S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A destination for fresh pasta, premium olive oil, made-on-site mozzarella and other Italian specialties is set to open soon in Lehigh County, and many foodies will recognize the operators.
The Assante family, who has operated Assante Ristorante Italiano on Main Street in Northampton for 21 years, is planning to open another tasty business – Assante Italian Market – within the next couple of weeks at 4210 W. Tilghman St. in South Whitehall Township, according to Nicola Assante, who runs both businesses with his parents and siblings.
Assante Italian Market is coming soon to 4210 W. Tilghman St. in South Whitehall Township.
Assante Italian Market will offer a variety of fresh Italian specialties, including breads, cheeses, pastas and pastries, along with a wide array of Italian-imported groceries, including rice, pesto, canned tomatoes and balsamic vinegars.
“We are super excited to bring this new concept to the Lehigh Valley,” Assante said.
“It’s been a labor of love for the past couple of years, but we think it’s something that the community will really appreciate. We have to make sure some remaining products get delivered, but if everything works out like it’s supposed to, we’ll be open by the end of the month. So, we’re hopeful to have a soft opening before Nov. 1, but that’s still tentative. People can monitor our Facebook page for an official opening date.”
Assante Ristorante Italiano operates on Main Street in Northampton.
Assante’s parents, Mario and Luisa Assante, founded the Italian restaurant in 2003 on Main Street in Northampton.
With help from their children – Rosanna, Giulio, Nicola and Nunzia, they’ve made Assante one of the Lehigh Valley’s most popular dining establishments.
Customers continue to return for the friendly service, relaxing atmosphere and savory, made-from-scratch dishes.
Nicola labels the ravioli d’oceano, gnochetti di mauro and chicken Isabella as top-selling entrees.
Assante Ristorante Italiano operates on Main Street in Northampton.
“Our customers are the greatest, and we are so appreciative of their support,” Nicola said.
“With our market, we want to serve the community even more with unique Italian imports. We’ll have everything from Italian cookies, crackers and other snacks to high-quality Italian olive oils, balsamic vinegars and coffee. Over the years, a lot of customers have told us that whenever they want really fresh Italian imports, they go to Italian markets in Philadelphia or New York. So, we wanted to create an option much closer to home.”
At Assante Italian Market, individuals will be able to shop a wide assortment of dry and fresh pastas, including cavatelli, orecchiette, pappardelle and tagliatelle, along with snacks such as breadsticks, taralli and pesto potato chips; and sweets such as almond cookies and puff pastry cookies with hazelnut cream.
Dozens of jarred vegetables, fish and other foods will include popular picks such as artichokes, capers in vinegar, grilled onions, marinated garlic, seasoned asparagus, hot crushed olives, tuna fillets, broccoli rabe tapenade with anchovies, sun-dried tomato tapenade and baby peppers stuffed with tuna.
Customers also will be able to shop deli meats and red meats, including various steaks, soppressata and prosciutto di parma, along with fresh breads, Italian pastries and desserts – including sfogliatella and cannolis – from bakeries in New York and New Jersey, Nicola said.
A highlight will be fresh cheeses, including mozzarella, ricotta and burrata, that will be made in a production facility at the market.
The Assantes already make fresh mozzarella for a few dishes – including mozzarella caprese and margherita pizza – at the restaurant, but they’re excited to make a variety of cheeses on a larger scale at the market, Nicola said.
“One of the main reasons for opening the market is because we wanted to make a variety of our own cheeses,” Nicola said.
“We saw that the Lehigh Valley really could use that, especially after the Calandra’s Cheese business in Nazareth closed a few years ago. So many people were upset by that closure, and we saw a void that we could fill.”
The Assantes purchased the Tilghman Street property in 2021 and have spent the past two years renovating the space, which previously housed a kitchen remodeling business, Nicola said.
The family added new electrical work, plumbing, flooring, lighting, counters, refrigerators and display cases, among other enhancements.
They’re excited to offer a unique shopping experience – featuring a mix of freshly prepared items and premium Italian imports – in a clean and welcoming space.
The market’s also located near major grocery stores, including Wegmans, which could make for a “convenient stop” for some shoppers, Nicola said.
“We’re so excited to finally open the doors, and we’re pretty sure the community is excited as well,” Nicola said.
“For the past several months, we’ve had people either stopping in at the market location or calling us at the restaurant to ask about it. It’s so heartwarming to have the community behind us.”
Assante Ristorante Italiano operates on Main Street in Northampton.
For the latest updates, including an official opening announcement, follow Assante Italian Market on Facebook.
More in South Whitehall
‘Super excited!’: Lehigh County’s Crest Plaza to welcome new tenant in 2025
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular fitness franchise is set to expand its regional footprint at a prominent shopping center in Lehigh County.
A new location of Club Pilates, a chain of boutique Pilates studios offering reformer-based group classes that “challenge your mind as well your body,” is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025 at the Crest Plaza in South Whitehall Township, according to Michelle Craciun, who’s operating the studio with her mother, Cristina Craciun.
The new Club Pilates location, at 1634 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., will operate in a renovated space that previously housed a Game Stop store. Full story here.
Longtime florist to hold grand opening celebration at new Lehigh Valley location
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular florist – offering “designs of distinction” since 1987 – is now blooming at a Lehigh County shopping center.
Michael Thomas Floral, a full-service florist offering custom, one-of-a-kind flower arrangements and locally made gifts, will hold a grand opening celebration at its new location, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 23 at 4622 Broadway, Suite G2, in South Whitehall Township.
The florist’s new location is in the Tilghman Square shopping center, near Allure Salon and Spa and Mizu Sushi & Hibachi Steak House. Read more here.
Michael Thomas Floral owner Kathy Slane (left) poses with design manager Jananne Leslie inside the business’ new location in the Tilghman Square shopping center in South Whitehall Township.
Former Carmel Kitchen property under contract in South Whitehall
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A former hot spot for Mediterranean cuisine could be gaining a new tenant in Lehigh County.
The property that was previously home to Carmel Kitchen & Wine Bar, at 3750 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township, is under contract with a confidential prospective buyer, according to James Balliet, the property’s real estate agent and president of The James Balliet Property Group.
The prospective buyer and their desired used of the space can’t yet be revealed, Balliet told 69 News on Oct. 9.
The prospective buyer is in a “due diligence period,” where they are examining the property for their intended use and needs, Balliet added. Read more.
Foodie finds
New coffee shop, gluten-free bakery coming soon to Lehigh County
EMMAUS, Pa. – A popular business – known for its specialty coffee drinks and gluten-free treats – is expanding operations to include a brick-and-mortar location in the Lehigh Valley.
Let’s Go Coffee Company, offering a wide array of locally roasted coffee drinks and homemade, gluten-free baked goods via a mobile trailer, is planning to open a brick-and-mortar location in late November or early December at 358 Main St., Unit B, in Emmaus, owner Mandy Siess said.
The lower-level space is situated in the Emmaus triangle and previously housed Golden Trigger gun shop, which closed in late 2023. Full story here.
New cafe, catering company breathes new life into former Uncle Wesley’s spot
EASTON, Pa. – A new delicious concept – offering “food made with love” – is taking off at the site of a former landmark restaurant in the Lehigh Valley.
Blacinas, a cafe and catering company celebrating the rich culinary traditions of the owners’ families and heritage, including the flavors of the Mediterranean and South American coasts and countryside, last weekend held a soft opening of its cafe at 1100 Bushkill St. in Easton.
The business has been offering its catering services since early summer.
The renovated Bushkill Street space was the one-time home of Uncle Wesley’s, a beloved eatery known for its crab cakes, burgers and fresh-cut fries, which closed in 2010 after 71 years of business. Read more here.
Local ice cream shops working overtime serving customers trying to beat October heat
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A hot and dry fall has local ice cream shops busier than usual for this time of year.
Many in historic downtown Bethlehem are trying to take in every last bite of summer they can get.
“So, we have lunch at Tapas, we went down to the river, got some ice cream,” said one customer getting the sweet treat Monday. Read more.
An Ideal Food Basket store operates at 410 Montclair Ave. in Bethlehem.
‘This is needed’: New grocery store to fill void in Northampton County neighborhood
EASTON, Pa. – A grocer is expanding its Lehigh Valley footprint and bringing fresh meats, produce, baked goods and other foods to an underserved area.
An Ideal Food Basket store, featuring a deli, bakery, hot prepared foods section and seven aisles of groceries, is expected to open in March or April at 901 Northampton St. in Easton’s West Ward, manager Alvis Diaz said.
The property previously housed a Rite Aid location, which closed last year.
The new grocery store will be owner Juan Diaz’s second Lehigh Valley Idea Food Basket store, supplementing a location that opened last year at a former Ahart’s Market site at 410 Montclair Ave. in Bethlehem’s South Side. Full story here.
Bethlehem buzz
‘Fresh and fun’: Mexican restaurant with vibrant murals to replace former diner in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh Valley foodies in search of chimichangas, enchiladas and other Mexican specialties will have a new spot to frequent in the new year.
Don Carlos Fine Mexican Food & Tequila Bar, a full-service restaurant offering authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025 at 1406 Center St. in Bethlehem.
The space previously housed other dining establishments, including Collins Restaurant, Star City Restaurant and, most recently, Rudy’s Diner Bar & Grill. Full story here.
Wind Creek Bethlehem welcomes Starbucks, 2 other food and drink options coming soon
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular coffee shop chain has joined Wind Creek Bethlehem’s food and beverage lineup, and two other fast-casual dining options are on the horizon.
A new location of Starbucks opened Oct. 14 at Wind Creek Bethlehem’s food court, The Market.
The space previously housed Croissanterie, a fast-casual eatery that offered fresh coffee, filled-to-order croissants and other treats. Read more here.
Hotel proposed for South Bethlehem gets OK from historic commission
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A “high-end” Hilton-brand hotel is one step closer to calling south Bethlehem home.
The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission on Monday voted to approve plans for “Tempo By Hilton” hotel at 14-36 W. Third St.
Called “high-end” by the project’s representatives, the hotel will offer 141 guest rooms with restaurants, bars, meeting rooms and other amenities. At the top of the hotel’s 96-foot-tall tower, the plans call for a rooftop bar and small-scale restaurant. The restaurant’s kitchen would front Third Street, and the restaurant would overlook the Greenway on the backside of the project. Read more.
A rendering of the proposed Tempo by Hilton hotel, presented to the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission on Sept. 16, 2024.
Musical notes
New Lehigh Valley piano lounge to hit the right notes with music lovers
ALLENTOWN, Pa – An under-development piano lounge in Lehigh County is set to strike a chord with fans of great melodies, cocktails and food.
1812 Piano Lounge, a piano lounge offering live music, small plates and drinks, is expected to open in the spring at 1812 W. Allen St. in Allentown’s West End, owner Jill Schaefer said.
Schaefer has visited piano bars in larger cities nationwide and has longed to create her own such venue in the Lehigh Valley. Full story here.
1812 Piano Lounge is under development and expected to open in the spring at 1812 W. Allen St. in Allentown’s West End.
‘Difficult decision’: Popular Lehigh Valley music store to permanently close
EASTON, Pa. – Facing “challenging headwinds,” a business offering guitars, effects pedals, synthesizers and other musical instruments and equipment is pulling the plug in Northampton County.
The Sound Parcel, a music supply store and showroom stocking a curated selection of music gear in a relaxed setting, is expected to end operations in late December at 669 N. 13th St. in Easton, at the Simon Silk Mill, owner and founder Dave Lavigna said.
Online sales will cease around the same time.
Lavigna, who launched The Sound Parcel as an online venture in 2016 before opening a brick-and-mortar location in 2019, notes that the business has faced “challenging headwinds” over the past year and a half. Read more here.
Unique music shop opens in Shillington
SHILLINGTON, Pa. — Seven years after a popular music shop played its final note on Lancaster Avenue in Shillington, a new music store is opening its doors.
The store is new to Shillington, but the owner has been selling all sorts of instruments for decades.
Todaro’s Music is not your average mom-and-pop music instrument shop. Read more.
Lehigh County shopping destinations
Nearly a dozen new stores, restaurants open or coming soon at Lehigh Valley Mall
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A few businesses recently vacated, but many more are joining the roster at the Lehigh Valley’s largest shopping center.
The Lehigh Valley Mall, at MacArthur Road and Route 22 in Whitehall Township, is set to welcome six businesses – D’Colombia Restaurant & Bakery, Fit Leggy, Game Box Arcade, Spice n Shake, MINISO and The Tea Lady – in the coming months.
The businesses will follow the recent openings of several other new Lehigh Valley Mall tenants, including Golf Galaxy, Perfume Galaxy and Furniture & Linen. Full story here.
Following 2 new eateries, Promenade Saucon Valley welcomes artist market, pottery studio
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Promenade Saucon Valley’s retail lineup continues to grow with a tenant offering handmade gifts, art supplies, pottery classes and more.
SmARTivities Showcase, an artist market and maker space designed “to make creativity accessible to everyone,” held a soft opening on Friday, Oct. 25, at 3060 Center Valley Parkway, Suite 802, in Upper Saucon Township.
The new 3,023-square-foot SmARTivities Showcase location will be situated between Elite Salons & Suites and The Promenade Pop-Up Shop. Read more here.
Dozens of small businesses offering first responder discounts at Slatington Farmers Market
WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. – In observance of National First Responders Day, a popular destination for local produce, artisan wares and specialty food and drinks will honor the region’s heroes who respond to emergencies and keep our communities safe.
The Slatington Farmers Market, at 8281 Route 873 in Washington Township, Lehigh County, will host a First Responders Day Celebration on Sunday during the market’s regular business hours, noon to 5 p.m.
The event aims to “celebrate and recognize the contribution that our first responders make in our community,” according to a news release.
Each vendor will offer various discounts and specials, with many businesses offering a 20% discount to any customer identifying themselves as a local first responder. Read more.
Slatington Farmers Market, which opened in June in the former Keystone Lamp Factory at 8281 Route 873 in Washington Township, Lehigh County, over the past couple of months welcomed six new vendors.
Chain updates
McDonald’s in Reading to be demolished, replaced
READING, Pa. – The Reading Planning Commission voted Tuesday to approve a conditional preliminary/final land development plan for the demolition and replacement of the McDonald’s restaurant at Ninth and Spring streets.
The plan calls for a slightly smaller building to be constructed on the 26,640-square-foot lot to accommodate a two-lane drive through service that merges into one lane.
The panel also approved a waiver from the applicant having to provide an on-site recreation facility, and instead accepted an offer from McDonald’s to contribute $5,000 towards the cost of a new playground located nearby at Ninth and Marion streets. Full story here.
Denny’s says it expects to close 150 locations by the end of 2025
By Dee-Ann Durbin, Associated Press
Denny’s says it’s closing 150 of its lowest-performing restaurants in an effort to turn around the brand’s flagging sales.
About half of the closures will happen this year and the rest in 2025, the company said during a meeting with investors Tuesday. The locations weren’t revealed, but the restaurants represent about 10% of Denny’s total.
Stephen Dunn, Denny’s executive vice president and chief global development officer, said in some cases the restaurants are no longer in good locations. Read more here.