Megan Louszko and her husband were driving a few weeks ago when they passed by Dinky’s Bangor Ice Cream Parlor.
“I said to my husband, ‘We should call them,’” Louszko said. “And then we didn’t talk about it for a few weeks.”
Louszko had seen on Facebook that the owners of Dinky’s were selling the Bangor shop.
“My first job was at an ice cream shop,” Louszko said.
The couple eventually took the plunge and are now the owners of the much-loved Bangor ice cream shop. It will be known as The Local Scoop and offer the same ice cream with a few new twists — and the return of burgers.
The former owners, Norman and Jill Matthews, opened the Slate Belt ice cream shop in 2012, specializing in old-fashioned creamery delights, burgers, hot-dogs, homemade chili and more. They later opened their second location at 312 E 3rd St. Suite 102, Bethlehem, in 2020 — and that took a toll. They decided to focus on the Bethlehem shop and sell Bangor.
“The new owners will definitely be good for you guys,” said Jill Matthews in a video message on Facebook.
Louszko said the shop will be closed for a brief period of time and they hope to announce soon when it will reopen under its new name.
Info: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094145418551
Two bites of news out of Allentown
A restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine will replace what was an Italian eatery. Ayat is coming to what was Bellissimo Ristorante, at 1243 W. Tilghman St.
The much-awaited La Kang is open — with a limited menu for now — at the Downtown Allentown Market on the city’s ArtsWalk. La Kang specializes in authentic Thai cuisine and is the newest vendor to be added to the market’s lineup.
La Kang has two other locations: La Kang Thai-French Cuisine in Easton and La Kang Thai Noodles Bar in Hellertown.
La Kang is in the spot in the market left vacant by The Loaded Plantain, which closed in April.
Info: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093312170361
An update on Chaar
For those of you waiting for the newest Chaar location to open, you won’t have to wait much longer.
The fourth location, which is on Mill Creek Road in Lower Macungie Township near the Walmart, is expected to have a soft opening on July 11.
Founded in 2001 by the ElChaar family, Chaar specializes in premium food, supplies, toys and more for pets of all kinds as well as pet-grooming services. Along with furry friends, Chaar has items for humans including hiking and work boots and accompanying apparel.
Chaar currently has three locations: its anchor store at 1635 Airport Road, Allentown, and two more stores at 3673 Route 378 in Lower Saucon and 291 Town Center Blvd., Forks Township.
Info: https://www.chaar.us/
Retailer shutting down, including local store
Christmas Tree Shops plans to close all of its 82 stores, including its Hanover Township, Lehigh County location.
The retailer — specializing in holiday and seasonal items, decorations, home decor, kitchen and dining items, furniture, pet items, pool items, and garden and outdoor items among other products — filed for bankruptcy in May. Christmas Tree Shops was once owned by Bed Bath and Beyond, which also filed for bankruptcy this year and is closing all of its stores.
Legendary business up for sale
Carl’s Corner, a popular cheesesteak and sub spot with locations in Bethlehem and Nazareth, is up for sale.
The owners, Cindy and Matt Weintraub, said it was a “heartbreaking decision,” but stressed that they are not closing the business. They are selling because the stress of owning a business has just become too much, along with health and family reasons.
Carl’s Corner opened a second location at 848 Nazareth Pike in Lower Nazareth Township in late 2021, after operating out of its original location at 2 W. Elizabeth Ave. in Bethlehem for nearly three decades.
The Weintraubs took control of Carl’s in November 2018 from the business’ original owners, Carl and Betsy Souders, who were looking to retire.
The latest addition to pop up at Promenade Shops
A 1,500-square-foot space dedicated to offering local entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their businesses, will open at the Upper Saucon Township shopping mall by early August.
The Promenade Pop Up Shop, planned for an area next to Carter’s and Oshkosh B’Gosh, will help fledgling retailers expand their reach into a temporary brick-and-mortar space at the shopping center while also introducing the community to a growing roster of new businesses.
The shopping center, which opened in 2006, has been under new management since April. The new company, Dallas-based Centennial, has looked at ways to bring in locally owned and operated businesses and added several, including Handmade Mystic and Batch Microcreamery.
Info: http://thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.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.
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