Small Business News

The Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market officially added The Brass Rail to its list of merchants Thursday morning — the first time the eatery has been in operation since it shuttered on Lehigh Street in June 2022.

The North Street spot has been known locally for its affordable, yet classic, early morning and lunchtime eats, including pork rolls, pancakes, cheesesteaks and more. The news of the sale comes after 41 years of business.

Even though independent, family-owned hardware stores may seem harder to come by in the days of Aces and Home Depots, Center City has had a homegrown, “personal service store” down on the corner for decades.

It might feel early, but some local farms are gearing up to begin their fall festivities. Most pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hay rides open to the public this month. Find out when.

Four years into his massage therapy career, Jared Skinner set out to master a relatively "new" technique to the practice — rolfing. It's a 10-step practice on a weekly basis that aims to relieve the body naturally of pain for upwards of five to 10 years. Only 2,000 body workers professionally practice it worldwide.

Lana's Comforting Pawsibilities offers training for pets in the Lehigh Valley via positive reinforcement, saving owners of cats and dogs alike from having to give up their precious furry friends.

Both this year and last year, in its “April in Paris” shopping event, Marché Maison was joined by Phoebe Floral with its “Parisian-inspired” flower cart for shoppers to build fresh bouquets.

The Lehigh Valley's newest bagel shop is officially in full swing, holding its grand opening Wednesday Aug. 28. Customers have continuously raved about the bagel spot since its soft opening mid-July.

Easton City Council held a parking summit Tuesday night, inviting the public to share their own ideas on how to address one of the city's biggest issues for residents and visitors alike.

Stuffed Puffs, founded in Bethlehem, filed a WARN notice in August with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. On Tuesday, a Texas-based food manufacturing company announced it acquired Stuffed Puffs.

The Small Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses with Excellence in Business Awards on Wednesday at Northampton Country Club.

Cold Nose Lodge, which opened in October 2008, is expanding its location in Alburtis. They'll hold a groundbreaking party on June 26 at the facility.

As part of a broader initiative to assist small businesses in Easton recovering from the pandemic, the Business Retention Assistance of the City of Easton Program is offering grants to local businesses across the city.

Easton City Council approved amendments to the budgets for ARPA and CARES Act funds Wednesday, providing funding for community projects and small business recovery and retention.

The Weyerbacher Hill Challenge 5K is set for this weekend, with runners set to explore the hills of Easton before getting back to the brewery to enjoy some brews.

The 6th Annual Food Truck Thursday, at South Mall, will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will happen every Thursday from May 18 to Sept. 14.

An Easton man intending to open a high-end smoke shop was granted a continuance after questions arose around zoning issues related to the Northampton Street retail space's proximity to another specialty business.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The two events hosted in Bethlehem's Rose Garden will bring the city food and drinks, live music, artisans and more.

The program provides technical assistance, mentorship and consulting services to small businesses. Applications are being accepted now.

Despite a devastating blaze at their North New Street vegan pizzeria, the owners and manager of Paranormal Pizza are still slinging pies in the Lehigh Valley.

The developer, with strong ties to the Lehigh Valley, plans to turn the corner property into a restaurant — with at least one hot dog on the menu.