A Trolley Barn Public Market stand is set to end operations this weekend, but the husband-and-wife owners have plans for a new tasty venture.
Fruitella Crepes, offering made-to-order crepes, smoothies, acai bowls, strawberry Dubai chocolate cups and more, will permanently close on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown, according to Dani Awad, who operates the stand with his wife, Ghadir Awad.
Ryan Kneller
Fruitella Crepes was established in 2022, and the Awads decided to close the stand to expand operations with a new restaurant, Olive It, offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine at 954 Pembroke Road in Freemansburg.
The new restaurant, expected to open within the next few months, also will offer crepes, acai bowls and strawberry Dubai chocolate cups, Dani said.
The Awads were originally hoping to open the Freemansburg restaurant over the summer, but some updates to the building took longer than anticipated, Dani said.
Olive It Mediterranean Grill is coming soon to 954 Pembroke Road in Freemansburg.
Ryan Kneller
“We’re sad to be closing the crepe stand, and a lot of customers are also sad, but with the new restaurant, we’ll be able continue the crepes and other items while also offering Mediterranean dishes,” Dani said. “So, we’ll be attracting more customers with more options.”
The couple announced the upcoming closure of Fruitella Crepes on the business’ Facebook page.
“Fruitella has been so much more than a business to us,” the online announcement reads.
“Every order, every familiar face, every conversation, and every person who chose to support our small business has become a part of our story. We are truly grateful for every single one of you. We would love to see you one last time before we close this chapter. Come enjoy your favorite Fruitella treats and help us make our final week one to remember. But please know… this is not goodbye. One chapter is closing, but a new one is beginning. We’ll keep you updated with our new location and opening date, and we truly hope you’ll continue this journey with us.”
Fruitella Crepes operates at the Tolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown.
For its final days, Fruitella Crepes will operate 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, and Friday, Oct. 2; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4.
The stand is offering a “last week special” of any crepe or acai bowl for $10.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Fruitella, believing in us, and allowing us to serve you,” the online announcement continues.
“Your support has meant more to us than you’ll ever know. Please come see us one last time at this location. Seeing your faces during our final week would mean the world to us.”
In Freemansburg, Olive It will occupy a renovated building that was previously home to other dining establishments, including Portuguese eatery Europa Restaurant and Barbecue and, most recently, Peruvian restaurant La Casera.
Olive It Mediterranean Grill is coming soon to 954 Pembroke Road in Freemansburg.
Ryan Kneller
The Awads purchased the Pembroke Road property in December and have been implementing updates, including new façade paint, over the past several months.
“We’re very excited to serve the Lehigh Valley,” Dani said.
“We’re going to be serving really tasty, authentic Mediterranean dishes, and all of our food from will be fresh and homemade.”
Olive It will offer a variety of platters, including lamb, steak, chicken or fish over basmati rice, along with other Mediterranean favorites such as kabobs, gyros, grape leaves, kibbi, fattoush salad, hummus and baba ghanoush.
Dani has many years of experience in the food service industry and previously operated another Mediterranean food business in Bucks County before selling it a few years ago.
“I’m also well-known for my fried cauliflower, which we also will be offering at the restaurant,” Dani said. “We’ll have many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.”
Olive It Mediterranean Grill is coming soon to 954 Pembroke Road in Freemansburg.
Ryan Kneller
Olive It will feature seating for around 60 guests, and takeout also will be offered, Dani said.
Additionally, the restaurant will offer catering options and will accommodate private parties.
Dining and Cooking