BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A longtime baker, who built a large and loyal following during her time at a collaborative enterprise in Bethlehem, is planning to serve her artisan scones, cookies, sourdough croissants and other sweet and savory treats at a new Lehigh Valley location.
Melanie Lino, a self-taught baker who was previously a partner at Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop on East Third Street in south Bethlehem, is planning to open From Lino Bakehouse in late summer or early fall at 802 Spring St. in west Bethlehem.
From Lino is planning to open a bakehouse later this year at 802 Spring St. in Bethlehem.
The forthcoming shop, From Lino's first independent brick-and-mortar location, will be nestled in a residential neighborhood not far from Lino's home.
"I'm very passionate about strengthening community through food, and I saw an opportunity to do just that in the very place where I live," Lino told 69 News.
"I've been living in west Bethlehem for the last eight years, and with my business brain, I've always thought how operating a business in Bethlehem's West Side is a missed opportunity. There's an awesome community of people living here. So, we should definitely have neighborhood spaces where you can get fresh baked goods as well as other local items such as eggs, milk and produce."
For roughly six years, from 2017 to 2023, Lino served up her tasty treats at Lit - a then-collaboration between Monocacy Coffee Co. and her own business, previously known as Made By Lino.
Lit continues to operate on East Third Street in south Bethlehem.
In splitting from her former business partnership at Lit, Lino aimed to prioritize her personal and professional growth.
For the past year and a half, she and her team have been utilizing a commissary kitchen in Coopersburg and hosting pop-up events at local businesses, markets and other venues.
In signing a lease for the Spring Street location, Lino's fulfilling her goal of finding a brick-and-mortar spot to "better serve the community through both retail and catering operations."
She's looking forward to establishing a new community hub close to her home.
"I feel like it's so important to have these pockets of community spaces in neighborhoods," Lino said.
"We also support local agriculture and have a lot of farmer friends. So, being a platform for them to sell their products is also really awesome."
From Lino owner Melanie Lino (right) works alongside her partner.
In addition to featuring From Lino's creations, the bakehouse will partner with other local producers to carry their locally grown and made goods, including bread, eggs, milk, cheese, fruits and vegetables, Lino said.
The shop won't have an extensive selection of groceries, but it will offer "many of the necessities," Lino added.
Lino's roots lie in the Dominican Republic, and she took inspiration from the country's abundant colmados, which she labels as "similar to bodegas in New York."
"In the Dominican Republic, there are these neighborhood shops called colmados, and you go to them to get whatever you need in a moment's notice," Lino said.
"So, I'm trying to create that on a smaller scale in Bethlehem. The concept will be different from my time at Lit. But I'm following the heart, and my heart is leading me in this direction."
From Lino's forthcoming bakehouse will occupy a soon-to-be renovated space that previously housed a deli.
The venue will feature an open kitchen design and a small waiting area with a few tables. It will primarily focus on grab-and-go and take-out service, Lino said.
"There's also a concrete pad in front of the building," Lino added. "So, hopefully, we'll able to put some seating out there when it's warm."
At the forthcoming bakehouse, Lino plans to offer a wide array of baked goods that "mix Afro-Dominican flavors with European baking techniques."
Customers can expect classic and unique takes on brownies, cookies, scones, pan dulce (sweet bread), pan de agua (fluffy Dominican bread) and more.
"Pan de agua literally translates to water bread, and it's the Dominican bread that everyone knows," Lino said. "We make our version with sourdough, which is not the traditional way, but sourdough is kind of my thing."
From Lino's sourdough croissants have become customer favorites, and Lino is planning to visit France in May to learn more about the sourdough croissant making process.
"I'm looking forward to gaining that knowledge, bringing it home and sharing it with the community," Lino said.
The bakehouse also will serve specialty coffee drinks and other beverages, along with a limited selection of savory food options, Lino said.
From Lino's pastelitos, which are baked puff pastries, are popular picks.
"I really don't like frying, and so the baked puff pastry mimics that crunchy, deep-fried taste," Lino said.
"Some of our baked pastelitos include a traditional one that is filled with potatoes, lentils, quinoa and seasonings and more unique ones like guava and rosemary goat cheese. We make all sorts of fun creations, like a sourdough danish topped with caramelized sweet plantains and a pink peppercorn glaze."
From Lino's forthcoming location is a 12-minute walk and five-minute bike ride from Lino's home, and she's looking forward to the short commute.
"I'm also a mom," Lino said. "So, it allows me to be closer to whatever my son would need for school and activities."
Until the bakehouse gets off the ground, Lino plans to continue hosting pop-up events at local businesses and other venues over the next few months.
Depending on the expected turnout, individuals can sometimes place orders in advance, Lino said.
For the latest updates, including planned pop-ups and progress on the bakehouse, follow From Lino's pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: fromlino.com.
Allentown news
'Difficult decision': Downtown Allentown Market to close as venue didn't meet long-term expectations
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A destination for a variety of freshly prepared food and drinks is closing after nearly six years of operation.
The Downtown Allentown Market, a 12,000-square-foot, multi-merchant market featuring space for nine food and beverage vendors, will hold its last day of operation on April 17, according to Jeff Vaughan, spokesman for City Center Group, which owns and operates the market.
The market has seen several vendors come and go over the years, with a trio of tenants - Bo Sai Sushi & Noodles, Mis Raices Restaurant & Bakery and Grab N' Go - departing the 27 N. Seventh St. market in recent months.
The remaining tenants - Johnny's ArtsWalk Diner, Chez's Delicatessen and Zahra - will hold their last day of operation at the market on April 17, Vaughan said. Full story here.
Allentown restaurant closes as owner looks to continue operations via mobile format
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A restaurant serving build-your-own baked potatoes, French fries, pierogies and tater tots has ended operations in Lehigh County, but customers may still be able to score the specialty spuds at another location in the future.
The Potato Factory, a fast-casual eatery offering a wide array of freshly prepared, customizable potato options, closed about a month ago at 921 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown.
Owner Francisco "Macho" Velez attributed his decision to shutter the eatery to low foot traffic in recent months. He also cited inadequate nearby parking.
Velez has a food truck and is seeking to transition The Potato Factory into a mobile operation, he said. Read more here.
Restaurant celebrates new Lehigh Valley location with free appetizers, 40% off main dishes
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A popular eatery serving up churrasco, shrimp mofongo and other Latin American specialties has made a comeback at a new Lehigh County location.
Restaurante Boca Chica, a full-service establishment offering freshly prepared Latin American cuisine, on Wednesday held a grand opening at its new location at 123 Hamilton St. in Allentown.
Operator and executive chef Justo Coronado previously ran Restaurante Boca Chica on Main Street in Emmaus for a few years before heading the culinary team at Vyral Lounge & Bar on Airport Road in Allentown in 2024.
The new iteration of Restaurante Boca Chica occupies an updated space that previously housed Riverside Restaurant & Lounge. Read more.
Whitehall updates
'Great food, atmosphere, affordability': New tavern sets opening date in Whitehall
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A new restaurant will soon be serving up burgers, pizza, sushi and other tasty eats at a prominent dining spot in Lehigh County.
Thirsty Turtle Tavern, a full-service, family-friendly restaurant and bar offering casual American cuisine, is set to open April 15 at 1410 Grape St. in Whitehall Township, according to Ayush Patel, CEO of SAS Restaurant Group, which is operating the restaurant.
The site previously housed a Keystone Pub & Grill location, which closed in September after 12 years of business.
Keystone Pub’s original location, at 3259 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem Township, continues to operate as normal. Full story here.
Grand opening set for baseball, softball facility in Whitehall
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. -- A sports facility under new ownership is planning a grand opening celebration.
The grand opening of The Hitter's Edge and 7 Deadly Spins Fastpitch is set for Saturday, April 12 from 12-8 p.m. at 3679 Eberhart Road in Whitehall Township.
The day will feature activities, games, competitions, batting cage specials and more.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and will feature Jocelyn Alo, professional softball player and NCAA home run record holder, as the guest speaker.
New owner Alex MacLean Valenzuela is a Lehigh Valley native and former D1 softball player. Read more here.
Expanding operations
'Bittersweet': Popular plant shop outgrows space, sprouting up soon at new Bethlehem spot
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A destination for cacti, pothos, peace lilies and other plants is making moves in the Christmas City.
The Wicked Botanist, a plant nursery that originated in March 2021 at 707 N. New St. in Bethlehem, is planning to move to a larger space at 267 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem within the next couple of months, according to an announcement on the business' Facebook page.
The new location, which has a target opening of early May, will fill the space previously occupied by Verde, a shop dedicated to supporting the environment and local businesses, which closed in early March. Read more.
The Wicked Botanist, a plant nursery offering a wide selection of plants, plant accessories and gifts, originated in March 2021 at 707 N. New St. in Bethlehem.
Another Lehigh Valley diner returns to 24/7 service
NAZARETH, Pa. – A month after a popular Lehigh County diner restored its 24/7 service, a diner mainstay in Northampton County is also once again serving omelettes, club sandwiches, seafood platters and other freshly prepared dishes to hungry foodies at all hours of the day and night.
Nazareth Diner, a full-service restaurant offering a wide array of freshly prepared dishes daily, on Friday returned to operating 24 hours seven days a week.
The diner, at 581 S. Broad St. in Nazareth, previously operated 24/7 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and ownership recently decided to resume such hours, a manager said.
The restoration of 24/7 service at Nazareth Diner follows a similar move by another diner about 24 miles away on the other side of the Lehigh Valley. Full story here.
Savor local wines, scenic views at Lehigh Valley 'wine cottage'
U. MOUNT BETHEL TWP., Pa. - Spring is in full swing, and a popular local winery will begin serving its artisan wines - along with Pennsylvania-made craft cocktails and beer - this weekend at an al fresco retreat in Northampton County.
Clever Girl Winery, which produces dozens of unique wines and sangrias using domestic and international grape juice, will open its new wine cottage at 11 a.m. Saturday at 1584 S. Delaware Drive in Upper Mount Bethel Township, co-owner Dan Andreas said.
The new tasting venue will operate in a rectangular building with a service window on the All Aspects at the Barn property, a scenic site surrounded by shrubbery and trees.
All Aspects at the Barn, which opened in September 2021, is a family-owned store selling new, vintage and repurposed home furnishings along with locally made coffee, soy candles and other items in a late 19th century restored barn.
The property also features an animal petting farm, a play area for children and a large pavilion that's available to rent for baby and bridal showers, birthday parties and other events. Read more here.
After latest announcement, Promenade Saucon Valley has 6 new tenants coming soon
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. - The tenant lineup at Promenade Saucon Valley is continuing to expand.
The open-air lifestyle shopping center, at 2845 Center Valley Parkway in Upper Saucon Township, on Wednesday announced its newest tenant, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation.
The new 4,764-square-foot facility, expected to open in the fall, will be located behind Red Robin.
At the new Promenade location, Good Shepherd Physician Group will provide outpatient care for patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injuries, chronic pain and more. Read more.
Chain updates
New location of fast-casual chain coming soon to former Dickey's spot in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new destination for made-on-site, New York-style bagels, freshly prepared sandwiches and other tasty eats is coming soon to Bethlehem.
A new location of Manhattan Bagel, a chain of New York-style bagel shops that also offer made-to-order breakfast and lunch sandwiches, specialty coffee drinks and more, is expected to open in June at 3221 Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem, franchisee PC Patel said.
"We're hoping to open in June, but if not June, definitely in July," Patel told 69 News on Thursday.
The strip center is home to other food and drink spots, including Moe’s Southwest Grill, Saladworks and Starbucks.
Haaz’s - a fast-casual eatery offering freshly prepared chicken dishes, smash burgers, gyros, sides, dessert waffles and more - opened in August, and a new location of Jimmy John's - a quick-service brand known for its “freaky fresh” sandwiches - is expected to open in early summer. Full story here.
A new location of Manhattan Bagel, a chain of New York-style bagel shops that also offer made-to-order breakfast and lunch sandwiches, specialty coffee drinks and more, is coming soon to the Schoenersville Centre on Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem. The corner space previously housed a Dickey's Barbecue Pit location.
Another Chipotle eatery coming to Northampton County
WILSON, Pa. – A popular fast-casual restaurant chain, which opened a new Bethlehem location in February, is continuing to expand its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, known for its made-to-order tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican eats, is planning to open a new restaurant at 2445 Butler St. in Wilson, Wilson Borough clerk Stephanie Jones said.
The new location will occupy a soon-to-be renovated building that previously housed an Arby's eatery, which closed in March 2024.
Work permits for the new Chipotle restaurant have already been issued, and renovations are underway, Jones said.
The new Wilson restaurant is expected to open this summer, according to Annie Gradinger, a spokesperson for the chain. Read more here.
A Chipotle restaurant is under development at 25th and Butler streets in Wilson.
Lehigh Valley's new Play It Again Sports store to hold grand opening with giveaways
HANOVER TWP., Pa. – Athletes looking to save money while also helping the environment have a new spot to score deals in Lehigh County.
A new location of Play It Again Sports, a longstanding retail chain that buys, sells and trades quality used sports and fitness gear, will hold a grand opening celebration April 10-13 at 1858 Catasauqua Road in Hanover Township.
Promotions include:
April 10: First 25 customers in line receive a $25 Play It Again Sports gift card. Also, individuals can enter to win Lehigh Valley Phantoms tickets, and free sports bars, Gatorade and water will be available. Read more.
Wind Creek Bethlehem welcomes Moe's Southwest Grill, another dining option coming soon
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Just in time for National Burrito Day on April 3, an eatery serving made-to-order burritos, quesadillas, nachos and more has joined Wind Creek Bethlehem's food and beverage lineup, and another new tasty spot is on the horizon.
A location of Moe’s Southwest Grill, a fast-casual restaurant franchise serving “high quality and fresh southwestern food,” opened Wednesday at Wind Creek Bethlehem's food court, The Market at Wind Creek.
The renovated space previously housed a Green Leaf's salad stand.
The Market has been undergoing various updates in recent months, with a new Starbucks location replacing Croissanterie - a former eatery that offered fresh coffee, filled-to-order croissants and other treats - in October.
Additionally, the food court’s lineup is set to further change in the coming months. Full story here.
A location of Moe’s Southwest Grill, a fast-casual restaurant franchise serving “high quality and fresh southwestern food,” opened Wednesday at Wind Creek Bethlehem's food court, The Market at Wind Creek.
Foodie finds
Popular Bethlehem area Italian market changes hands, expands product lineup
HANOVER TWP., Pa. - A family-run Italian market is under new ownership in Northampton County.
Nonna's Italian Market, offering authentic Italian bread, meats, cheeses, pasta, pastries and more at 2112 Schoenersville Road in Hanover Township, this week was purchased by the Crivellaro family - brothers Al and Michael and Michael's children, Mikey and Tana.
The Crivellaros plan to change the market's name to Grazia's Italian Market in the coming weeks, Al said.
"Grazia means grace in Italian, and Grace's my mother's name," Al said.
The market was established in November 2023 under original owners, father and son Phillip and Giacomo Sgroi. Read more here.
Over 20 Lehigh Valley area restaurants serving up egg-cellent Easter meals
Easter is right around the corner, and for individuals who wish to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones, several restaurants and catering companies in the Lehigh Valley region are offering special holiday menus.
Here are some prime spots to score honey-glazed ham, herb-roasted potatoes and other Easter favorites.
Reservations/pre-orders are required or recommended for most featured events. Read more.
Bank buzz
Former Friendly's restaurant building in Palmer to become bank
PALMER TWP., Pa. – The Palmer Township Zoning Hearing Board granted a special exception Tuesday night for a property that was once home to a popular restaurant and ice cream spot.
The board granted the applicant, Fulton Bank, the exception to install a drive-thru for a proposed bank in the building that previously operated as Friendly's restaurant.
Fulton Bank plans to repurpose the facility located at 3011-3099 William Penn Highway.
No changes are anticipated to the building's footprint, and all work will involve façade, interior and exterior upgrades.
Friendly's shuttered its Palmer Township location in 2022. Full story here.
Merger of two banks in 69 News viewing area approved
HARRISBURG, Pa.- Two banks with locations in the 69 News viewing area are merging.
Mid Penn Bancorp is acquiring William Penn Bancorporation. Shareholders from both banks voted to approve the deal this week; 96% of William Penn shareholders supported the move and so did more than 98% of Mid Penn shareholders.
Mid Penn Bancorp (NASDAQ: MPB) is headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It's the parent company of Mid Penn Bank, a full-service commercial bank.
Mid Penn operates 47 retail locations throughout Pennsylvania and central New Jersey. That includes a branch in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, and several in Berks and Schuylkill counties. Read more here.
Top distinctions
Variety says this local drive-in is one of the 'coolest' theaters in the world
NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — You may think California's legendary TCL Chinese Theatre- formerly known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre- doesn't have much in common with a drive-in movie theater in Lehigh County, but you'd be wrong.
The TCL and Shankweiler's Drive-In both made the cut for Variety's list of the 21 Coolest Movie Theatres in the World.
Matt McClanahan, who has owned Shankweiler's since 2022 with Lauren McChesney, called the recognition "next level." Variety initially reached out to them a few weeks ago, but McClanahan didn't know they'd made the cut until a friend saw the list and alerted him. Read more.
Wegmans ranked 6th in Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. has once again earned its place among the nation's top employers, securing a spot on the prestigious Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for 2025.
This marks the 28th time the company has been honored, with Wegmans ranking an impressive 6th place this year.
Companies are measured through Great Place To Work’s custom survey platform.
"We are incredibly honored to be recognized again as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For,” said Colleen Wegman, president and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets.
“At Wegmans, we live by a shared set of values that creates a culture of belonging, where all are treated with respect and where each person’s uniqueness is valued. We’ve always believed the best way to serve our customers is by first being a great place to work for our people, and in turn, we hear from our customers that Wegmans is a happy place, where all feel welcome. We couldn't be more proud of everyone at Wegmans for living our values every day." Full story here.
