BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — After weeks of customer speculation, Johnny's Gyros — which has served the Bethlehem area for over 30 years — has been listed for sale.
According to Long & Foster Real Estate's website, the property at 2722 Easton Ave. near the city border is available for lease or for sale. Other real estate companies also have the property listed.
It was first officially listed with RE/MAX Unlimited on LehighValleyListed.com by agents Lynne Kounoupis and Niko Kounoupis.
"The building can be leased without the business name and equipment for $4,800 a month NNN (triple-net lease), offering flexibility for a new operator," the listing says.
The business name and physical contents with it can be purchased for $700,000. The property, built in 1960, includes a drive-thru, indoor seating, outdoor seating with picnic tables and on-site parking.
"Sad to see them sell, they had awesome gyros."Abigail S. Einfalt, Facebook commenter
The listing says the quick-service restaurant offers a "prime location," having served the area for over 30 years with an estimated exposure to about 17,000 vehicles per day.
Residents initially raised concern about the restaurant on the public Facebook group, Friends of Bethlehem PA, in late August.
"Drove by Johnny's Gyros two weeks ago and thought they were only closed for vacation, but saw still closed this evening. What's going on with them?" Bebe Kuplen posted.
Most commenters attributed it to an extended vacation for family and staff, and a July 15 update to the business' Google listing from the owner said it would remain closed until Sept. 3.
'They're closed? I didn't know'
But three weeks ago, Nicole Fulmer replied to the same Facebook post, saying, "Does anyone happen to know when in September they will be opening because they still are not!"
On Wednesday afternoon, the Johnny's Gyro Google listing says the business is "temporarily closed."
That same day, Aboud Domat of Whitehall Township pulled up, hoping to grab his favorite — a lamb gyro and fries.
"They're closed? I didn't know," he said.
Domat said a Bethlehem friend recommended Johnny's to him. It would have been his third visit to the spot.
"Their fries were so good," said Domat, who got back into his coworker's car and left to find another option for lunch.
On Oct. 3, a post in The Brutally Honest Lehigh Valley Food Page Facebook group shared a screenshot of the Long & Foster listing.
Niko Kounoupis confirmed via email that the property went for sale on Sept. 26.
Many, like Domat, responded with disappointment.
"NO WAY!!" Athena Bortz said with crying emojis. "You are lying."
"Sad to see them sell, they had awesome gyros," Abigail S. Einfalt commented.
The business boasted of a near-perfect Google rating, sitting at 4.8 stars with 655 reviews.
One five-star review from a month ago said the food was "excellent," and another from 11 months ago called it "delicious," adding "Totally recommend, we will be back!"
Digital content producer Christine Sexton contributed to this report.
