catering operations, including roughly seven years as an executive chef for a Poconos catering company.
Today, he’s a chef at a local private club, and he also oversees a popular Facebook group, “In the Kitchen with Joey Embo,” where he hosts cooking segments to show group members how to make various dishes.
Joseph Embardino
Joseph also has his own branded food products, including artisan olive oils, balsamic vinegars, marinara sauce, marinated mozzarella balls and more, which can be purchased online at joeyembos.com.
“You’ll also be able to purchase some of these items at the pizzeria,” he said.
For the latest Joey Embo updates, join the “In the Kitchen with Joey Embo” Facebook group.
More in Northampton CountyTrading card retailer opening 1st brick-and-mortar shop at former Lehigh Valley florist spot
HELLERTOWN, Pa. – A one-time destination for roses, carnations, and sunflowers will soon be home to Pokémon, Star Wars, and sports cards in Northampton County.
T-Rex Sports Cards & Gaming, offering a wide array of sports and non-sports trading cards, will hold its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 202 Main St. in Hellertown.
The store will occupy an updated space that was previously home to Pondelek’s Florist & Gifts, which closed in June after more than 80 years of operation.
Shoppers will be able to browse a wide assortment of sports cards, including baseball, basketball, football and tennis, along with non-sports cards such as Pokemon. Full story here.
The first brick-and-mortar location of T-Rex Sports Cards & Gaming is coming soon to 202 Main St. in Hellertown.
Ryan Kneller
30th annual ChiliFest heats up this weekend
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Sweet, spicy, and even cheesy, chili is best to eat in the chilly weather and it’s the perfect time to visit Bethlehem for its annual ChiliFest this Saturday.
“I just like the energy of ChiliFest. You get a lot of new people that come into your bar,” said Bill Dech.
“The weather’s going to be perfect. We get all walks of life in here from Lehigh sports teams to Eagles fans, Philly sports fans, locals,” added Abbey Dech.
Father-daughter duo Bill and Abbey run The Nest Bar & Grille, one of 22 restaurants competing to win top chili. Read more here.
WFMZ-TV
Lehigh County news‘Choose your fun’: Lehigh Valley distillery expands with new dining room, game room, speakeasy
EMMAUS, Pa. – Whether you’re looking to enjoy a fresh cocktail, family dinner or fun night out with friends, a popular distillery in Lehigh County has leveled up with more space, spirits and services.
Triple Sun Spirits Co., crafting ultra-premium, small-batch spirits, on Oct. 10 held a grand opening of its newly renovated venue, now known as “The Railyard,” at 518 Bank St. in Emmaus.
The Emmaus venue temporarily closed to the public for upgrades in early March before holding a “sneak peek” event in July and additional soft opening events over the past few weekends, manager Dave McAdoo told 69 News.
The grand opening kicked off The Railyard’s regular hours of 4-10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, McAdoo said. Full story here.
The Railyard operates at 518 Bank St. in Emmaus.
Ryan Kneller
Popular Mexican restaurant’s 2nd location coming soon to Lehigh County
COOPERSBURG, Pa. – A family-run eatery known for its authentic tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other Mexican favorites is expanding its footprint in the region.
A second location of Brothers Tacos is expected to open within the next few weeks at 565 E. Station Ave. in Coopersburg, co-owner Wilson Gomez told 69 News.
“We’re hoping to be open the week of Oct. 25, but we don’t know for sure yet,” Gomez said.
The new eatery will supplement Brothers Tacos’ original location, which Gomez and his brother, Marvin Gomez, opened in March 2024 at 105 Heckman St. in Phillipsburg. Read more here.
A new location of Brothers Tacos is coming soon to 565 E. Station Ave. in Coopersburg.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh Valley remodeling and design firm to celebrate new location with food, raffles, discounts
SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular business specializing in kitchen, bath and basement remodeling has leveled up with a new location in Lehigh County.
Bella Casa Kitchen & Bath, a leading, full-service design-build firm, will hold a grand opening of its new showroom from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 3404 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
The grand opening event will feature catering by Don Juan Mex Grill food truck, raffle prizes (with proceeds benefiting Turning Point of Lehigh Valley), question-and-answer sessions with vendor reps from multiple product lines and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, various promotions will be offered, including a chance to save up to 10% off Crystal or Omega cabinets; and a free pot filler or free wireless counter charger with a measurement appointment scheduled and signing of contract at grand opening event. Full story here.
Bella Casa Kitchen & Bath’s new showroom is located at 3404 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
9 months after fire, Lehigh Valley restaurant and lounge nears reopening
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A popular spot for food and drinks is making a comeback in Lehigh County.
Love’s Restaurant & Lounge, a venue offering American pub fare along with craft cocktails and nightlife entertainment at 1019 Union Blvd. in Allentown, has been temporarily closed since a fire damaged the property in late January.
The fire was small and caused minor damage, primarily to the property’s lower level, owner Bazz Jarjous told 69 News.
Electrical upgrades and cosmetic updates, including the addition of new lighting and lounge furniture, have been completed, and Jarjous and the Love’s team now aim to reopen the business within the next couple of weeks. Read more here.
Love’s Restaurant & Lounge is located at 1019 Union Blvd. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
Promenade Saucon Valley to welcome new tenant, Every DOG!, during annual Barktoberfest event
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Man’s best friend will take center stage at a new store coming soon to Lehigh County.
Promenade Saucon Valley, an open-air lifestyle shopping center in the Center Valley section of Upper Saucon Township, on Tuesday announced the addition of Every DOG!, a locally owned pet supply store.
The new 3,400-square-foot store, located between Claire’s and American Eagle, is expected to open this coming weekend, just in time for the center’s fourth annual Barktoberfest event. Full story here.
Ryan Kneller
‘Raise a glass’: Lehigh County restaurant to celebrate 25 years by giving back to community
SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular family-run restaurant is marking a major milestone with a community celebration benefiting a local memorial fund.
Grille 3501, offering a “sophisticated yet unpretentious” atmosphere and menu, will hold “A Toast to 25 Years” event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 16 at 3501 Broadway in South Whitehall Township.
The event will celebrate the full-service restaurant’s 25th anniversary, and proceeds will benefit the Justin Sheftel Memorial Fund, which helps provide athletic and educational opportunities for underserved youth throughout the greater Lehigh Valley. Read more here.
Grille 3501
Chain updates’Something big is brewing’: New Starbucks location coming soon to Lehigh County
UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – A new spot for caramel macchiattos, cinnamon dolce lattes and other specialty coffee drinks is brewing in Lehigh County.
A new Starbucks location is coming soon to the Weis Markets grocery store at 7801 Glen Livet Drive West in the Fogelsville section of Upper Macungie Township.
A “Starbucks Leader” job listing for the Fogelsville location has been posted online, and a posting for a job fair – set for noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Weis Markets – Fogelsville store – indicates “something big is brewing” and “Starbucks is coming in 2027!”
Additional details surrounding the new Starbucks location, including a more precise time frame for its opening, are unclear at this time. Read more.
A Weis Markets grocery store operates at 7801 Glen Livet Drive West in the Fogelsville section of Upper Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
Palmer Township planners advance high school, Chick-fil-A projects
PALMER TWP., Pa. – The Palmer Township Planning Commission granted preliminary land development plan approval for a Chick-fil-A restaurant proposed for 601 S. 25th St.
The approved plan was the applicant’s third submission for the site, and like the two previous, calls for the demolition of an existing 14,706-square-foot Rite Aid facility.
The restaurant will encompass 5,483 square feet of floor area with 90 interior seats, two lanes for drive-thru service and 65 parking spaces. The drive-thru will feature 38-car queuing lanes. Full story here.
Ryan Kneller
Truck traffic raises concerns for proposed Route 309 Wawa
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – The South Whitehall Planning Commission reviewed a preliminary/final land development plan for a convenience store Thursday night at the municipal building.
The project calls for a 6,049-square-foot Wawa fueling station and food market with associated site improvements on a four-acre tract at 1810 Route 309. The project includes 72 parking spaces, landscaping, lighting, utilities and stormwater management facilities.
Officials with the project said Thursday night there will be eight fueling stations and 16 pumps at the facility. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Berks, Bucks countiesGreek Food Bazaar runs through this weekend in Reading
READING, Pa.- Music, food, faith, and a celebration of culture is going on this weekend at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, but a man who was a huge part of the heart of the festival isn’t there this year.
“It’s been an honor to be here to help this continue, but it is bittersweet,” said Angel Cammarano, a parishioner and volunteer.
In its 56th year, the Greek Food Bazaar is being dedicated to longtime parishioner Chris Kraras, who passed away last year.
He was very devoted to his church community and this festival all his life. Read more.
4 new tenants coming soon to Quakertown’s Trolley Barn Public Market
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – More businesses are joining the tasty roster of food and beverage vendors at the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown, with one new tenant – a Vietnamese cafe – set to open this weekend.
TeaVa Rolls, offering fresh Vietnamese cuisine, will hold a grand opening from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the public market, 116 E. Broad St., Quakertown, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
It’s one of several coming-soon Trolley Barn tenants, with A-peel-ing Treats, Capovino and Swirty also in the works, according to Chris LaBonge, the market’s owner.
“We’re super excited,” LaBonge said. “It’s important to be refreshing the market and giving people new options to try.” Full story here.
Ryan Kneller
Closing notes’Thank you for the memories’: Beloved Lehigh Valley hardware store to close after 68 years
WILSON BORO., Pa. – A landmark, family-owned business, which has helped generations of customers with their home improvement needs, is bidding farewell in Northampton County.
Piscitello’s Home Center, a fully stocked hardware store that also features lumber, doors and windows, and bathroom and kitchen design services, will hold its final day of business on Oct. 30 at 2300 Wood Ave. in Wilson Borough, according to an online announcement.
A liquidation sale, featuring 20% off items storewide, kicked off on Tuesday, Oct. 13. All sales are final. Read more here.
Jeff Ward / WFMZ-TV
‘No longer financially possible’: Lehigh Valley’s only Golden Corral restaurant closes
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Citing rising costs, a dining spot dishing out all-you-can-eat meals has ended operations in the Lehigh Valley.
A location of Golden Corral, offering an endless buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has closed at 900 Lehigh Valley Mall Drive in Whitehall Township, according to signage posted on the door.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the permanent closure of our Golden Corral location in Whitehall, Pennsylvania,” the announcement reads.
“This was not an easy decision, nor was it one we ever imagined having to make. Unfortunately, the continued rise in food costs, labor expenses, utilities, and the overall cost of operating a restaurant has made it increasingly difficult for us to sustain our business. Despite our continued efforts to overcome these challenges, we have reached a point where remaining open is no longer financially possible.” Read more.
‘Very emotional time’: Beloved Zoto’s Diner to permanently close after 53 years
HATFIELD TWP., Pa. – An iconic, family-run dining destination that has served generations of local families will end operations later this month.
After more than five decades of business, Zoto’s Diner will permanently close on Oct. 25 at 1100 Bethlehem Pike (Route 309) in the Line Lexington section of Hatfield Township, Montgomery County, according to an announcement on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude that we announce our closing date,” the announcement reads.
“Zoto’s Diner will be closing our doors permanently after 53 years of business on Sunday, October 25. We hope all of our loyal customers will come in to see us as much as possible over these next couple of weeks.” Full story here.
