Ice Cream shop owner revitalizing Coplay tavern

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A Coplay tavern is getting new life with the help of a local ice cream shop owner. 

Rick Safi, owner of the popular King Kone in Whitehall, has purchased the 2nd Street Tavern at 33 N. 2nd Street in Coplay.  

According to a press release, his plans are to revitalize the property and rebrand it as The Coplay Cabin. 

The acquisition was backed by commercial financing arranged by Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group LLC.  

“I’ve been the entrepreneurial spirit for the last 30 years of my life,” Safi said. “I saw the opportunity and I wanted to buy it, improve it, and really clean up that side of the street. I used to go there when I was younger when it was the original Log Cabin, and I’ve always liked the quaint, small-town feel of Coplay.” 

The building, which operated as the Log Cabin Tavern for roughly 30 years before being sold and renamed the 2nd Street Tavern in 2019, will undergo a revitalization which is being designed to honor the building’s history. 

Renovations will begin immediately and include new flooring, fresh paint, updated lighting, and new countertops. Safi also plans to upgrade the kitchen and bar equipment. 

“We’re moving away from basic bar fare,” Safi explained. “It’s going to be a much higher quality of food. Think upscale bar fare, more like a flatbread than a regular bar pizza. We’ll also have an expanded draft system with more variety, including craft styles, seltzers, and iced teas.” 

Safi has gotten familiar with transforming properties. Two years ago, he took King Kone, from a strip mall into a standalone building across the street. 

“At King Kone, we’ve always been customer-focused with a goal of a five-star rating,” Safi said. “I want to instill that same friendliness and high standard here. This will be a child-friendly space where families can feel welcome to relax and enjoy a meal.” 

The buyer was represented by Kevin Yarnell of Howard Hanna The Frederick Group. Attorney Joseph Piperato III of Eastburn & Gray Law Offices in Bethlehem handled the closing and the liquor license transfer. 

Safi said he plans to open The Coplay Cabin by the first week of July. His long-term vision includes converting the building’s second floor into a premier cigar and spirits lounge within the next year, featuring bourbon and tequila tastings.