RIEGELSVILLE, Pa. – A new restaurant in upper Bucks County represents a full-circle moment for a Riegelsville couple, along with a dream fulfilled for a longtime Lehigh Valley chef.
Hagan’s Restaurant & Bar, specializing in contemporary cuisine showcasing local ingredients and international influences, held a soft opening on Oct. 7 at 1274 Easton Road in Riegelsville, co-owner Brandee Hagan said.
The building was the longtime home of Bowman’s North tavern, where Hagan and her husband, Jason Hagan, met in 2019 while working as the pub’s general manager and executive chef respectively.
In 2022, the Hagans left Bowman’s North to establish a catering company, Hagan Catering & Hospitality.
The catering business, located about a mile north of Hagan’s Restaurant on Easton Road, has expanded over the past year to include weekly meal-prep service and on-site event hosting.
At Hagan’s Restaurant & Bar, the couple is partnering with their friends, Eric and Vanessa Kline, who have supported the Hagans since their days at Bowman’s North.
“It’s actually a full-circle moment in a few ways,” Brandee said.
“Vanessa and Eric used to be customers at Bowman’s North, and they’re the ones who encouraged us to start the catering business. They’re also the ones who encouraged us to add the meal-prep service, which has turned out to be a huge success. So, they have been our biggest supporters since day one, and when this space became available, we thought it only made sense to open a new restaurant together.”
In addition to holding sentimental meaning for the Hagans, the restaurant’s opening represents a culmination of years of hard work and dedication for both Brandee, who’s held a variety of food-service positions in the area, and Jason, a graduate of Northampton Community College’s culinary arts program who’s longed to own and operate his own dining establishment while working in the kitchens of other local restaurants.
For more than 20 years, Jason has fine-tuned his culinary chops at several top Lehigh Valley restaurants – including Apollo Grill in Bethlehem, Grille 3501 in South Whitehall Township and River Grille and the former Ocean in Easton.
“This has definitely been a dream of mine,” Jason said.
“… I’m finally bringing my own vision to life. Don’t get me wrong, they were great experiences, and I learned a lot along the way. But now I’m able to do something completely different. It’s a fun menu, with international influences, twists on traditional favorites and fresh, local ingredients. We have a really strong sous chef and team that are also giving input, and together, we’re offering a really unique dining experience.”
Hagan’s, with seating for around 75 customers at high-top tables in the bar area and low-top tables in the dining room, is sourcing fresh meats, cheeses, produce and other ingredients from local farms and businesses such as Frigid Freeze Lockers in Riegelsville, Nello’s Specialty Meats in Bushkill Township and Traugers Farm Market in Durham Township.
Customers can enjoy starters such as 1-pound wings with choice of sauce, ribs (gochujang barbecue, charred scallions, crushed peanuts, togarashi and kimchi) and tacos (smoked pork, cabbage, mole rojo, radish lime crema and cotija); dips (served with crostini) such as hummus, whipped feta and n’duja (toasted pine nuts, lemon confit and maldon); and hand-helds such as a Jamaican jerk pulled pork sandwich, grilled PB&J (house-made bourbon pecan butter and smoked blackberry jam on Texas toast) and various burgers, including a BBQ burger with bacon jam, chipotle barbecue aioli, smoked gouda and an onion ring.
“So far, our smash burger has been one of the top sellers,” Brandee said.
“The patties are 50% beef and 50% pork belly, and they come with cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce and a special sauce. Our beef barbacoa empanadas have also been very popular.”
Large plates include options such as ramen, seared salmon, steak frites and fried chicken (served with hot n’ honey, pickles and slaw).
A unique offering is “omakase,” modeled after the traditional Japanese dining experience where the chef selects and serves a freshly prepared meal of their choosing for the customer.
“It’s chef choice, which means you don’t know what you’re getting until it’s served,” Jason said.
“It’s a complete surprise, and then we explain the entire dish when we serve it to you. We put it on the menu as a fun feature, not knowing how many people would order it, but it’s become our fifth most popular item. It’s a great way to keep the offerings fresh because we have a lot of regulars, and we don’t want them to become bored. It’s also great way for our cooks to explore new dishes and showcase their talents.”
Hagan’s menu will change periodically to include new dishes, and if certain offerings aren’t selling well, they’ll be dropped from the menu, Jason said.
“The goal is to keep the menu fresh and give the customers what they want,” he added.
“I was a chef here previously. So, I already know the area’s clientele and what they like. I’m just looking to take everything to the next level. We could’ve very easily opened a restaurant that is similar to most other places within a 15-mile radius, but we’re looking to have fun with our menu and keep people excited.”
The restaurant’s menu showcases several international influences, including Mexican and Korean, with many other selections reflecting Jason’s favorite type of cuisine: Southern.
Customers can enjoy Southern staples like mac and cheese, fried chicken and shrimp po’ boys. There also homemade desserts such as apple cobbler and bread pudding.
“Personally, I love soul food, smoked food and Latin American food,” Jason said. “We also put fun twists on some dishes, like with our totchos, our variation of nachos with tater tots instead of tortilla chips.”
Hagan’s occupies an updated space that previously housed other dining establishments, including the Riegelsville Tavern and, most recently, Boman’s North, which closed in the spring after about eight years of business.
The Hagans and Klines added minor cosmetic touches, including new wall paint, furniture and framed family photos.
Jason also hung framed photos of famous chefs, including Anthony Bourdain, Gordon Ramsay, David Chang and Marco Pierre White, who have inspired him.
The restaurant features a full bar, offering classic and signature cocktails, wines by the glass and bottle and a wide variety of beers, including canned and bottled selections and 16 rotating drafts.
“We have some really great cocktails, including our pickletini, which features our house-made pickles,” Brandee said.
Hagan’s, which also offers takeout, is open daily, with kitchen hours being 3-9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
The bar stays open until midnight Monday through Saturday and 5 p.m. Sundays. Happy hour, featuring discounted drinks and small pates, is 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For the latest updates, follow Hagan’s Restaurant & Bar on Facebook. Info: 610-510-3030.
More foodie finds
Notch, White Orchids owners opening 3rd restaurant, blending ‘best hits’ with new dishes
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – The family behind two popular Lehigh Valley restaurants is almost ready to welcome foodies to another top-notch dining establishment.
Little Orchids Kitchen & Bar, a new Asian fusion restaurant from the owners of White Orchids Thai Cuisine in Upper Saucon Township and Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar in Lower Macungie Township, is expected to hold a soft opening within the next few weeks at 640 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township, Bucks County, co-owner Jeff Virojanapa said.
The new restaurant, with seating for around 100 customers, will operate in a renovated space that previously housed an I Love Kickboxing studio in the Richland Marketplace shopping center, about a mile north of Quakertown.
Little Orchids will offer familiar favorites – from bold Thai dishes to creative Asian fusion cuisine – found at its sisters restaurants “with an approachable and light twist.” Full story here.
Lehigh Valley’s new ‘Next Generation’ Dunkin’ location gives away free coffee for a year
WIND GAP, Pa. – The country’s largest coffee and doughnuts brand held a sweet celebration to mark its new “Next Generation” restaurant in Northampton County.
Dunkin’ celebrated the grand opening of its new location, at 938 S. Broadway in Wind Gap, on Thursday, Oct. 17.
The restaurant rewarded the first 100 customers in line with free coffee for a year. Read more here.
A new Dunkin’ “Next Generation” restaurant operates at 938 S. Broadway in Wind Gap.
Easton area news
Palmer Park Mall welcoming 2 restaurants, retro arcade
PALMER TWP., Pa. – New dining and entertainment options are breathing new life into a prominent shopping mall in Northampton County.
Palmer Park Mall, at Nazareth Road and Park Avenue in Palmer Township, on Sunday welcomed a new full-service restaurant, Aroma Authentic Indian Cuisine.
In the coming weeks, two other businesses – Wrap’d Tight 2.0 Fully Loaded and Back to the Arcade II – are set to join the Palmer Park Mall’s roster. Read more.
The Palmer Park Mall is located at Nazareth Road and Park Avenue in Palmer Township.
Popular Easton shop to open 2nd location, featuring ‘gilded elegance,’ old-fashioned treats
EASTON, Pa. – An antique and vintage goods store is expanding operations with a new location – offering a similar mix of merchandise along with old-fashioned sundaes, soda floats and other eats and drinks – in Northampton County.
Salvage Goods, a store selling antiques, vintage items and repurposed goods at 24 S. Third St. in downtown Easton, is planning to open a second location in early December at 108 S. Third St. in downtown Easton, owner Heidi Markow said.
The 108 S. Third St. space is home to Melt Ice Cream Bar until Sunday, when Melt will close its storefront and begin focusing on its ice cream truck operations.
The new Salvage Goods location, dubbed Salvage Goods II Gilded, will operate a block away from Salvage Gooods’ original location and will offer a similar mix of merchandise along with a new component in old-fashioned ice cream sundaes, soda floats and other treats. Full story here.
Lehigh Valley coffee house takes 2nd place in USA Today contest
EASTON, Pa. – A Northampton County coffee shop – known for its unique specialty beverages and cozy historic atmosphere – has earned runner-up honors in a prominent national contest.
Three Birds Coffeehouse, at 226 Bushkill St. in Easton, finished second place in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice competition for best independent coffee shop.
The Easton shop was among 20 independent coffee shops across the United States nominated in the contest, with Monomyth Coffee in Texas taking top honors.
A panel of experts chose the nominees based on their “cozy atmospheres, friendly baristas, and unique menus,” and public voting determined the winner. Read more here.
Beloved businesses
‘Short intermission’: Lehigh Valley movie theater temporarily closed following fire
EMMAUS, Pa. – A fire has temporarily shuttered a beloved Lehigh Valley movie theater, but the show will go on again soon.
Firefighters from the Emmaus Fire Department were dispatched to a fire at the Emmaus Theatre, at 19 S. Fourth St., at 4:16 p.m. Oct. 12, according to a Lehigh County Communications Center dispatcher.
In a post on the theater’s social media pages, co-owners Robert Audibert and Butch Rossetti said the incident – which was brought under control quickly – occurred at the concession stand.
“Thankfully, thanks to the quick actions of our amazing employees, Brianna Escamilla and Emily Ross, everyone was evacuated safely, and no one was harmed,” Audibert and Rossetti stated in the announcement.
“They promptly contacted the fire department, who responded swiftly to handle the situation. While the damage is minimal, we will be temporarily closed for at least a week as we manage cleanup and repairs. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.” Read more.
The Emmaus Theatre operates at 19 S. Fourth St. in Emmaus.
Beloved Lehigh Valley picnic grove, seafood store on the market as owners plan to retire
BUSHKILL TWP., Pa. – After more than 60 years of operation, a popular spot for seafood, celebrations and signature catering is up for sale in Northampton County.
Bady’s Grove, a family-owned event venue, catering facility and seafood store at 104 Bady Lane in Bushkill Township, went on the market in late summer, co-owner Dave Smull said.
Bady’s Grove was established in 1957 by original owner Stu Bady.
In 1977, Bady’s longtime employee William “Smokey” Smull purchased the business, and his three sons – John, Dave and Pat Smull – have been operating the facility for the past several decades.
Their sister, Mary Ann Bittel, and brother, Tom Smull, have also helped out in a part-time capacity over the years.
The siblings are looking to retire, and no other family members have an interest in taking over operations. Full story here.
Bady’s Grove, a family-owned event venue, catering facility and seafood store, operates at 104 Bady Lane in Bushkill Township.
South Whitehall news
Lehigh Valley’s new entertainment spot to offer monstrous ‘super fun,’ immersive experiences
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Scary good times – complete with animatronic monsters, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bowling, arcade games, a laser maze and virtual reality experiences – are coming soon to a new entertainment center in Lehigh County.
Monster Mini Golf, a family-friendly entertainment center offering immersive experiences, is expected to open in early 2025 – with a target opening date of February – at 3227 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township, franchisee Kelly Zambrano said.
The new facility will be located next to Aldi in the Dorneyville Shopping Center.
Construction on the space, which previously housed Teppan Hibachi Steak House and a furniture warehouse, began Oct. 7, Zambrano said. Full story here.
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, hot pot restaurant coming to Lehigh County shopping center
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Lehigh Valley foodies will soon have a new spot to savor freshly prepared Asian specialties.
LV Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, offering all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue and hot pot, is expected to open in late November or early December at the Village West shopping center, at Tilghman Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard in South Whitehall Township.
The new full-service restaurant will occupy a roughly 6,500-square-foot space, a couple of doors down from Ninja Ramen.
The end unit was previously home to an Outback Steakhouse restaurant, which relocated to the Hamilton Crossings shopping center in Lower Macungie Township in 2017. Read more here.
A LV Korean BBQ & Hot Pot restaurant is expected to open within the next couple of months in the Village West shopping center, at Tilghman Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard in South Whitehall Township.
Retail chain updates
Big Lots to close 56 more stores, including Lehigh Valley location
WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Discount retailer Big Lots has announced the closure of more than 50 additional locations, including one in Lehigh County, as part of the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy process.
In its latest bankruptcy filing, submitted Friday, the Ohio-based Big Lots identified 56 additional stores nationwide — including a store at 2631 MacArthur Rd. in Whitehall Township — that will be closing.
Another Pennsylvania store, at 15501 Bustleton Ave. in Philadelphia, is also included in Big Lots’ latest round of stores that are set to close. Read more.
Ross Dress for Less brings ‘extraordinary savings’ to 2 new Lehigh Valley stores
A popular off-price retail chain has expanded its footprint with two new locations — about six miles away from each other — in Northampton County.
Ross Dress for Less, offering bargains on the latest trends in clothing, shoes, home decor and more, on Oct. 11 opened two new stores at 4449 Southmont Way in Bethlehem Township and 3762 Easton Nazareth Highway in Lower Nazareth Township.
The Bethlehem Township location is operating at a former Bed Bath & Beyond site in the Southmont Plaza shopping center, while the Lower Nazareth Township location is operating at a former Sears Appliance & Hardware site in the Northampton Crossings shopping center. Full story here.
A Ross Dress for Less store recently opened at 4449 Southmont Way in Bethlehem Township.
Bethlehem buzz
‘Beautiful collection’: Shop local items from 15-plus vendors at new Lehigh Valley market
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new retail destination – “celebrating the colorful tapestry of creativity” – is offering shoppers an opportunity to score unique, Lehigh Valley-made fashions, home decor, personal care products and more.
Kaleidoscope Collective, a multi-vendor market showcasing a wide array of locally crafted and curated items, opened Oct. 11 at 77 W. Broad St., 12 C in downtown Bethlehem.
The new shop is located between Crave Energy and Nutrition Bar and Into the Myst metaphysical shop.
Kaleidescope Collective owner Melis Carroll of Bethlehem got the idea to open Kaleidoscope after setting up retail displays for her original small business, Curated Aegean, at other Lehigh Valley multi-merchant markets such as Belleville Market in Easton and The Hive in Nazareth. Read more here.
‘Mouthful of heaven’: New French pastry shop satisfying sweet cravings in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new, family-run sweet spot is dishing out handmade macarons, croissants, gelato and other treats in Northampton County.
Le Macaron, an authentic French pastry shop, held a soft opening on Friday at 521 Main St., owner Gina Passerman said.
A grand opening event will be held 12:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 8, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce to take place at 1 p.m.
Le Macaron, founded in 2009, began franchising in 2012 and now has more than 70 open or coming soon locations nationwide, according to the business’ website. Another regional location operates in Doylestown, Bucks County. Read more.
Bethlehem restaurant celebrates grand opening with free chicken burritos, power bowls
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new fast-casual eatery gave away free food on Sunday to mark its entry into the Lehigh Valley dining scene.
Haaz’s, offering freshly prepared chicken dishes, smash burgers, gyros, sides, dessert waffles and more at 3217 Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem, offered a free halal chicken power bowl or burrito to customers visiting the restaurant from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, owner Hasnain “Haaz” Ilyas said.
Haaz’s, with seating for 58 customers, held a soft opening two months ago in a renovated space that previously housed Burgerim, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in customized “mini burgers,” which closed in 2022 after about three years of business. Full story here.
Berks County buzz
Lower Alsace pub gets new name ahead of reopening
L. ALSACE TWP., Pa. — The Klinger family has unveiled the new name for a popular pub in Lower Alsace Township.
Mark Klinger posted the new name on Facebook saying it will be called “Carsonia Park Grill and Bar.”
His family had sold the spot, originally known as “Klinger’s on Carsonia,” early last year. The new owners then renamed it “Maverick Pub.”
Maverick Pub closed earlier this month and the Klinger Family say they plan to open it up again.
It could be up and running later this month. Read more here.
Maverick Pub, formerly Klinger’s on Carsonia
Gulati family to buy Reading Country Club for $4.8M
EXETER TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Concluding a divisive era in the history of Exeter Township, the board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday night to award the bid for the sale of the Reading Country Club to DCM investments for $4,805,100.
DCM Investments is a local company owned by brothers David, Charles and Michael Gulati. Their father, Jack Gulati, is also participating in the purchase. Jack Gulati is a Berks County entrepreneur whose family owns Stokesay Castle.
“We’re pleased that the board decided to accept our bid for the purchase of the golf course and the clubhouse. It complies with a vision to make this a Grand Golf Course, not only just golf course, but a full service Country Club,” explained Jack Gulati. Read more.
Reading Country Club
How the CRIZ program could help plans for Reading’s largest shopping center
READING, Pa. – A developer is hoping to build a shopping center, which could be the largest retail complex in Reading history, within the proposed Community Revitalization and Improvement Zone.
The former Glidden site where lead paint was once made is where the massive shopping center is being proposed. Now, a new program could help make this vision come true.
Developer Alan Shuman says the 156,000-square-foot, $45 million proposal in the 300 block of Bern Street could eventually house anywhere from 22 to 45 stores. Full story here.
Odds and ends
Region’s newest travel plaza to feature chain’s new made-to-order food program
CASS TWP., Pa. – A travel plaza and truck stop chain, labeling itself a “new contender in PA’s convenience store wars,” is opening its newest location – complete with freshly prepared burritos, bowls, quesadillas and more – next week.
Onvo, a travel plaza and truck stop chain with a 36-year record of service, will hold a grand opening of its newest location, 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 1297 Keystone Blvd. in Cass Township, Schuylkill County, according to a news release.
The new Pottsville area travel plaza will showcase Onvo’s innovative approach to food and travel as it features the company’s first made-to-order food program, “Food on the Fly,” featuring the Craverito, a signature burrito, as well as bowls and quesadillas. Read more.
Area farm switches gears for fall fun with family-friendly corn maze
LANCASTER CO., Pa. — Families hit the hay out in Lancaster County just outside of Berks. They dared to traverse Mast Farms’ Corn Maze with a special new design.
At Mast Farms in the Morgantown area, Gavin Mast says they grow potatoes, corn, wheat, soybeans and strawberries.
But when spooky season comes around, they switch gears and offer all sorts of fun, fall activities, so families can make memories. Full story here.
Mount Airy Casino Resort Lobby
A look at Mount Airy Casino Resort during 69 News Sunrise edition
MOUNT POCONO, Pa. — Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono has been named a top ten casino hotel in the country.
The “Top 10 Best Casino Hotels” list from USA TODAY ranks Mount Airy Casino Resort 7th on the list. It is the only casino hotel in Pennsylvania to make the list.
69 News reporter Blakely McHugh visited the resort Thursday morning to see why people love to visit the destination. Read more.