Eat, Sip, Shop: New Bethlehem eatery to serve up fresh chicken dishes, burgers, drinks and more | Eat, Sip, Shop

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new restaurant is set to spice up Bethlehem’s dining scene with fresh ingredients, diverse flavors and “perfected recipes.”

Haaz’s Halal Heat, a fast-casual eatery offering freshly prepared chicken dishes, smash burgers, gyros, sides, desserts, drinks and more, is expected to hold a soft opening within the next couple of weeks at 3217 Schoenersville Road, owner Hasnain “Haaz” Ilyas said.

Haaz’s, with seating for approximately 50 customers, will occupy 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.

“Our menu will consist of a lot of made-to-order chicken dishes,” Ilyas said. “… We’ll have some burgers, sides and specialty drinks, but our focus will be on the chicken, which will be made fresh in-house with our own breading. Our sauces will also be made in-house.”

Ilyas, a graduate of Easton Area High School, is no stranger to the restaurant industry.

He’s also a second-generation operator of the Allentown IHOP location, at 1511 Lehigh St., which recently began offering dine-in and takeout service 24 hours a day on weekends.

“The journey of Haaz’s began with a passion for culinary exploration and a dream to bring together the best flavors from across the country,” reads a message displayed in the restaurant.

“After traveling through many states, gaining valuable experience, and operating various restaurants, I finally had the opportunity to open my own place. The dishes that left a lasting impression on me during my travels became the inspiration for Haaz’s menu. We spent countless hours perfecting our recipes from scratch to ensure every bite is a burst of flavor and quality.”

At Haaz’s Halal Heat, Ilyas is planning to serve up a wide array of chicken options, including chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, chicken and waffles and chicken mac bowls.

Customers will be able to choose their spice level.

Other savory selections will include gyros (chicken, lamb or chicken and lamb), tikka tacos (chicken or beef), big burritos (chicken or beef), loaded fries (chicken, lamb, beef or Nashville hot) and sides (fries, mac and cheese, salad, fresh fruit, mashed potatoes, coleslaw or Haazmati rice).

“At Haaz’s, we believe that great food starts with great ingredients,” reads another posted message in the restaurant.

“We source our meats and produce from trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality and halal practices. Ensuring our food is halal is a top priority. Halal, meaning ‘permissable’ in Arabic, ensures that our food adheres to Islamic dietary laws, focusing on cleanliness, quality, and humane treatment of animals. We work closely with halal suppliers and adhere to strict guidelines in our kitchen. This dedication to halal principles is not just about compliance but about honoring our cultural and religious values.”

A variety of platters, starting at $11.99 and served with two sides, will include chicken over rice, lamb over rice, mixed (chicken/lamb) over rice and hot chicken over rice. Customers will be able to choose up to three sauces (white, hot, chipotle, chutney, green and Haaz) for their platters.

The menu also will include smash burgers such as classic and jalapeno, available with single or multiple patties.

“Our menu reflects the culinary passion we’ve developed over years of traveling and tasting diverse cuisines,” another posted message reads.

“Each dish, from our smash burgers, smashed to a crispiness full of flavor, to our Nashville Hot Chicken, made the authentic Nashville way to capture the true essence of the spices, is crafted with fresh ingredients and perfected recipes. Our chicken over rice and tacos stay true to their heritage with authentic ingredients, ensuring every bite takes you on a journey of its own.”

Haaz’s also will offer a variety of sweet selections, including dessert waffles, waffle sticks and milkshakes.

Dessert waffles, $10.99 each, will include one base (plain, ice cream, banana pudding, cannoli chocolate chip or Bavarian cream) and as many toppings as you like (strawberries, bananas, Oreos, Lotus Biscoff, Reese’s Pieces or cheesecake bites).

You’ll also be able to choose from various sauces (chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, strawberry, Lotus Biscoff and Nutella) and garnishes (powdered sugar, whipped cream, sprinkles, mango and pineapple).

Specialty drinks will include various lemonades (regular, mint, mango, strawberry, blue raspberry and pineapple passionfruit), milkshakes (Oreo, Lotus Biscoff and vanilla) and mocktails (Haaz Berry Bliss, Mango Haaz-a-rita, Pineapple Haaz Punch, Tropical Haaz Breeze and Haaz Sunset Spritz).

It’s Ilyas’ goal to continue growing the business in new areas and with new offerings.

“We plan to expand our menu with more innovative dishes and eventually open additional locations to reach even more people,” a posted message reads. “We are always looking for ways to innovate and delight our customers, with plans to introduce seasonal specials and new menu items that reflect the diverse flavors of halal cuisine.”

Haaz’s Halal Heat will operate in the Schoenersville Centre, which is also home to other food and drink spots, including Moe’s Southwest Grill, Saladworks, Starbucks and A1 Steak House II.

The Bethlehem space has undergone renovations that include new wall paint, dining booths, kitchen equipment and other improvements.

“I’m very excited to open this restaurant,” Ilyas said. “It’s in a really great location, on a well-traveled roadway, and we’ll have plenty of dine-in space for families and friends.”

Lehigh County updates

Longtime Lehigh Valley baker to set up shop with unique, sweet and savory scones

WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. – As a popular bakery prepares to close its storefront in Lehigh County, a new business – offering made-from-scratch scones, bagels, soft pretzels and other treats – is readying to open in its place.

Sunny Moon Sconery, a small-batch sourdough baker specializing in artisan sweet and savory scones, is planning to open its first brick-and-mortar location in early September at the Slatington Farmers Market in Washington Township, owner and baker Celia Strouse said.

Sunny Moon will fill the space that is being vacated by Wild & Free Bakery, a bakery offering made-on-site cookies, cupcakes, croissants and other baked goods.

Wild & Free will cease operations at the Slatington Farmers Market in mid-August as its owners look to spend more time with family and shift the bakery’s business model. Full story here. 

‘Major overhaul’: LVIA debuts expansive bar, 2 fast-casual restaurants coming soon

HANOVER TWP., Pa. – A new dining option is serving thirsty and hungry travelers, and more food and beverage options are set to take off later this year at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

The Drafthouse at ABE, a rectangular bar and restaurant serving freshly-prepared food and drinks, held a grand opening Thursday morning in the center of the airport’s Wilfred M. “Wiley” Post Concourse, beyond the TSA Checkpoint, in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.

The new dining option replaces the former PA Pub, which operated in a nearby space from 2012 until earlier this year, and represents the first phase of new concession operator Tailwind Hospitality’s “major overhaul” of LVIA’s food and beverage offerings, according to Colin Riccobon, director of public and government relations for the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

Which Wich, a worldwide sandwich chain, and Zekraft, a locally owned and operated cafe concept, are planning to open new fast-casual locations at the airport within the next few months. Read more here. 

Sports gear store opens, 3 new restaurants coming soon at Promenade Saucon Valley

U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and 76ers fans have a new spot to stock up on jerseys, sweatshirts, hats and other gear in Lehigh County.

Rally House, a specialty sports store chain offering an expansive selection of apparel, gifts, home decor and other types of merchandise representing local NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS teams, opened a new retail location on Friday at the Promenade Saucon Valley shopping center in Upper Saucon Township.

The new store is among a host of other changes at the outdoor lifestyle center.

Three new restaurants – The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls and Five Guys Burgers & Fries – are set to open at the center in the coming months. Read more.

Northampton County news

Lehigh Valley restaurant owner recounts ‘fast and mean’ fire, promises ‘better than ever’ return

HANOVER TWP., Pa. – A few days after a fire extensively damaged a popular Northampton County restaurant, the family-run business’ owners are extending sincere thanks to the first responders who brought the situation under control along with the community at large for its messages of support.

Father and son Phillip and Giacomo Sgroi, who own and operate Nonna Sulina’s Sicilian Kitchen & Grill at 5000 Bath Pike, on Tuesday posted an online message relaying their appreciation as well as an update on the restaurant’s status following the Sunday morning fire.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and love we have received following the devastating fire that struck our restaurant,” the Sgroi family wrote on Nonna Sulina’s Facebook page.

“Your messages, kind words, and offers of help have touched our hearts and reminded us of the incredible community that surrounds us. We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave first responders, police and firefighters who worked tirelessly to battle the fire for three long hours.” Full story here. 

Lehigh Valley market offering free space for budding entrepreneurs, ages 6-16, to sell handmade items

NAZARETH, Pa. – A popular destination for unique, locally made fashions, housewares, personal care products and more is “fostering creativity, responsibility, and community spirit” among young Lehigh Valley makers.

The Hive, a market showcasing hand-crafted items from more than 100 Lehigh Valley area vendors, will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its new Mini Makers Corner – offering young artists and entrepreneurs, ages 6-16, the opportunity to sell their handmade products at no charge, 10 a.m. July 27 at 27 E. Belvidere St. in Nazareth.

Parents may assist the budding entrepreneurs, but the children must be the main makers, The Hive owner MaKayla Adams said.

“It’s completely free for the child to join and they get a full shelf to themselves to sell their products on,” Adams said.

“Instead of our normal 15% consignment fee we charge for our adult makers, the participating child must research and choose a charity that 15% of their sales must go to. We’ve had a great response to the program so far and we are proud to be accepting 20 mini makers to start.” Read more here. 

‘Truly grateful’: Family-run restaurant thanks customers as it prepares to close in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular eatery, serving “gourmet quality comfort food,” is set to end operations this weekend in Northampton County.

HandHeldz, a family-run restaurant known for its fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps and more, will hold its last day of business on Saturday, July 27, at 518 E. Third St. on Bethlehem’s South Side.

The restaurant’s owners made the announcement “with a heavy heart” on the business’ Facebook and Instagram pages.

“Despite our best efforts to thrive over the past two years, the current economic climate has made it increasingly challenging for a small family business like ours to continue,” the post reads.

“Our relocation from Allentown to Bethlehem presented new obstacles that, despite our best efforts, have proven difficult to maintain & stay afloat with comfort. In the past year, we rebranded from The Hummus House to Handheldz, enhancing our restaurant’s appearance and revitalizing our menu.” Full story here. 

Pizza, pierogies and plenty of ice cream

2 regional pizza shops celebrating milestone anniversaries with tasty deals

Popular restaurants in Northampton and Schuylkill counties are marking their 45th and 75th birthdays respectively with separate promotions, including $4.95 pies and a slice of pizza and drink for $1.75.

Pottsville Pizzeria, at 800 S. Centre St. in Mount Carbon, will host its 75th anniversary celebration party 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Saturday, July 27.

The event will feature DJ entertainment, games, cupcakes, face painting (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), goody bags for kids and door prizes, including grand prizes of pizza for a year and subs for a year.

Customers also can take advantage of a special promotion – a slice of pizza and a Guers drink for $1.75. Read more.

‘Bite, sip, repeat!’: Blue Mountain hosting first pierogi-centric event

L. TOWAMENSING TWP., Pa. — Blue Mountain Resort invites you to dig into sweet and savory varieties of a regional favorite during its inaugural Pierogies & Pints Festival next month.

The event, featuring pierogi sampling, a beer garden, live music, games, local craft vendors and more, will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 24 and 25 at the resort, 1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Lower Towamensing Township.

Guests will be able to “bite, sip, repeat!” as they enjoy a variety of pierogies and vote their favorites in three categories – traditional, dessert and creative, according to an event description. Full story here.

Scooped: 69 News at Sunrise checks out the Pa. Ice Cream Trail

It has been a hot summer, and there’s almost no better way to cool off than to eat some ice cream.

The Pennsylvania Ice Cream Trail put out a list of some of the best spots to get a scoop. Three places in the Lehigh Valley even made the list! They are:

• Crystal Spring Farm, 3550 Bellview Rd, Schnecksville
• Batch Microcreamery, 2845 Center Valley Pkwy Suite 604, Center Valley
• Klein Farms Dairy & Creamery, 410 Klein Rd, Easton

Read more here.