BETHLEHEM, Pa. — After less than a year under new ownership, TheMINT Gastropub in West Bethlehem has closed.
Replacing the 12-year-old eatery will become Retro Burger, which will open in the coming weeks.
- TheMINT Gastropub in West Bethlehem has closed after 12 years
- Retro Burger will soon open at the site
- Construction of six apartments atop the structure are being proposed
An announcement on the Gastropub closing was posted on its Facebook site Tuesday morning.
"We are sad and sorry to say we’ve ended TheMINT Gastropub chapter," the message said. "We thank everyone for their ongoing support and are hopeful you will visit the new concept."
"We are sad and sorry to say we've ended TheMINT Gastropub chapter."The MINT Gastropub Facebook page
It said gift cards "will be honored with no expiration."
A visit to TheMINT Gastropub at 1223 W. Broad St. on Tuesday morning found locked doors and no one visible inside the darkened dining room.
Phone calls to the establishment went unanswered. A sign on the front door indicated the place would be closed Aug. 4-14 during Musikfest.
Another big change proposed
Retro Burger is not the only change to the parcel.
On the Bethlehem City Planning Commission agenda for Thursday is a sketch plan review of a proposal to remove the former drive-thru and construct a two-story elevated addition containing six two-bedroom, multi-family dwellings.
Also proposed is the addition of a 40-seat rooftop seasonal dining area above the one-story existing structure, as well as a rooftop tenant amenity space above the proposed addition.
In Spring 2022, Domenic Lombardo sold the restaurant to Juan Carlos and Cara Paredes, of Lower Saucon Township, who owns and operates five full-service spots on Main Street in Bethlehem’s historic district.
Lombardo temporarily closed TheMINT around Memorial Day last year. During the time the restaurant was temporarily shuttered, the Paredeses updated its look and menu before reopening on Nov. 17.
TheMINT Gastropub was renowned for modern comfort food and unique draft beers. Also offered were gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan fare.
TheMINT Gastropub opened in 2011 in the former Bank of America building.
