PROMENADE SHOPS
More locally owned businesses coming to
Take a walk around the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley and you’ll see the changes.
The outdoor shopping center is taking a decidedly local approach.
“Everything has been looked at from a different lens,” said Krista Berardelli, the Promenade’s marketing director.
The Upper Saucon Township site, which opened in 2006, has been under new management since April.
The new company, Dallasbased Centennial, has looked at ways to bring in locally owned and operated businesses.
Handmade Mystic isa great example. The shop, which specializes in healing crystals as well as unique gifts and jewelry, just opened between Hand & Stone and J.Jill. It’s the third location for the business and the second in the Valley.
“They were great for us to partner with because they get the business,” Berardelli said. “They understand. For us, we want to partner with people like that — that have this experience and this unique brand that we don’t have here.”
Batch Microcreamery — a familiar name in artisan ice cream with locations in the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown and at Shepherd Hills Golf Club in Wescosville — is looking to open March 25 near the AMC Theater. Berardelli said Batch will be a great fit because like Handmade Mystic it’s an established business that’s offering something different.
“They sell ice cream in a different way,” she said. “You can get a flight of ice cream and try a few different ones. That’s different from your average ice cream store. It offers a unique experience on top of a great product.”
In the beginning of April, the Promenade will add
Love Obsessed, a boutique
offering women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories and unique gift items. It will be next to Batch and Altar’d State. The business has found success and fans through its online business and Facebook group, as well as a popular warehouse location at 110 S. Front St., Souderton, Montgomery County.
Along with those businesses, we shared news a few weeks back about a popular Philadelphia-area restaurant chain coming to the Promenade, Turning Point. Berardelli said the restaurant fills a void at the Promenade, with its brunch and lunch focus.
Berardelli said Turning Point is transforming three
units between I Break U Fix and PlayaBowls and is hoping to be open this fall.
Info: thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/
Tasty news times two
Two restaurants are coming to Bethlehem, just blocks apart from each other.
The Flying Pig Tavern will open soon at 1313 Center St., at the site of the former Tocci’s Tailgaters Pub & Grill. The restaurant will have an outdoor patio and fully renovated bar with a variety of beer on tap. The menu features classic tavern dishes such as French onion soup and brunch items. Info: facebook.com/flyingpigtvernpa
Just around the corner will be Pints and Pies at 21 E. Elizabeth Ave. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because it will be the second location of the popular Wilson restaurant. Pints and Pies is known for its assortment of gourmet pizzas, sandwiches and burgers, as well as an extensive beer menu featuring national brands and local craft beers. Info: facebook.com/pintsandpiespub
Another pair of new businesses
In more “two” news, there are changes at The Shops at Bethlehem on Easton Avenue in Bethlehem Township.
Dave’s Home Furnishings, a furniture and home goods business, is opening its second location in the Lehigh Valley. The store will be in space adjacent to the Giant supermarket. Poke Bar 25 & Bubble Tea is now open on the end of the shopping center.
In more delicious updates
BK Lobster is open at 2080 Milford Road, Smithfield Township, Monroe County, the first franchise in Pennsylvania. The chain has three other locations, in Atlanta, Phoenix and Miami.
BK Lobster is known for its lobster rolls, which are made with fresh, sustainably sourced Maine lobster meat and served on a buttered and toasted split-top bun. In addition to lobster rolls, the menu includes items such as lobster mac and cheese, lobster tacos and lobster bisque.
Info: bklobsterpoconos. com
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.