Long live legacy of Detzi’s Tavern
With retirement looming, classic business goes on the market
Generations have made it their special place — to reunite, share a meal and create happy memories.
“It is nice to see people come back that have moved out of the area,” said Jeff Detzi, an owner of Detzi’s Tavern in Wind Gap. “And the first place to visit is the restaurant.”
For nearly 63 years, the tavern at 570 N. Lehigh Ave. has been a landmark for many in the Slate Belt, owned and operated by the Detzi family.
But they are ready to retire and have put the legendary business and property on the market.
“We have been a staple in the community for a long time,” he said. But there’s always an end game. Physically it takes a toll.”
The response to the news on social media was swift, with an outpouring of support and bittersweet congratulations.
But fans of the tavern can take heart: It will remain open and Detzi said plans are to keep it that way through the sale and transition to the new owner.
“The sale is a long process,” Detzi said. “We will see where that goes.
It’s one of those businesses that you can’t just sell to anyone. You want that legacy to continue.”
Info: detzistavern.com/
Ready to go for the gold?
If you have ever wanted to eat or drink gold, we have some exciting news for you.
Kinya Ramen Sushi Bar — known for its ramen dish and cocktails topped with real gold flakes — is coming to the Airport Road Shopping Center in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. It is one of three locations coming to Pennsylvania for the national chain, and the first in the Lehigh Valley.
It’s the latest in a list of new tenants at the shopping center. In the last six months we’ve seen Buff City Soap and Wingstop open there as well as Trek Bicycle Allentown.
Happy news for Sheetz fans
If you’ve been driving on Lehigh Street in Allentown, wondering what the big construction project is at the intersection of 29th Street, we have the answer.
It’s a new Sheetz, the popular convenience store chain known for made-to-order sandwiches, convenience store essentials and devoted-fans. The project at 2939 Lehigh St. will be the Lehigh Valley’s eighth Sheetz location.
The popular chain operates 664 store locations across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland, with all locations open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Sheetz faces tough competition at the spot for not only gas customers but those looking for quick, customizable food. Just across 29th Street is a Turkey Hill Mini Market. And there’s a Wawa location nearby on Lehigh Street as well as one on Cedar Crest Boulevard in Emmaus.
A seasonal business makes a move
For three decades, it’s opening helped mark the arrival of arrival of spring — and now it has a new home.
The Route 443 Flower Tent has moved to Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard across the street from Insurrection Distillery. The seasonal business had been based next to the Beacon Diner.
The move comes due to the longterm construction on Route 443, which started last year causing traffic, space and parking issues.
The tent is known for its colorful flowers, herbs, gifts and well as unusual plant varieties, delivered to the tent from local and regional greenhouses.
“We don’t just sell flowers. We sell happiness,” owner Barbra Zehner said in a news release.
The Flower Tent starts its spring season sales March 30, and runs through Easter Sunday, April 9. The tent will then close and reopen April 28 until late June.
Zehner’s satellite tent will return to Mattress Firm for the early spring and Mother’s Day events, April 5-9 and May 9-14.
Info: facebook.com/443flowers
Keep those tips coming
Reach out if you see any openings and closings of new retail businesses or restaurants around the Valley. Email jsheehan@mcall.com and include “Retail Watch” in the subject line.