new ownership Archives

Hellertown Diner under new ownership

Zonia Sibri-Quinde, owner of Sibri’s Restaurant in Bethlehem, recently purchased the Hellertown Diner at 29 Main Street – PHOTO/PROVIDED

The Hellertown Diner is under new ownership.

Zonia Sibri-Quinde, owner of Sibri’s Restaurant in Bethlehem, recently purchased the Hellertown Diner at 29 Main Street with an SBA loan arranged by Jeffery Barber of Lehigh Financial Group LLC, Allentown.

Sibri-Quinde said she had been looking to expand Sibri’s, a family-owned and operated restaurant located at 147 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem, because it’s often crowded, and parking is an issue. When she learned the Hellertown Diner was for sale, she said she thought it was a perfect opportunity and made an offer.

Sibri-Quinde plans to keep both restaurants open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and to add some customer favorite items from Sibri’s to the Hellertown Diner’s menu.

“Our customers love our eggs benedict and all the kinds of waffles we serve. They also love our pulled pork and homemade crabmeat items,” Sibri-Quinde said. “Hopefully, people will come to both places to continue to enjoy our food.”

Sibri-Quinde said she plans to renovate the 144-seat diner which will remain open during the construction.

Sibri-Quinde was represented by Attorney Joe Piperato. Her real estate agent was Marta Gandia of Cassidon Realty Better Homes & Gardens in Bethlehem. The listing agent was Jessica Vooz of The Jessica Vooz Group at Keller Williams Real Estate of Bethlehem.

The lender was 44 Business Capital, a direct small business lending division of Berkshire Bank.

Hartman’s Butcher Shop under new ownership

Slate Belt Butchery – Photo curtesy of LFG –

Hartman’s Butcher Shop in New Tripoli will reopen this fall under new ownership.

Partners Scott Carey of Easton and Mike Schnalzer of Slate Belt Butchery LLC in Saylorsburg, Monroe County, have purchased Hartman’s Butcher Shop off Route 309 in New Tripoli and are renovating the 6,000-square-foot shop that closed in July 2021 when owner Dennis Hartman retired.

The buyers are renaming the retail shop, located at 7291 Autumn Road, Carey and Schnalzer Quality Meats. They said they will continue processing their wholesale meat business under Slate Belt Butchery.

The two acquired the real estate, which included butchering equipment and smokehouse, along with some of Hartman’s secret recipes.

Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group LLC in Allentown arranged the SBA loan for the partners to buy the property and make some improvements. Barber said he is excited for both partners and was happy to help them expand their business. “I enjoyed working and learning what goes into the butchery business,” Barber said.

The butcher shop, with its iconic statue of a pig looking out on the road, had been in the Hartman family for three generations. It was started in 1940 by Hartman’s grandfather.

“We bought a turnkey operation, but we plan to make it our own,” Carey said. Carey and Schnalzer will offer some of the sausages and other meat items that Hartman’s was known for as well as some of its own recipes.

They hope to reopen the shop by September and perhaps have a soft opening in August.

Rita’s Italian Ice reopens under new ownership in Hellertown

The Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard of Hellertown is under new ownership and will hold a grand re-opening March 16.

Jay Losagio, owner of the store at 1130 Main St., said, “I currently reside in Lower Nazareth with my wife, Edith, 6 1/2-month-old Son, Samuel and three dogs, Bing, Luigi, and Bella. A fun fact though is that back in the early 90’s and from 2010-2012, I lived in Hellertown, so it is great to be back in town again! I look forward to being actively involved in the Hellertown community. My Rita’s team and I look forward to serving you in the 2022 season and beyond!”

The Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce will host a grand re-opening March 16 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

“Whether it’s a cool treat after a sporting event or a summer night out with your family or friends, Rita’s brings people in the community together,” said Jessica O’Donnell and Lauren Bertucci, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber liaisons. “We are thrilled to welcome Jay and his team to the Borough of Hellertown and look forward to seeing the impact that they make.”

The event will kick off at 5:30 PM with the Ribbon Cutting taking place at 5:45 PM. It will feature a DJ, a face painter, giveaways, and more.

Kim Rosario, Chair of the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber Board, said, “A huge congratulations to Jay Losagio and his team! We are thrilled to welcome them to the Hellertown-Lower Saucon community and celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Rita’s of Hellertown. We look forward to your success and enjoying a Gelati on a hot summer’s day!”

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