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.

Halloween spending in the United States is expected to reach a record $10.6 billion, but Lehigh Valley stores offer ways to save money.

Rosanna’s Restaurant, which temporarily closed in February, is expected to reopen in the winter as a modern deli and bar, Rosa's Corner, at 2 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem.

Ms. Velvet’s Café, a walk-up eatery serving breakfast and lunch, held a grand opening Sept. 20 at 239 N. Fourth St. in downtown Allentown. The business is named in memory of owner Carlos Marrero's late sister, Ruby Marrero, who died as a result of a hit-and-run accident a few blocks away from the eatery in 2017.

There's room for everybody, one business owner says.

After the March 2020 pandemic shutdown of non-life-sustaining businesses, more than 42,000 businesses applied to the Wolf Administration to stay open.

Gov. Tom Wolf has called for an increase as all six states that border the commonwealth offer higher minimum wages.

Come Memorial Day capacity limits will be lifted in Pennsylvania. Keeping everyone safe seems to still be the top priority.

As part of our occasional series on how local businesses are overcoming the challenges presented by the past year, consider this local theatre that found, even in the pandemic, the show must go on.

As part of our occasional series on how local businesses are overcoming the challenges presented by the past year, a local entrepreneur tells his story about launching a new brewery amid the pandemic.

WLVR’s occasional “Pivoting in Pandemic” series shares stories of how some local businesses have survived the challenges of COVID-19.

A recent federal study found roughly 200,000 businesses nationwide closed due to the pandemic. In the Lehigh Valley, it’s hard to get an accurate number of just how many businesses closed, though local experts say coronavirus’ impact on the economy has been mixed.

Along with the cooler, shorter days, Autumn brings changes in what fresh local produce is available in the Lehigh Valley. Local tomatoes are just a memory, but now is prime time for local apple varieties.