Small Business News

Love's Restaurant and Lounge was designed to bring something entirely new to the Lehigh Valley — a former diner revamped and built up out of passion.

After 36 years of business, what owner Richard Samar calls "the last original downtown business" is set to close at the end of the month. A coffee shop will take its place.

By a 3-1 vote, the Bethlehem Planning Commission approved on Thursday night a project for a 517-space, 64-feet-high, nearly 200,000-square-foot Walnut Street parking garage to replace the old one currently being demolished. The structure is expected to open sometime in 2025.

The Lehigh Valley continues to be among the nation's leaders in economic development, it was revealed at the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Development Outlook event on Tuesday in Allentown.

The former president is holding a campaign rally Saturday at Schnecksville Fire Company — the same day nearby Shankweiler's Drive-In had planned its anniversary celebration. With road closures imminent, operators of the nation's oldest operating drive-in adjusted plans.

Ashley Pizarro harnessed her love of beauty in the creation of her business, Lovelyy Faces Spa Lounge & Master Academy, an esthetic salon that opened in 2021 at 813 Linden St.

Megan Campbell and her son Finley have just released their first storybook, "Home is Where the Heart is," which features some of the young man's favorite spots in Easton.

The Canalside Cup has been a community staple for classic drive-up fare, including burgers and soft serve, for 20 years. It reopened for the season this week.

To thrive in an oversaturated market, business owners say providing an experience is key — and it's what their newer clientele keep asking for.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

TheMINT Gastropub, an American-style eatery in West Bethlehem, has closed after 12 years. Replacing it will be Retro Burger. Also proposed for the site are the construction of six apartments atop the existing structure and a rooftop dining area.

An investor in one of the Easton-area's first sports bars has built a successful business in Bethlehem — Molly's Irish Grille and Sports Pub — that he says he plans to build upon in Palmer Township.

Upper Macungie Township has filed an application with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for a zoning ordinance amendment for minimum lot requirements for distillery, microbrewery and winery use.

Nearly 70 years after the late Ernest Kotsch Sr. purchased a grocery store at Third and Union streets in Whitehall Township, Kotsch's Market on MacArthur Road is closing its doors. An auction to sell the contents was held on Monday.

The tavern at 2722 Freemansburg Ave. is under contract to be sold to new owners, who plan to keep it as a sports bar but under a new name.

Too Good To Go, an app designed to curb food insecurity around the world, is picking up traction in the Lehigh Valley.

Easton Public Market beat out Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia and 18 others across the country to claim the top spot in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice awards.

The 5th annual contest where entrepreneurs unveil their ideas is a partnership between Lehigh University and Factory LLC.

A new health and beauty business in Easton is set to offer patrons a personalized experience. Mariposa Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Spa held a grand opening Friday.

Bring an appetite to these food related events happening this weekend in the Valley.

Easton's Planning Commission recommended approval of a land development motion to change former office space at 400 Northampton St. into a mixed-use building with 32 apartments.

Carl's Corner has operated for years in Bethlehem and opened a spot in Nazareth two years ago. The owners announced on Facebook on Wednesday that the Carl's Corner delis in both locations are up for sale.