A longstanding spot for pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites is bidding farewell in Berks County, but the restaurant’s owners are planning to open a new dining establishment about 12 miles north next month.
Mangia! Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, a family-run restaurant known for its authentic, made-to-order Italian specialties, will close on March 8 at 322 E. Wyomissing Ave. in Cumru Township, just outside Mohnton.
Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife Giuseppe and Anna Maria Folino, Mangia has grown into beloved community restaurant known for its brick oven pizza, house-made sauces and tableside pasta presentations.
WFMZ-TV | Lane Senkow
“With a heavy, but grateful heart, I’m writing to let you know that we will be closing Mangia as of March 8, 2026 after 16 years of business,” owner Giuseppe Folino announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“This decision was not an easy one. What started as a simple idea grew into something far more meaningful because of you. Your support, loyalty, conversations, laughter, and shared meals have meant more to me than we can properly put into words. This restaurant was never just a business – it was a community, and you were at the center of it.”
While the Folinos are bidding farewell to Mangia, they’re not vanishing from the local restaurant scene.
The family is continuing to operate Café Folino, a 2.5-year-old eatery serving specialty drinks and freshly prepared eats for breakfast and lunch daily, at 951 Hill Ave., Suite 3, in Wyomissing.
They’re also planning to open a second Café Folino location on March 16 at 1007 Mount Laurel Road in the Temple section of Muhlenberg Township.
Mangia gift certificates can be redeemed at Café Folino locations.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, I’m excited to share that we will be opening a second Café Folino location in Temple, and I would love for you to come visit us there,” Giuseppe stated in Mangia’s closing announcement.
“You can also look forward to Mangia Night at our Café Folino Wyomissing location. More details will be coming soon on our Facebook page.”
Café Folino, serving specialty coffee drinks and breakfast and lunch dishes, opened Aug. 8, 2023 at 951 Hill Ave., Suite 3, Wyomissing.
Café Folino
Over the years, Mangia has become a community staple thanks to its friendly service and freshly prepared dishes, including pasta specialties such as gnocchi, lasagna, lobster ravioli, lobster mac and cheese, penne alla vodka, fettuccine alfredo, rigatoni carbonara, linguini with clam sauce and penne with salmon.
Other menu highlights include appetizers such as bruschetta, fried calamari, steamed mussels and crab-stuffed portabella mushroom cap; specialty pizzas such as BBQ chicken, bacon cheeseburger, shrimp scampi and quattro formaggi (four cheeses); chicken, veal and seafood entrees such as chicken Marsala, chicken parmigiana, veal cacciatore and broiled shrimp and sea scallops.
The restaurant also serves up a wide array of burgers, wraps, paninis and hot and cold sandwiches.
“I am incredibly proud of what we built together and deeply thankful to everyone who walked through our doors, brought friends and family, celebrated milestones with us, or simply stopped by for a comforting meal,” Mangia’s closing announcement continued.
Cafe Folino
“… From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting a small business and for allowing Mangia to be a part of your lives. We truly hope to see you again at Café Folino.”
Café Folino offers a wide variety of cafe favorites, including hot drinks such as cappuccino, cortado and macchiato and cold drinks such as nitro cold brew coffee, iced caramel latte and iced mochaccino.
Baked goods and desserts include fresh croissants, brownies, biscotti, homemade cannoli, tiramisu, lemon bars and assorted muffins, cakes, pies, scones, cheesecakes and cookies.
Breakfast selections, available all day, include eggs any style, egg sandwiches (on a bagel, croissant or English muffin), three-egg omelettes such as garden vegetable and Western, griddle options such as specialty French toast or pancakes (banana Foster, apple pie, cannoli stuffed delight and more) and side orders such as hashbrowns, gluten-free bread and various meats (ham, bacon, sausage, pork roll or Canadian bacon).
About a half dozen breakfast specialties include avocado toast, Florentine eggs Benedict and a “Breakfast Mess” (scrambled eggs, ham, green pepper and onion, topped with hashbrowns and American cheese and served with toast).
Cafe Folino
“At Café Folino, we’re passionate about two things: great coffee and exceptional food,” a message on the business’ website reads. “We believe that every visit to our café should be a cozy and delightful experience that leaves you feeling recharged.”
For lunch, customers can enjoy rotating soups, salads such as Italian wedge and strawberry arugula, wraps such as Buffalo chicken and turkey bacon avocado and sandwiches such as chicken caprese and turkey club. Sandwiches and wraps, $12-$15, are served with potato chips.
There are also flatbreads (available in gluten-free for $4 extra) such as bruschetta caprese, chicken pesto and margherita.
For the latest Café Folino updates, including further announcements regarding the Temple location, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Cafe Folino
Easton area news‘She was the heart of it’: Iconic Lehigh Valley restaurant closed until further notice after owner’s passing
EASTON, Pa. – A beloved restaurant in Northampton County is navigating a transitional phase.
Ashley’s Signature Restaurant, a family owned and operated restaurant known for its high-quality, homemade dishes, has announced that it’s closed until further notice at 229 N. 11th St. in Easton.
The announcement came roughly a week after the Ashley’s Signature Restaurant, family and team shared news of the passing of the restaurant’s owner, Melinda Watson.
“On Melinda’s 70th birthday, we would like to honor her life and legacy by announcing that, as we navigate this transitional phase, we will be closed until further notice,” reads Monday’s announcement, posted on the business’ Facebook page.
“Memorial services, given by her daughter, will be announced in the near future. We truly thank you, our customers, staff, and family, for the support over the decades and for your understanding as we process and heal from this deep loss to our community – From, Ashley, the daughter of Melinda.” Full story here.
New ‘island-focused’ concept to bring a taste of the tropics to Easton Public Market
EASTON, Pa. – A seasoned chef will soon heat up the Easton Public Market’s food scene with a new concept offering globally inspired comfort cuisine.
Bincho-Don, a new “island-focused takeout concept” led by chef Kadon Barnwell, will hold a soft opening at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the downtown Easton market, according to Jessica Ferrara, communications media manager for the Greater Easton Development Partnership, the non-profit operator of the Easton Public Market.
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will then be held at a yet-to-be-determined date in the next couple of weeks, Ferrara said.
Barnwell, whose cooking draws from Caribbean roots and a lifelong connection to island cultures around the world, is opening Bincho-Don in space that previously housed More Than Q, a traditional wood-smoked barbecue concept and an original Easton Public Market vendor. Read more here.
The Easton Public Market is located at 325 Northampton St. in Easton.
Ryan Kneller
‘Here we go again’: Easton restaurant devastated by second catastrophe in 4 years
EASTON, Pa. – The fire in Easton last week severely damaged the neighboring State Cafe and Grill. But it wasn’t the flames or smoke; it was the water used to fight it.
For the second time in 4 years, the beloved business has to battle back from disaster.
“Watch your steps. Dry for the most part, but still some mud,” Bill Sneeringer warned 69 News reporter Bo Koltnow as they headed down the steep steps.
The State Cafe and Grill owner took us into deep into his chaos. The basement of his Easton restaurant recently flooded. A more than 6-foot water line shows how high.
Food, equipment, electric, plumbing, all destroyed. The result of excess firefighting water pouring in from the Feb. 20 massive fire at the neighboring Hotel Hampton. Read more.
State Cafe & Grill is located at 14-16 S. Fifth St. in downtown Easton.
Ryan Kneller
New Lehigh Valley gym helping members ‘feel empowered’ to reach fitness goals
PALMER TWP., Pa. – A new fitness facility is offering energizing group classes and an inclusive and supportive atmosphere in Northampton County.
Active Hour Gym & Fitness, offering group fitness classes, personal training, open gym access and specialized training for obstacle course races, held a grand opening on Saturday at 3773 Nicholas St. in Palmer Township.
The facility occupies an updated Palmer Super Center space that previously housed Soldierfit Easton, which relocated to the Palmer Park Mall last year.
“Our team is dedicated to inspiring you with lively classes, radiant encouragement, and lasting results,” a message on Active Hour’s website reads.
“Get ready to feel empowered, confident, and fired up to reach your goals —because at Active Hour, your fitness journey is an adventure worth celebrating!” Full story here.
Active Hour Gym & Fitness, offering group fitness classes, personal training, open gym access and specialized training for obstacle course races, held a grand opening on Feb. 21 at 3773 Nicholas St. in Palmer Township.
Ryan Kneller
‘New fabulous space’: Popular retailer opening new store at Palmer Park Mall
PALMER TWP., Pa. – A local business is expanding its footprint with a new storefront location in Northampton County.
Nestly’s Treasures, an independently owned business offering unique gifts, clothing, fashion accessories and more along with customization services, is planning to open a new store on March 7 at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township.
For the past two years, owner Vanessa Prince has been operating the business as a kiosk at the mall, and she will continue to operate the kiosk alongside the new store.
“Business has been great, and I’m very blessed,” Prince told 69 News. “I’m super happy to be opening my second location.” Read more here.
Nestly’s Treasures
Bethlehem buzzNew Lehigh Valley breakfast and lunch eatery opening at site of former longtime favorite
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Omelettes, sandwiches and other breakfast and lunch staples are returning to a familiar spot in Northampton County.
North Street Cafe, a full-service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch daily, will hold a soft opening at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, at 46 W. North St. in Bethlehem, co-owner Rogelio Lazaro told 69 News.
Grand opening festivities are planned for Friday, March 6.
Lazaro is partnering with his brother, Rodrigo Lazaro, and his friend, Victor Morales, to run North Street Cafe, which will operate at the site of the former Darto’s breakfast and lunch eatery. Read more.
North Street Cafe
New family-run restaurant opens at former Long John Silver’s site in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new tasty concept is welcoming guests at a former fast-food spot in the Lehigh Valley.
El Carbonaso Peruvian Restaurant, a full-service eatery serving lomo saltado, rotisserie chicken and other Peruvian specialties, held a grand opening earlier this month at 2185 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem, co-owner and chef Edgar Gutierrez said.
The restaurant occupies a renovated building that previously housed a Long John Silver’s eatery, which closed in 2019.
Gutierrez is operating the new Peruvian restaurant with his wife, Ricardina Gutierrez. Full story here.
El Carbonaso Peruvian Restaurant operates at 2185 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
After fire, popular Lehigh Valley pub planning to reopen just in time for March Madness
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Three months after a fire damaged a much-loved pub in Northampton County, the business is nearing a tasty comeback with the “same great food, staff and atmosphere.”
The Bethlehem location of Pints & Pies Neighborhood Pub is tentatively set to reopen in a couple of weeks at 21 E. Elizabeth Ave., co-owner Jose Pinargote told 69 News.
The Bethlehem pub has been temporarily shuttered since a fire damaged the property in late November.
“We have been working as hard and quickly as possible and are planning a March 13th re-launch,” Pinargote said. “We still have some work to finish up in the coming days but as long as all inspections go as planned we will be on schedule.”
The Pints & Pies team is coordinating with local musicians and DJs to line up entertainment for the March 13-15 weekend to celebrate not only the pub’s reopening but also St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness, Pinargote said. Read more here.
Pints & Pies Bethlehem
Bethlehem historic board pushes back on proposed demolitions to construct 7-story mixed-use project
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Plans for a seven-story mixed-use building on South New Street were put on hold Monday night after the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Committee raised concerns about proposed demolitions.
To construct the new building, the applicant would need to demolish 319, 321-323, 325 and 327 S. New St.
Demolition of the historic structures — specifically, the Italianate façade of 321-323 S. New St. — was a key sticking point for committee members.
“323 New Street is a beautiful old building on a very prominent spot along New Street. I’d hate to see it torn down,” said committee member Todd Chambers. Read more.
A sketch for South New Street in Bethlehem, as presented on Feb. 23, 2026.
ArtsQuest announces return of festival featuring craft brews from more than 25 local breweries, raffle to benefit Habitat for Humanity
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A festival featuring craft brews from more than 25 local breweries is returning to SteelStacks in Bethlehem. ArtsQuest says it is teaming up with Lehigh Valley Brewers’ Guild for the fourth consecutive year.
The festival will take place on March 28 at the Musikfest Café in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, ArtsQuest said in a news release Wednesday.
ArtsQuest says beer fans can enter raffles to win prizes from their favorite breweries. A portion of raffle proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity, courtesy of LVBG. Full story here.
Image from ArtsQuest
Allentown updatesNew grocery store almost ready to welcome shoppers in Lehigh County
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new destination for fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods is joining a growing roster of tenants at a Lehigh Valley shopping center.
Valley Fresh Marketplace, a store selling produce, canned goods, snacks and other groceries, is expected to open within the next couple of weeks at 1384 Hanover Ave. in Allentown, manager Eddie Mashraki told 69 News.
The store, owned and operated by partners David Saad and Naseef Mashraki, will occupy an updated space in the Allentown Commons shopping center.
“We live in Allentown, we grew up in Allentown, and we’re excited to do something positive for the city and Lehigh Valley overall,” Eddie said. Read more here.
Valley Fresh Marketplace
Archer Music Hall to celebrate 1st anniversary with free community birthday bash, food drive
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A music venue in Allentown is throwing a free community celebration as part of its first anniversary.
Allentown’s Archer Music Hall says it will commemorate its first anniversary with ARCHERVERSARY on Saturday, March 7.
The event will feature a venue-wide ticket promotion, a free community celebration in the Arrow, and a canned food drive benefiting The Caring Place, according to a news release from the public relations firm Ike Richman Communications. Read more.
WFMZ-TV | Heather Beck
Northampton County newsNew Lehigh Valley ‘play cafe’ to offer specialty drinks, small bites and serious fun for kids
NORTH CATASAUQUA, Pa. – A new, family-run business will appeal to both adults and children, with a traditional cafe concept serving up coffee, tea and baked goods alongside a designated space for children to let loose in Northampton County.
Chapter Pink Play Cafe, a fast-casual cafe featuring a children’s play area, is expected to open in May at 1492 Main St. in North Catasauqua, co-owner Laila Santiago told 69 News.
Santiago and her sister, Brittany Pichardo, recently signed a lease for the unit, with Doug Sandlin of The James Balliet Property Group representing both the tenant and landlord in the deal.
Chapter Pink will feature a traditional cafe area with dining tables and a coffee counter next to an enclosed children’s play area geared toward toddlers and children up to age 4, Santiago said. Full story here.
Chapter Pink Play Cafe
Coffee franchise’s 1st Pa. location sets opening date at former Dunkin’ site in Northampton County
WIND GAP, Pa. – A specialty coffee roaster’s first statewide location is brewing at a familiar coffee spot in the Lehigh Valley.
A new location of Identity Coffee Co., a New England-based, family-owned specialty coffee company, will hold a grand opening on March 14 at 855 S. Broadway in Wind Gap, franchisee Jason Velazquez told 69 News on Thursday.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce will take place at 9 a.m., and the cafe will open to customers at 10 a.m.
Following the March 14 grand opening, regular hours will be 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Velazquez said. Read more here.
A location of Identity Coffee Co. is coming soon to 855 S. Broadway in Wind Gap.
Identity Coffee Lehigh Valley
‘We’ll miss seeing you’: Lehigh Valley Chick-fil-A location to temporarily close for remodeling
L. NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – A popular destination for chicken sandwiches, nuggets and more will be temporarily shuttered for months as a refresh takes place.
A location of Chick-fil-A, the quick-service restaurant company known for its freshly-prepared chicken selections, has announced that it will temporarily close for remodeling beginning Friday, March 6, at 3750 Dryland Way in Lower Nazareth Township.
The restaurant’s last day of operation prior to the remodeling will be Thursday, March 5.
A grand reopening announcement will be made this summer. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
Non-profit providing clothing, household items to those in need opens shop at new location in Northampton County
WALNUTPORT, Pa. – A nonprofit in Northampton County has a new location where families can shop for clothing and household items without spending a dime.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay stopped by the shop in Walnutport to find out more on how they’re seeing a need in our local communities.
‘Hope’ is the theme inside the Caring Hearts Closet in Walnutport.
It’s a word permanently inked on Neicee Martinez, who says it stands for “Helping other people every day.” Full story here.
Phillipsburg area news‘We are so grateful’: Phillipsburg eatery to permanently close in coming weeks
PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. – A popular restaurant is bidding farewell in Warren County.
The Shop!, offering a unique assortment of empanadas along with other freshly prepared eats such as “Phat Subz” sandwiches, will close within the next few weeks at 60 S. Main St. in Phillipsburg, owner Joe Stout told 69 News.
Stout noted that the upcoming closure, which would occur by April 1 at the latest, was prompted by ongoing disagreements between him and the property’s landlord.
Stout, a well-known Lehigh Valley chef and owner of Chefmeals LLC, opened the Phillipsburg eatery in April 2024.
Over the years, he’s also operated other dining establishments, including the former Phat Joe’s Grill & Catering that he ran with his brother in downtown Easton and another iteration of The Shop!, which offered takeout only in Hellertown. Read more here.
Region’s newest urgent care facility holds grand opening
POHATCONG TWP., N.J. – A new facility, “committed to delivering high-quality care quickly, conveniently, and affordably,” will offer treatment of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, X-ray and lab services and more.
American Family Care (AFC), a leading provider of urgent care with nearly 400 walk-in clinics across the United States, on Thursday held a grand opening of AFC Phillipsburg, located at 1225 U.S. Route 22 at St. James Avenue in Pohatcong Township, Warren County.
AFC Phillipsburg celebrated its grand opening from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony – hosted by the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce – taking place at 5 p.m., according to a news release.
The center will officially open to patients at 8 a.m. Monday, March 2.
Owned by the husband-and-wife team of O’George Chima and Dr. Sarah Chima, the new 3,000-square-foot clinic is designed as a one-stop shop for urgent and occupational healthcare. Read more.
American Family Care Logo (PRNewsfoto/American Family Care)
By American Family Care
Phillipsburg Indoor Winter Market helps turn up heat on a cold season
PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. – It’s been a tough winter for small businesses and farmers, with cold weather keeping many customers at home.
But one bi-monthly indoor market in New Jersey has been the lifeline for community and local support. 69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was in Phillipsburg with how this event is turning up the heat on a cold season.
The Phillipsburg Indoor Winter Market takes place at the Phillipsburg Arts Association space on South Main Street. It’s open the second and fourth Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each month throughout the winter.
Market Coordinator Hannah DeWalt said vendors have been working hard to make sure customers are having a good time, and getting good food, veggies, and crafts. Full story here.
Berks, Schuylkill counties’Big shoes to fill!’: New dining concept planned for site of Berks steakhouse
WYOMISSING, Pa. – A restaurant offering premium steaks, chops and seafood dishes will soon end operations in Berks County, but a new tasty concept is already in the works at the same property.
TAO Japanese Steakhouse & Bar is planned for 305 N. Park Road in Wyomissing, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
TAO will operate at the site of Willoughby’s on Park, which is set to close on March 14.
A target opening date for TAO has not yet been announced.
“We are pleased to confirm that this location is now under new ownership and will soon be re-introduced as TAO Japanese Steakhouse & Bar,” Wednesday’s announcement reads.
“This is not simply a reopening – it is a complete transformation. Our team is elevating every aspect of the experience, with upgraded menus, a more sophisticated Hibachi dining atmosphere, and Japanese Omakase. Our vision is to create a premier Japanese Steakhouse destination known for exceptional quality, consistency, and hospitality.” Read more here.
Chad Blimline | WFMZ-TV
Work continues on new hotel coming to Schuylkill County
POTTSVILLE, Pa – It’s a new vision for downtown Pottsville.
“We have a great need for a hotel in the city of Pottsville, Schuylkill County will benefit greatly,” said Regina Gargano, the CEO of Explore Schuylkill.
“He is improving the historical integrity of the place we are repurposing everything,” said Project Manager Tyler Haas, as he showed off the staircase and bank vault.
Metz Properties LLC and Metz Hospitality LLC recently announced the development of The Miners 1928 Hotel on Center Street, incorporating the former Ramada Hotel.
“There’s a lot of exciting things happening here,” said General Manager Bill Kao. “We’re anticipating hotel and venue to welcome its first guests in June.”
Work continues at the site and according to a release from the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, it will include 90 rooms, a sports bar and event spaces.
“We’re bringing a lot of the old bank materials into the build as you walk through the venue you will see the old historic bank being reused,” Kao explained. Read more.
Dining and Cooking