It’s a new chapter for Lehigh County winery
Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars outside New Tripoli changes ownership
Founded in 1986, Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars — just outside New Tripoli — has its roots in family and tradition.
Now, a new family is hoping to grow the business.
Josh and Kristy Gier of Whitehall Township have bought the business from Blue Mountain founders Joe and Vickie Greff, who are retiring.
The change in hands took place last month at the winery, known for its Old World-style wines. Josh Gier said they have kept the staff on, including the winemakers, to keep the continuity.
“There is a wonderful staff in place,” Josh Gier said. “It puts us in a spot where we knew we could be successful.”
Neither of them is a wine expert or has experience growing grapes. They own Soccer Post Lehigh Valley in Whitehall, which is a specialty shop for soccer gear for all ages.
“We are learning as we go,” said Josh Gier.
The winery will continue to be part of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and take part in events throughout the year such as Chambourcin Weekend.
Info: bluemountainwine.com/
Two to save you money
With inflation, we are all looking to save money. We have news on two businesses that say they’ll do just that.
First up is the new Aldi grocery store at 3235 Hamilton Blvd., South Whitehall Township. It’s the ninth store in the Lehigh Valley, including Phillipsburg, New Jersey. The newest store is part of the company’s $3.4 billion investment growth strategy. With 2,200 stores across 38 states, Aldi is on track to become the third-largest grocery retailer by store count by the end of the year.
And it’s looking like Great Clips is planning to open a new site in Macungie. A store-locator search on the hair-salon giant’s website show “coming soon” to a location at Caramoor Village, 6465 Village Lane. I’ll keep an eye on that.
Home Depot coming soon
As reported by The Morning Call, construction of a new Home Depot is underway at 5877 Hamilton Blvd. Lower Macungie Township as part of a new retail development, Macungie Crossing.
Honey, we have more news
When it comes to sandwiches, most folks focus on what’s inside.
The meats — in whatever tasty configuration — are stacked with chosen cheeses, condiments and vegetation for crunch and textural balance.
But few people think about the importance of the bread. It is the vessel that holds all the deliciousness together.
A new sandwich shop, The Hive, located just up from Triangle Park in Emmaus is focusing on hoagie-style sandwiches made with fresh French bread from the next-door neighbor, Egypt Star Bakery.
The Hive has had a soft opening with a small menu of “whole” and “half ” sandwiches. A whole is about two feet long. Options include Italian (honey ham, Genoa salami, capicola with provolone cheese); ham and
cheese; turkey and cheese; and tuna. You can also get those options as pita wrap sandwiches.
The Hive also has a few sides such as cole slaw, hummus with pita, chips and cheddar mac salad.
On its social media, owners say they will be expanding the menu.
Call ahead at 610-7729722.
Info: facebook.com/profile. php?id=100087624453205
Twice the BBQ
The Barbecue Boys — a restaurant at 4 Union Square in Phillipsburg, New Jersey specializing in all sorts of barbecued meats, sliders, fried chicken sandwiches, and sides — is opening a second kitchen next door at the Sand Bar.
The original restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. till the smoker is empty Wednesday through Saturday. The Barbecue Boys at the Sand Bar (4 Union Square) will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The new location will be open during the renovations and offer takeout. The menus at both locations will differ a bit, and more additions will soon come to their menu at the Sand Bar.
Info: thebarbecueboys.com/
Tell us what you want in the Valley
What is the one restaurant, business or store you want to come to the Lehigh Valley? It can be a chain, big-box retailer or even just a local place you wish would expand.
We want to know. Email me at jsheehan@mcall.com and include “Retail Watch wish list” in the subject line.
And the tips
Your tips have been really helpful so please continue sending them. Same email as above but include “Retail Watch” in the subject line.