Wanna take a risk? Do it as early and as young as you can — at least, that’s according to 22-year-old Kevin Negro, who hopes to continue a Lehigh Valley deli’s legacy of signature cheesesteaks and more.
Newburg Deli & Catering recently held a grand opening at 4365 Newburg Road in Lower Nazareth Township, where it celebrated the new ownership of Negro and his 20-year-old sister, Wendy Fernandez.
Alongside the bestselling cheesesteaks, the restaurant also serves other sandwiches, empanadas, flan, quesadillas and salads.
Negro, who grew up in New Jersey before he moved with his family to Palmer Township, took over the restaurant with his sister in March.
He said they took a break from attending classes at Northampton Community College to focus on the restaurant, reasoning that “taking a risk at an early age would be a good idea. We knew that the deli had a great reputation beforehand, and as long as we kept doing what they had already had going on, that we would kind of continue their business.”
Negro said they’ve put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice for the restaurant since becoming the new owners, but “we’re just blessed and thankful that everything went smooth and we’ve been able to pretty much keep the previous owners’ business and their customers.”
Some changes the siblings have implemented include adding empanadas and flan to the menu, Negro said. They also plan to offer biweekly specials.
Being a first-time business owner has come with challenges, Fernandez said, like trying to learn all the ropes at once and getting to know the local community. But she’s enjoyed the work and doing it with family.
“Working with my brother is actually amazing,” she said. “It’s just like we never fight about anything, we just understand completely what we need to do, what we’ve got to say … so it’s just like we completely understand each other in terms of the business and in other terms, and it’s just a good communication type of business with him.”
The siblings purchased the restaurant from Mario and Lydia DiMartino, who operated it for the last 12 years.
“We have full confidence that they will carry on the same passion for great food and warm hospitality that you’ve come to know and love,” the DiMartinos said in a written statement. “It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve you. Your support, loyalty, and friendship over the years have meant the world to us. Thank you for making Newburg Deli a part of your daily lives and routines — we couldn’t have done it without you. We leave with grateful hearts and countless cherished memories, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for the deli and for all of you.”
Newburg Deli is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
Lehigh Valley retail and restaurant news in brief
Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant has closed all of its locations in the country, including at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township. The closures come as the chain seeks bankruptcy protection.
Pearly Baker’s Alehouse will host a grand reopening under new owners at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at 11 Centre Square in Easton.
The Japanese-themed Okatshe restaurant will open Wednesday under Iron Chef Jose Garces at 947 W. Hamilton St. in Allentown. It will offer sushi, sashimi, pork bao buns, takoyaki, broiled scallops, dumplings, cocktails and Japanese whiskey.
Paradise Kafé will hold a grand opening Wednesday at 552 N. New St. in Bethlehem, it announced online, where it will serve coffee, lattes, tea, baklava, knafeh and croissants.
Maingate Nightclub will remain permanently closed at 448 N. 17th St. in Allentown, roughly 45 years after opening.
The painting and event studio Whoodle Works Studio opened Saturday at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township, the mall’s general manager Karla Saavedra said, while the thrift store This, That & The Third Shop will open Wednesday.
Breakfast on Broadway announced its closure Wednesday at 15 Broadway in Bangor.
The hotel Towneplace Suites by Marriott held a grand opening and ribbon cutting Wednesday at 5828 Memorial Road in Upper Macungie Township, a news release announced.
In other news
Tripadvisor recognized Palmer Township’s Marblehead Chowder House as one of the country’s top 20 casual dining spots for its Travelers’ Choice Awards.
“Marblehead Chowder House is a cozy and casual restaurant offering a warm and relaxing ‘New England seaside’ atmosphere,” the Tripadvisor website said. “Their menu features fresh ingredients and unique dishes such as Ipswich belly clams, fresh lobster rolls, and a raw bar with half-shell oysters and clams. The restaurant is highly recommended for its consistently great food and friendly staff.”
The restaurant, located at 4101 William Penn Highway, said online it was honored by the recognition, thanking “our INCREDIBLE guests for sharing their love for our fresh seafood, coastal flavors, and unforgettable dining experiences, as well as our AMAZING staff for providing excellent service and smiles!”
Retail Watch is a weekly column covering retail and restaurant news in the Lehigh Valley. Have a question, tip, or want to see something in the area? Contact retail reporter Graysen Golter at retailwatch@mcall.com.
