Lehigh Valley Wedding Café ties the knot in Bethlehem
It’s the perfect marriage of two ideas.
On the one hand, it’s a central place for engaged couples to connect with professionals who can execute the wedding ceremony of their dreams. And on the other, it’s a hub for vendors looking to network and share what they can offer those planning their special day.
The Lehigh Valley Wedding Café — 1403 Center St. Suite 100, Bethlehem — held a grand opening earlier this week, opening its doors to show off all it offers.
Owner Dan Mayock, who worked in wedding entertainment for 17 years, recognized the need for a centralized wedding hub in the Lehigh Valley. Vendors can partner with the cafe and through that partnership gain access to the network of other wedding professionals as well as the use of office space to meet up with potential clients.
“I knew that we could offer more,” Mayock said. “I wanted to build something that could help other wedding professionals.”
For those who are engaged, it’s a place to connect with vendors, by appointment, who can provide every aspect of wedding planning: From fireworks to wedding cakes and photography.
Info: facebook.com/lvweddingcafe/
Delicious news for downtown Bethlehem
LU Taqueria, a Mexican-cuisine-focused food trailer that operates next to Saucon Valley Auto Spa in Lower Saucon Township, is looking to open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant.
They are set to move into the former Marlo’s Pizza in the Main Street Commons complex in downtown Bethlehem. The owners say they hope to have it open by the end of the year.
Their food trailer has taken off in popularity for its fresh menu featuring specialties such as soft corn tacos with your choice of cauliflower, chicken, carne asada (steak), carnitas (pork) or al pastor (pork and pineapple). The menu is scratchmade including meat marinades, salsa, guacamole, corn chips and mini churros. They also offer “gringas,” which are crispier versions of quesadillas.
Info: facebook.com/lutaqueria and instagram. com/lutaqueria.
Get in the game
The Sports Factory of the Lehigh Valley is open at 6616 Ruppsville Road and is billed as a multi-sport indoor practice facility. It’s at the site of what was GameChangerWorld PA, an entertainment complex.
You can check out the facility at a grand opening, noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 12. featuring games, activities, and food by the WizKidz.
The Sports Factory of the Lehigh Valley offers many options for athletes and sports clubs. There’s an indoor turf rink suitable for soccer, field hockey and lacrosse and is available for rent by the hour. There’s also an open flexible turf space with retractable netting. The facility also offers personalized training for baseball, softball and soccer athletes and an upper deck lounge where you can take a break and watch all the action.
Info: sportsfactorylv.com/
Loss in Lower Nazareth Township
Thanks to a tip from a reader, we learned that Saladworks at 3812 Nazareth Road, Lower Nazareth Township has closed.
Saladworks is known best for its fresh, customizable and build-your-own salads. It also features wraps, paninis, and soups. Founded in 1986, Saladworks has 165 locations across 25 states and two countries. Saladworks is part of WOWorks, a parent company family of restaurant brands that also includes Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberito’s Southwestern Cantina and Grille and Zoup! Eatery.
The remaining Saladworks locations in the Lehigh Valley are 7150 Hamilton Blvd. Trexlertown (inside the Giant); 1403 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. Allentown; 2419 MacArthur Road, Whitehall Twp.; and 3215 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem.
Speaking of tips
Keep sending me those tips on retail and restaurant news! As much as I try, I can’t be everywhere in the Lehigh Valley, so it’s really helpful. Email: jsheehan@mcall.com and include “Retail Watch” in the subject line.