WILSON, Pa. - Whether you're craving smoked eats or chilled treats, a corner shop coming soon to Northampton County has you covered.
You Got Cone'D, offering waffle cones filled with wood-smoked barbecue or locally made ice cream along with other sweet and savory options, is expected to open within the next few weeks at 2300 Butler St. in Wilson, owner Brian Jones said.
You Got Cone'D is coming soon to 2300 Butler St. in Wilson.
The to-go eatery, across from Wilson Area High School at Butler and South 23rd streets, previously housed other food establishments, including a pizzeria, Jamaican food eatery and, most recently, The Ice Cream Corner ice cream shop.
You Got Cone'D is an extension of Jones' existing business, You Got Pork'D, offering low and slow, wood-smoked barbecue including ribs, wings, brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken and more.
Jones' team serves up You Got Pork'D specialties at the business' home base, Leaf Cigar Bar in Forks Township, as well as a satellite location at the American Club of Coplay and via the You Got Pork'D food truck.
Last year, You Got Pork'D started serving a new menu item, a waffle cone stuffed with mac and cheese, choice of meat and barbecue sauce topping, which turned out to be a huge hit.
"When I saw that the former Ice Cream Corner was available, I thought, 'This is perfect!'" Jones said.
"It was a great opportunity to marry the two - ice cream and barbecue - at one location. The space is built for ice cream, and we already offered the barbecue waffle cone. So, we decided to go for it and just continue with a variation of the branding. So, instead of You Got Pork'D, we're going to be known as You Got Cone'D in Wilson."
You Got Cone'D will offer 12 flavors of hand-crafted, super premium ice cream from Lehigh Valley-based Batch Microcreamery, along with other treats such as soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes.
Customers will be able to choose from six staple Batch flavors, including popular picks like chocolate, Cookie Monster, mint chip and strawberry, along with six rotating varieties, Jones said.
For the savory side, You Got Cone'd will offer a condensed version of the You Got Pork'D menu.
There will be barbecue cones with your choice of smoked brisket, smoked pulled pork or smoked pulled chicken, along with mac and cheese bowls, "sammiches" (served on a Kaiser roll) and tacos (served on flour tortillas) - each available with your choice of meat and sauce.
"We'll have something for everyone," Jones said.
You Got Cone'D customers will be able to place orders at an interior counter, and a window opening to the sidewalk also will be available for ice cream orders only. No interior seating will be available.
The eatery will operate daily year-round, with tentative starting hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. Sundays, Jones said.
"The Ice Cream Corner was more of an evening place, but since we have the barbecue, we want to try to hit that lunch crowd, especially with the surrounding schools and police and fire departments," Jones said.
Jones, who grew up in Easton and now lives in Wilson, is excited to further serve his community through fresh food and friendly service.
Over the years, he's thoroughly enjoyed meeting and serving individuals at Leaf and also through You Got Pork'D's mobile operation, which makes appearances at local businesses such as breweries and wineries, festivals such as Musikfest and PA Bacon Fest and private events such as weddings, graduation parties and corporate functions.
"We're really excited," Jones said.
"We have a great relationship with our partners at Leaf Cigar Bar, and we really love doing that, but we've always envisioned our own type of location, too. So, we're just really looking forward to being an asset to the community."
Jones is operating You Got Cone'D with his best friend, Will Bahrt, who will serve as the eatery's manager, and his fiancé, Amanda Lewis.
"I couldn't do any of this without them," Jones said.
For the latest You Got Cone'D updates, including an official opening announcement, follow the business' Facebook page.
More foodie finds
New restaurant coming soon to former Long John Silver's site in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A new family-run dining establishment will breathe new life into a former fast-food site in the Lehigh Valley.
Carbonaso Restaurant, a full-service eatery serving lomo saltado, rotisserie chicken and other Peruvian specialties, is expected to open later this spring at 2185 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem, co-owner Ricardina Gutierrez said.
The restaurant will occupy a soon-to-be-renovated building that previously housed a Long John Silver's eatery, which closed in 2019. Full story here.
A Peruvian restaurant is coming soon to a former Long John Silver's site on West Union Boulevard in Bethlehem.
Lehigh Valley's new Jamaican restaurant to hold grand opening this weekend
WILSON, Pa. - A taste of the tropics is heating up the Lehigh Valley dining scene.
Di Kitchen Jamaican Restaurant, offering authentic Jamaican cuisine, will hold a grand opening at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at 1710 Butler St. in Wilson, owner Kameisha Wilson said.
The restaurant, offering dine-in and takeout service, invites foodies to enjoy homemade Jamaican favorites including ackee and saltfish, pan jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail. Read more here.
Construction of Lehigh Valley's new Taco Bell eatery heating up
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A new destination for Chalupa Supremes, Nachos BellGrande and Beefy 5-Layer Burritos is on the way in Northampton County.
In recent weeks, work on a new location of Taco Bell - the quick-service chain known for its made-to-order tacos, burritos and other Mexican-inspired dishes - has ramped up at 1620 E. Fourth St. in south Bethlehem.
The construction comes roughly a year and a half after the Bethlehem Planning Commission voted to approve a land development and subdivision plan for the new restaurant in August 2023.
The 2,722-square-foot Taco Bell eatery with a drive-thru will operate next to a nearly year-old Sheetz gas station and convenience store in an Industrial Redevelopment zone. Read more.
A Taco Bell eatery is under construction at 1620 E. Fourth St. in south Bethlehem.
Griddle 145 owner, partners to open new Lehigh Valley restaurant with full bar
L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. - An owner behind a popular breakfast and lunch eatery in Whitehall Township is teaming up with partners to craft a new tasty concept in Lehigh County.
Taylor Eisenhard, who has owned and operated Griddle 145 on MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township for nearly 13 years with his wife, is joining forces with two partners to open a new full-service restaurant later this year at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, in Lower Macungie Township.
The new dining establishment will operate next to A.B.E. Doors & Windows, in an end unit of a newly constructed strip mall.
The restaurant, which hasn't yet been named, is in the early stages of development, with the buildout having just started in recent months, Eisenhard said. Full story here.
The owners of Griddle 145 in Whitehall Township are planning to open a new restaurant at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, in Lower Macungie Township.
Grocery store updates
Bethlehem Co-op Market plans weekend pop-up, talks timeline for opening of grocery store
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - This weekend, shoppers waiting for the opening of the brick-and-mortar Bethlehem Co-op Market can get a taste of what's to come.
On Sunday, April 13, the co-op is hosting "Community in Bloom: A Pop-up Market" at the Charles A. Brown Ice House on Sand Island.
The pop-up, which will be open from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., will host 10 of the local vendors who will be selling their products inside the new market at 250 E. Broad St. Read more here.
Arizona-based organic, natural supermarket looks to establish 1st Lehigh Valley location
LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission on Tuesday reviewed a sketch plan for a proposed 22,000-square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store at 2550 Route 100.
Sprouts, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, describes itself as "one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food" in the U.S. The company says it employs approximately 35,000 people and operates more than 440 stores in 24 states nationwide.
The plan presented Tuesday for Lower Macungie would be the first for the Lehigh Valley. The lot is shared with St. Luke's medical office building to the west and features stormwater retention basins in the middle. The site is part of the Spring Creek property settlement subdivision, according to Brent Tucker, the project engineer. Read more.
A rendering, as presented in April 2025, of the Sprouts Farmers Market proposed for Route 100 and Sauerkraut Lane in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County.
Slatington area news
Slatington Farmers Market welcomes new family-run eatery, pickleball courts
WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. – A popular destination for local produce, artisan wares and specialty food and drinks in Lehigh County is continuing to stay fresh with new offerings.
Slatington Farmers Market and Expo Center, an expansive retail and dining hub and adjoining event space at 8281 Route 873 in Washington Township, has welcomed a new family-owned restaurant - The 3W Eatery - and launched open-play pickleball.
Pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to experience the thrill of this fast-growing sport during open-play pickleball sessions, 4-7 p.m. Fridays in the 12,000-square-foot expo center, according to a news release. Full story here.
'Shop amazing finds': New Lehigh Valley thrift store opens
SLATINGTON, Pa. - A destination for new and gently used household items, furniture, clothing and more opened this week in Lehigh County.
DA'V Family Treasures, offering a wide array of new and slightly used fashions, furniture, home decor and more, held its grand opening on Tuesday, April 8, at 660 Main St. in Slatington.
Husband and wife owners Jay and Tess Vega of Schnecksville look forward to bringing a new spot for affordable household essentials to the community.
"We are very excited," Tess told 69 News on Monday.
DA'V customers can shop a wide array of items, including clothing, jewelry, clocks, candlesticks, lamps, artwork, vases, tableware, kitchenware, small appliances and furniture. Read more here.
New sports, entertainment spots
'Excitement is crazy': Lehigh Valley's new pickleball facility opens with free play this week
WIND GAP, Pa. - Pickleball lovers of all ages and skill levels have a new expansive facility to frequent in Northampton County.
Horizon Sports Pickleball, offering state-of-the-art pickleball courts for open play, leagues, lessons and more, opened at noon Thursday, April 10, at 61 W. Second St. in Wind Gap.
To celebrate its opening, the new complex is offering free play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (April 10-12) to individuals who reserve their spots on the Horizon Sports Pickleball app (powered by CourtReserve).
"Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or just curious, come try our indoor courts completely free!" an announcement on the business' Facebook page reads. Read more.
Lehigh Valley’s new entertainment spot to offer mini golf, laser maze, bowling and more
S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A new entertainment facility, featuring fun and immersive experiences that include animatronic monsters, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bowling, arcade games, a laser maze and virtual reality, is set to open this weekend in Lehigh County.
A new location of Monster Mini Golf, a family-friendly entertainment center offering immersive experiences, will hold a grand opening 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at 3227 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township.
The first 100 guests will receive a free game of mini golf and free $5 arcade game. Also, individuals attending the grand opening will be able to enter to win a free birthday party.
"Our monsters are so excited to invite you into our unique world of family entertainment featuring monsters, mini golf, arcade games, prizes, bowling, laser maze, birthday parties and more," an announcement on the business' Facebook page reads. Full story here.
Retail updates
Fashion retailer replacing Forever 21, 4 other new tenants coming soon at Lehigh Valley Mall
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A space that previously housed Forever 21 will soon be occupied by another retailer selling dresses, T-shirts and other clothing in Whitehall Township.
Waikiki, a teen and women's fashion retailer, is coming soon to the space previously occupied by Forever 21 on the Lehigh Valley Mall's upper level, near the escalators.
Other Waikiki stores operate across the country at other prominent shopping destinations, including the San Francisco Premium Outlets; Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City; and St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf, Maryland.
Stores also sell belts, purses and other fashion accessories. Read more here.
A new location of Waikiki, a teen and women's fashion retailer, is coming soon to the former Forever 21 space on the Lehigh Valley Mall's upper level in Whitehall Township.
'Great service is the key': Popular jeweler adding more sparkle at new Lehigh Valley store
LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. - A longstanding, family-run jewelry business will soon shine brighter at a larger location in Lehigh County.
Redd & Co. Fine Jewelers, a full-service jeweler offering sales, repairs and custom designs, is planning to open its new larger store within the next couple of weeks at 6776 Hamilton Blvd. in Lower Macungie Township, owner Redwan “Redd” Kholi said.
Redd & Co.'s new location will operate next to A.B.E. Doors & Windows, in an end unit of a newly constructed strip mall.
Redd & Co. is moving from its current space 1.5 miles away at 5248 Hamilton Blvd., where it is continuing to operate during the transition. Read more.
Redd & Co. Fine Jewelers is planning to open it new larger location within the next couple of weeks at 6776 Hamilton Blvd. in Lower Macungie Township.
Poconos news
'Nothing cookie-cutter about us!': Popular cookie chain's new store opening this weekend
POCONO TWP., Pa. - A rapidly growing cookie chain, known for its thick, baked fresh daily "unique stacks," is continuing to expand in the region.
A new location of Cookie Plug, a fresh-baked cookie company that combines graffiti, street art and hip-hop culture to create a unique twist on cookies, will hold a grand opening 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Pocono Premium Outlets in the Tannersville section of Pocono Township, Monroe County, franchisee Carlos Silver said.
The new location will operate at 1000 Premium Outlets Drive, Suite G19, next to Old Navy.
As part of its grand opening celebration, the shop will offer eight free cookies with the purchase of four cookies and a drink. Full story here.
Wawa continuing regional expansion with newly opened, planned locations
SMITHFIELD TWP., Pa. – On Thursday, Wawa celebrated the opening of its newest regional location offering fuel services, convenience items and freshly prepared food such as "Sizzli" breakfast sandwiches and "Shorti" hoagies.
The Delaware County-based gas station and convenience store chain's newest regional location is operating at 237 Mosier Farm Drive in Smithfield Township, Monroe County.
In recent years, the Poconos has welcomed other Wawa locations, including a Tannersville location that opened last year and a Mount Pocono location that opened in 2022.
Wawa has more than 1,100 locations in 10 states and Washington, D.C. Read more here.
Berks County buzz
'Beyond excited': Reading Coffee Company expanding with another cafe location
AMITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A popular purveyor of small-batch, gourmet specialty coffee is continuing to grow its footprint in Berks County.
Reading Coffee Company, a premier specialty coffee roaster and cafe, has announced plans to open another cafe location in September at The Pointe at Douglassville, a new development featuring retail, dining and luxury apartment living at Route 422 and Monocacy Creek Road in the Douglassville section of Amity Township.
As an anchor tenant, Reading Coffee Company will bring its signature specialty coffee, hand-crafted beverages and welcoming atmosphere to this new community hub. Read more.
Fleetwood Bank hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for newly renovated Kutztown branch
MAXATAWNY TWP., Pa. — A Berks County-headquartered bank is continuing to invest in its future with its fourth branch renovation.
Fleetwood Bank, offering a wide array of financial services including online and mobile banking, business and personal deposit accounts, loans, cash management services, mortgages and more, on April 9 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newly renovated Kutztown branch, 15300 Kutztown Road, Maxatawny Township, according to a news release.
The ceremony was facilitated by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.
“This is the fourth bank transformation that we have completed with local general contractor, Stanley W. Bauman Jr.,” said Timothy Snyder, Fleetwood Bank's president and CEO.
“Our first renovation took place in 2017 at our flagship branch in Fleetwood, followed by our Blandon Branch in 2019, and our Oley Branch in 2021. All of our renovations focus not only around a beautiful visual transformation, but most importantly around safety, efficiency and improved technologies for the benefit of our customers and employees alike. As one example, the installment of cash recyclers in our renovated branches helps achieve this while improving accuracy.” Full story here.
Reading Country Club holds grand opening under new ownership
EXETER TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Friday is the official grand opening of the Reading Country Club under the venue's new owners. Exeter Township sold the club to the Gulati family last year for $4.8 million dollars.
"The inside needed a major facelift," said Reading Country Club clubhouse manager, Daniel Hoch. "There hasn't been a wall or a pipe or a television screen or anything that hasn't been touched. Everything has been done over."
"The decor idea here started as elevated, upscale pub," said Kayla Cepeda, Reading Country Club director of sales & events. "We wanted a touch of that European pub fare. We wanted it to be a little moody and a touch of masculine and feminine, so a lot of those characteristics you see throughout the building." Read more here.
Reading Country Club
Historic Reading hotel up for sale
READING, Pa. - A historic hotel in Reading's Centre Park is on the market.
The 19th century Stirling Guest Hotel is more than 15,000 square feet with 11 bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
It was originally built in 1892 for the Sternbergh family and currently serves as an event space, restaurant and bed and breakfast. Read more.
