BETHLEHEM, Pa. — At least a half-dozen popular Lehigh Valley restaurants permanently closed their doors or released plans to shift operations in the final months of 2024.
Some of the closures were immediate — such as the Facebook announcement Nov. 30 declaring the “last weekend of business” for Blended in Allentown.
Others, such as General Zapata’s in Bethlehem, were expected. Owners there announced the impending closure months ahead of time.
“2024 marks Zapata's final year; we appreciate your loyalty and support," an Aug. 29 post on the business’ Facebook page said.
"Note that a specific end date has yet to be determined. Gift card holders, please visit to redeem.”
Zapata’s marked its last day of operation in November.
High food, housing costs
Reasons for the closures vary, but the owners of Zekraft, a cafe in Bethlehem, said high rent, rising food costs and lower foot traffic factored into their decision.
The Mid-Atlantic’s consumer price index, or CPI — a measure of the monthly change in cost of goods and services — rose 3.5% in November from a year earlier.
But it remained down significantly from highs nearing 8% in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Year-over-year, the food index increased 2.0% as the food away from home index advanced 3.5%, the latest report said.
The CPI is the primary tool used to track inflation, effectively reflecting the changes in the cost of living over time.
The cost of commercial real estate also continued to surge, according to the Green Street Commercial Property Price Index.
The firm said property values were up nearly 5% nationwide over the past 12 months, with reports capturing the prices at which commercial real estate transactions are currently being negotiated and contracted.
Here are restaurants recently closed or shifting operations:
Vineyard Di Norma
Rachael and Luke Prosseda shared the “difficult decision” to close the doors of the Vineyard di Norma in Fountain Hill for good, effective Dec. 24.
“It goes without saying owning a restaurant is hard and expensive, and lots of aspects of it are out of your control," Rachael Prosseda told LehighValleyNews.com
"You can only do so much to influence people and get the word out.
“It was difficult for us to break through and show who we are and what we value and why we do what we do, and it was really important that we do those things.
"It wasn’t an easy decision. It wasn’t a quick decision. It just comes down to it being really tough financially to sustain.”
Zekraft
Zekraft closed its South Side Bethlehem cafe on Nov. 1, calling the spot “a special place for us and our community.”
“While it’s difficult to say goodbye, we know this is a necessary step for our business,” a Facebook post said. “With very high rent, rising food costs and lower foot traffic, it’s become unsustainable for us to continue operating a café at this location.”
Zekraft continues to operate its Promenade Cafe at Promenade Saucon Valley, Home Meal Delivery Catering and at area farmers markets.
“Through all of this, we remain resilient and committed to our Zekraft family," the Facebook post said.
"We’re dedicated to keeping our incredible team members with us and finding ways to integrate their talents into other areas of our business."
Carl's Corner
The owners of Carl’s Corner also cited economic concerns in the shuttering of the Nazareth location in November.
“Despite our best efforts, hopes and dreams, we cannot continue to operate in the current economy,” owners said in a Facebook post Nov. 1.
“We know the rising cost of food and energy has affected everyone in recent years, and restaurants are not immune to that reality."
Carl’s Corner now is concentrating efforts on its flagship location at 2 W. Elizabeth Ave., Bethlehem.
General Zapata
The Mexican restaurant known for its huge tacos and famous hot sauce closed its doors for good on Nov. 21 after serving the Bethlehem community from its E. Fourth Street location since 2009.
Zapata’s Place opened in 1972 and operated on the North Side of the city before closing its doors in the mid-'90s.
Zapata’s was famous for everything made from scratch, including their shells and chips.
The most popular menu items included the nacho salad, chorizo enchilada and the beef tacos, which were eight inches long.
The restaurant’s last Taco Tuesday was Nov. 19.
Blended Allentown
The last day of business came abruptly for Blended Allentown.
Owners announced the final weekend of operation in a Facebook post made Nov. 30.
“We would like to take this time to thank all of our wonderful guests, all the awesome businesses and all the memorable moments we have made with all of you and our wonderful staff during the past 2 years,” the post said.
The restaurant, which Eric Cutting and a business partner quietly took over near the end of 2022, operated in a spot that has experienced significant turnover in the heart of downtown Allentown.
It previously was Shula's Steak House, then Queen City BBQ, before it became Blended by Bru Daddy’s.
“I think a big struggle that we have is getting people in seats on a daily basis," Cutting said in March.
Randevoo Bethlehem
A more recent closure was announced Dec. 21 for Randevoo, based in the back of a renovated portion of the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem alongside Lost Tavern Brewing.
“To all of our amazing guests over the last 5 years in Bethlehem, we thank you for your amazing support and appreciation,” a Facebook post said.
The restaurant was known for customer favorites such as homemade steamed buns and a rotating selection of wontons, alongside innovative dishes such as Korean fried chicken, sliced short rib and sushi rolls.
Owners said they will continue to operate their food truck, as well as offer pre-ordered sushi platters and private sushi classes.
“This has been a great chapter and there will be another one at some point," the post said. "Just going to wait for the right team and location to officially call home.
"We will keep you updated on fun events where you can still rendezvous!!!”
