TATAMY, Pa. – Lehigh Valley bagel buffs have a new spot to score the doughy treats in Northampton County.
The Belvidere, offering artisan bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee and more, held a soft opening with a limited menu on Wednesday at 70 S. Eighth St. in Tatamy.
The business is owned and operated by husband and wife Jeremiah and Gina Rouse of Bushkill Township and their friend, Michael Fauerbach of Easton.
The trio is “very passionate about food” and began experimenting with different recipes for bagels, burgers and other eats during the pandemic, Fauerbach said.
“We all really love food and, for whatever reason, we just zeroed in on developing a bagel that stands out from the rest,” Fauerbach said.
“I’d say for a little more than a year, from 2020 to 2021, it consumed a lot of our time. We talked to other chefs about techniques, and we just did test batch after test batch after test batch until we were happy with the outcome. We really kind of became obsessed in our quest to create the perfect bagel.”
In conjunction with Fauerbach’s Nazareth podcast studio, Never Again Studio, the friends began hosting a pop-up restaurant, dubbed “Studio Kitchen,” at local breweries, cigar shops, martial arts studios and other businesses in early 2021.
With each appearance, the mobile operation grew in popularity as more people savored the partners’ smashburgers and other made-from-scratch eats such as street corn salad, Cuban sandwiches and sausage sandwiches with onions and peppers.
Through social media and word of mouth, Studio Kitchen’s name recognition continued to expand, and fans were eventually given the opportunity to place bagel orders for pick-up from the Nazareth studio in late 2021.
“After putting the bagels up for sale online, we sold 300 in no time,” Fauerbach said.
“Gina immediately said to me, ‘Stop! What the heck are you doing? We can’t keep up!’ So, it was definitely further proof that we had something special going on. Eventually, we decided that we wanted to get off the road and establish a brick-and-mortar spot.”
The partners were originally planning to open their eatery on Belvidere Street in Nazareth, but a deal with that property’s landlord fell through, leading them to set up shop on South Eighth Street in Tatamy, Fauerbach said.
The renovated space previously housed Tatamy Takeout, a to-go business offering made-to-order food and drinks for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which closed in 2023 after a little more than a year of operation.
“We were originally going to open on Belvidere Street in Nazareth, which is where the name comes from,” Fauerbach said. “It didn’t work out, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise because we have a great new location with a lot of parking for customers.”
The Belvidere, with seating for around 20 customers, offers around 10 varieties of bagels ($1.65 each or $16 per dozen) daily.
Popular selections include plain, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, salt, poppy seed, sesame seed, marble rye, pumpernickel, everything and black Russian (pumpernickel bagel with everything seasoning).
A rotating selection of specialty/seasonal bagels also will be available, and individuals can customize their orders with a variety of additions, including house-made cream cheese, peanut butter, jelly or butter.
The culinary team arrives around 3:30 a.m. to start the bagel-making process.
“All of our bagels are hand-rolled and boiled on premise,” Fauerbach said. “So, since we open at 6 a.m., we have to get in much earlier in the morning to get everything going.”
Bagel and egg sandwiches, starting at $3, are available with your choice of meat (Taylor ham, sausage and bacon) and cheese (American, Cooper and provolone).
Customers also can enjoy a variety of specialty coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, lattes, mocha, Americano, flat white (double shot of espresso and light foam) and “Belvidere Buzz” (drip coffee with espresso).
Other beverages include tea, hot chocolate and draft selections such as cold brew coffee, nitro coffee (house and seasonal) and nitro tea.
Coffee is sourced from Fieldstone Coffee Roasters, a small-batch coffee roaster in Hunterdon County, N.J.
The Belvidere’s soft opening hours, 6 a.m. to 2 pm. Wednesday through Friday, will continue this week before Saturday and Sunday hours are introduced the following week, Fauerbach said.
“We have a lot more plans for the future,” Fauerbach said.
“In the next few months, we plan to add more breakfast sandwich selections along with lunch options like salads and our slow-roasted pork. We also want to eventually offer dinner hours, at least on the weekends, where we could offer our smashburgers and other options on a regular basis.”
Customers will have a chance to enjoy just that – Studio Kitchen’s famous smashburger – when the partners serve them up during a pop-up event 3-7 p.m. July 20 at The Belvidere.
The Coop Deville Smashburger Combo, which includes fresh-cut fries, will be $13 for a single patty and $15 for a double patty.
The pop-up event will be held in conjunction with neighboring RAW Urban Winery’s cornhole tournament.
For the latest Belvidere updates, follow the business’ Instagram page.
Foodie finds
‘We’re excited!’: Notch, White Orchids owners to open 3rd full-service restaurant
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – The family behind two popular Lehigh Valley restaurants is planning to add a third dining establishment to its portfolio later this year.
A new full-service, 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 open in October or November at 640 N. West End Blvd., Suite 8 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. Full story here.
White Orchids Thai Cuisine operates at Promenade Saucon Valley on Center Valley Parkway in Upper Saucon Township.
‘Authentic flavors’: Lehigh Valley’s new Mexican restaurant serving up vibrant food, atmosphere
HELLERTOWN, Pa. — A new full-service restaurant is spicing up Northampton County’s dining scene with unique, made-from-scratch Mexican dishes, signature spirits and cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
La Maya Mexican Comfort, offering upscale Mexican comfort cuisine, will open to the public on Monday, July 22, at 650 Main St. in Hellertown.
The restaurant began hosting soft opening events this week for individuals who subscribed to the business’ e-mail updates. Read more here.
Bethlehem area buzz
Batch, Truffle Bar owners aim to ‘satisfy every sweet tooth’ at new Bethlehem shop
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The creative teams behind two popular Lehigh Valley brands – each known for its handmade sweet treats – are almost ready to bring unique, mouthwatering creations back to a familiar location in Northampton County.
The owners of Batch Microcreamery – offering super premium, hand-crafted ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and other cool treats – and Truffle Bar – specializing in hand-crafted chocolate truffles in a variety of flavors – plan to open a new sweet spot, Twisted & Dipped, on July 24 at 446 Main St. in downtown Bethlehem.
The space previously housed Chocolate Lab, a business offering handmade chocolate bars, fudge, truffles and other confections, which closed at the end of April as founder and chocolatier Arlene Brockel retires from the industry. Read more.
‘Art, culture and community’: Belleville Market to host French-inspired street faire in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The owners of a popular multi-merchant marketplace have announced a new outdoor event – featuring shopping, live music, food and more – to be held in Bethlehem next year.
Warren and Derrick Clark, co-founders of Belleville Market at 20 S. Third St. in downtown Easton, will present Belleville Street Faire, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20 on the grounds of ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, according to a news release.
Inspired by the outdoor markets of France, and featuring a juried collection of makers, curators, collectors and art enthusiasts alike, the inaugural outdoor market event will be geared toward “those who love to shop and support our small business neighbors.” Full story here.
Belleville Street Faire, an outdoor event featuring shopping, live music, food and drinks, street performers and more, will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20 on the grounds of ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.
A look inside B Social: Entertainment venue offers bowling, axe throwing, and more!
L. SAUCON TWP., Pa. — A new entertainment venue in Northampton County has officially opened its doors!
B Social is now welcoming people in for bowling, gaming, food, and so much more.
69 News reporter Blakely McHugh visited the new establishment Tuesday morning to see the multi-entertainment and dining venue. Read more here.
Car care spots
‘In and out in 10 minutes’: Chain offering stay-in-your-car oil changes opens 1st Lehigh Valley shop
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A rapidly growing chain offering “fast, friendly” oil changes is now welcoming customers in Lehigh County.
Take 5 Oil Change, offering full-service oil changes while customers stay in their vehicles, opened its first Lehigh Valley location a couple of weeks ago at 2603 Mickley Ave. in Whitehall Township.
To celebrate its opening, the facility is offering a limited time promotion of 50% off all oil changes, including conventional, full synthetic, synthetic blend and high mileage. Read more.
The Lehigh Valley’s first Take 5 Oil Change shop opened recently at 2603 Mickley Ave. in Whitehall Township.
National car wash chain, delivering ‘ultimate shine,’ to open Quakertown area location
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – Drivers looking to refresh their rides will soon have another car wash option in upper Bucks County.
Tommy’s Express Car Wash, a rapidly growing car wash chain delivering “the ultimate shine to love your ride,” is expected to open in August at 920 S. West End Blvd. in Richland Township, just south of Quakertown, according to Austin Brunner, communications manager for Tommy’s Express.
The Quakertown area location will operate at the intersection of Route 309 and Franklin Lane, across from Giant and Lowe’s. Full story here.
Grocery store updates
‘Exciting addition’: Shoppers converge at Lehigh Valley’s newest supermarket
EASTON, Pa. – A new destination for fresh meats, produce and other groceries in Northampton County welcomed its first customers on Friday.
Bravo Supermarket, a family-owned grocery store, held a soft opening Friday morning at 250 Line St. on Easton’s South Side, co-owner Grizel Mazariegos-Perez said.
The business will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Easton Business Association and local dignitaries at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23. Read more here.
Stop & Shop to close 32 stores, including one near Phillipsburg
Supermarket chain Stop & Shop is closing dozens of stores, including one near Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
The company says 32 under-performing stores in the Northeast will close by the end of the year.
They include the Stop & Shop off of Route 22 in Pohatcong Township, New Jersey. Read more.
Odds and ends
Husband and wife launch Jim Thorpe Elopements, ensuring ‘a seamless and joyous celebration’
A new business is offering assistance to couples seeking a unique and intimate elopement, with all-inclusive ceremony services that include photography, floral arrangements, hair and makeup services, a cake and an officiant.
Jim Thorpe Elopements, offering all-inclusive Jim Thorpe and Poconos elopement packages, on Wednesday hosted a launch party at Trailside Events, 201 N. Main Lane, Lehighton, according to a news release.
Jim Thorpe Elopements offers couples, who want to elope in the Pocono Mountains, convenient, all-inclusive ceremony packages, including photography, floral arrangements, hair and makeup services, a cake and an officiant. Full story here.
‘Everything must go!’: Fashion retailer closing only Lehigh Valley store
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A destination for clothing, footwear and accessories is set to end operations later this month in Lehigh County.
Ardene, a fashion retailer with more than 250 stores worldwide, will close its only Lehigh Valley store on July 28 at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township, according to storefront signage.
A “major blowout sale,” featuring 70-80% off all apparel, $2 all footwear, and 10 for $10 all accessories, is underway. Fitting rooms are closed, and all sales are final (no returns). Read more here.