SILVER SCREEN SAGA
We find out the future for the historic Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theater
At the height of their popularity in the ’50s and ’60s, there were some 4,000 drive-in movie theaters across the United States.
Today, just a fraction of those still remain, including the nation’s oldest operating drive-in, Shankweiler’s in North Whitehall Township. But the future of Shankweiler’s has been uncertain for years as the property has been on the market since 2018.
Then news broke of the drive-in’s sale to Matthew McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, who own and operate a mobile cinema company. Fans of the theater expressed concern over its future.
The good news: The couple plans to preserve the theater in all its historic charm and use the theater as a way to share their love of drive-in movies.
“We love Shankweiler’s,” McChesney said. “Matt grew up coming to the theater and we want to continue that experience in a new, elevated way. “
Their business, The Moving Picture Cinema, is actually already based on the idea of drive-in movies. Billed as a “mobile cinema service,” they bring their large format projection displays to outdoor venues.
“Our passion is outdoor movies and drive-in movies,” McChesney said.
They plan to have the theater open on the weekends through the winter then potentially expand hours next year as the weather improves. Shankweiler’s, which opened under its new ownership Friday, will be showing first-run movies such as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
Info: https://www.shankweilers.com/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shankweilers
Joining the club
Reporter Graysen Golter had a big update on a major retail/residential project proposed in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh Valley Town Center.
Topgolf — a sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, hightech golf game for all skill levels — is the first name added to the list of what’s potentially to come at the proposed Lehigh Valley Town Center, which is proposed for 45 acres of land bordered by Schantz Road, Interstate 78 and Route 222.
Officials at the township planning commission meeting said that the two-story venue will be a big economic driver that will create 300 jobs, bring in tax revenue and host features such as a restaurant, bar and an outdoor dining area. The other current Topgolf locations in Pennsylvania are in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
We will keep you up to date on the latest with this major project, one that looks to drastically change the shape of retail offerings in the township.
Hats off to a new shop in Easton
If you’re looking for a new lid, there’s a shop in Easton that fits the bill. The Hat Project has recently opened at 17 S. 2nd St.
The store carries a variety of headwear and sports merch from brands such as American Needle, 47 brand and New Era.
The Hat Project is next door to Made in Easton (15 S. 2nd St.), which features all types of apparel made locally. Both businesses are owned and operated by Nano Gomez.
For info head to Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/hatproject_/
Bojangles finally?
I have had a lot of folks reach out wondering about the Lehigh Valley’s first Bojangles restaurant.
A company spokesman told me this week that the restaurant at 85 S. West End Blvd. is finally supposed to open and it’s imminent. The company had originally announced the restaurant was coming to the Quakertown area last year and fans have been waiting patiently for it to open.
Anyone who’s traveled south is familiar with Bojangles, a national chain based in North Carolina. The restaurant specializes in flavorful chicken made with a special blend of seasonings and served with hot, fresh buttermilk biscuits and one-of-a-kind fixins.
No hours have been posted yet for the restaurant so it’s best to check with its website, https://locations.bojangles.com/pa/quakertown/85s-west-end-blvd.html.
Something new in Allentown?
Mikey’s Caribbean Restaurant is now open at 438 N. 8th St., Allentown. From the looks of it, this restaurant offers quite a variety of dishes — from traditional pizzas and hoagies to quesadillas.
Along with those items, the restaurant has a menu of Jamaican dishes, ranging from ackee and saltfish (Jamaica’s national dish) to oxtail, served with rice and peas or white rice and cole slaw or steamed vegetables.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeysCaribbeanRestaurant
Info: 610-434-8180
Keep those tips coming
As always I appreciate all of your tips on business and restaurants opening and closing. Keep those tips coming: email me at jsheehan@mcall.com and put “Retail Watch” in the subject line.