It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Soldiers and Sailors Monument gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Allentown, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best personal care facility fit for my mother. They have a passion for helping seniors and prioritize the health and well-being of their clients over everything else. I would highly recommend them when you are in a position of finding senior care services for your loved ones.”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They have been amazing. My mother really likes her caregiver.”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He actually came to the rehab center to meet us where my father was getting physical therapy after a fall. This way he was able to accurately access how much care my father would need and which caregivers would be the right fit. We were afraid we'd have to move him to a nursing home but fortunately we were able to set up in-home care. It's been four months now and we have been very happy with the caregivers who have been assigned to my father. Always Best Care is very responsive and flexible in adjusting hours as needed, somehow managing to keep the caregivers my parents have bonded with even though the hours have been reduced. We are happy our parents are able to age in place with care as they need it.”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for my in-laws. They have been sensitive to our needs, diligent in their efforts to provide the best possible care, and consistent in their follow-up to see if things are satisfactory. We have been executing this process from out-of-state and the process has been very smooth. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings when possible, both Ken and Rebecca have been professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father was given a year to live. Instead of immediately looking at me like a business opportunity, he treated me like a close friend. He listened and treated me with complete kindness.. I have gotten to know Ken and his wife Rebecca and I can easily say that they are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't trust them with. Especially the care of a loved one.”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been invaluable as the family navigates through dealing with the impact of our sister's illness to all of us. The structure with using ABC's online portal to evidence our sister's care is extremely beneficial in ensuring strong and coordinated communication. It is truly appreciative this technology is available and utilized by ABC. For those dealing with identifying care for a loved one, you would be smart to contact Always Best Care of Upper Buxmont.”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good heart. Always Best Care does. The client always comes first as does their health and well-being, and the family seeking the best for their loved ones. Thank you Ken for all you did for my parents!”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond for their clients, as do their staff. They handled emergent situations for my grandmother when we were on vacation - staying with her the entire time at the hospital. Ken also did significant research for our decision to put her in an assisted living community. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father. Both Ken and Rebecca were incredibly compassionate, empathetic and caring. In addition, they were knowledgeable and had a wonderful process for determining the needs of the family, the needs of the specific individual and finding an appropriate match for a caregiver to meet those needs. I can't say enough about the services provided by Always Best Care. Ken always went above and beyond, he knew the questions to ask, and how to navigate all the red tape of various organizations (Veterans Administration, etc.) AND he diligently does site visits to the facilities he references so he is able to speak from experience about the quality of care at the facilities under consideration. If you are in need of advice and assistance in caring for a family member I recommend Ken and Rebecca and Always Best Care with no reservations.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law. Ken is very well versed in available providers and other services needed at this time.The day care providers dealt well with her memory problems.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for my Mom during an extremely difficult time. It was great finding two people who cared & listened to my situation. I never felt alone in my difficult decision making process.”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in getting to know my father. They went out of their way to help us as our plans changed from in home care to personal care. They explained the process and were with us every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. I would use them again in a minute.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help for my mom, I live out of town, and can't be there myself very often. But this business goes all-out to take care of my mom. I don't know what we would do without them.”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lehigh Parkway with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Grille 3501 or visit Historic Bogert's Covered Bridge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Allentown, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Allentown, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Allentown, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology is proud to bring its annual PSO Birding Festival to Allentown, September 26 – 28, 2025.PSO’s 34th gathering will take place at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley and will be the first held in Lehigh County.The PSO Birding Festival is open to birders of all experience levels and features field trips led by local ...
The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology is proud to bring its annual PSO Birding Festival to Allentown, September 26 – 28, 2025.
PSO’s 34th gathering will take place at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley and will be the first held in Lehigh County.
The PSO Birding Festival is open to birders of all experience levels and features field trips led by local experts, engaging presentations, a variety of bird-related vendors, and more.
New birders are encouraged to attend and will find a welcoming, supportive community of birders ready to help.
Field Trips
The festival’s field trips will visit 14 of the best birding locations in the region, including Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Leaser Lake, and Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
The event is during the height of fall migration, so birders should expect an abundance of birds.
Speakers
Saturday afternoon features an impressive slate of speakers. The full schedule and descriptions of each field trip and talk are available at the event website.
The Saturday evening banquet will feature a keynote address from Holly Merker, co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul (Crossley Books, 2021).
Awards
PSO will also present Lisa Kiziuk of Willistown Conservation Trust with the Earl Poole Award for contributions to Pennsylvania ornithology, and Conservation Awards to Wildlands Conservancy and to Jim Dunn and Brian Auman of the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area in Lycoming County.
Thanks to generous event sponsorship from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Hillstar Nature, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Bucks County Birders, and Lehigh Valley Audubon Society, basic registration for the conference is just $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
Registration includes access to most field trips and events; banquet tickets are available for an additional charge. Some field trips will fill quickly, so birders are encouraged to register early.
Visit the PSO Birding Festival webpage for more information. Media inquiries about the PSO Birding Festival should be directed to Brian Byrnes, [email protected] or call 610-420-2264.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A new restaurant is set to welcome fans of arancini, porchetta, tiramisu and other Italian favorites this week in Lehigh County.Simpatico, a modern Italian restaurant, will open at 11 a.m. Monday, July 7, at 27 N. Seventh St. in Allentown, owner Jesse Haik told 69 News.The full-service dining establishment will occupy an updated ArtsWalk space that previously housed other restaurants, including Shula's Steak House, Queen City BBQ and, most recently, Blended, on the ground floor of the Strata West apartment comp...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A new restaurant is set to welcome fans of arancini, porchetta, tiramisu and other Italian favorites this week in Lehigh County.
Simpatico, a modern Italian restaurant, will open at 11 a.m. Monday, July 7, at 27 N. Seventh St. in Allentown, owner Jesse Haik told 69 News.
The full-service dining establishment will occupy an updated ArtsWalk space that previously housed other restaurants, including Shula's Steak House, Queen City BBQ and, most recently, Blended, on the ground floor of the Strata West apartment complex.
Haik had originally hoped to debut Simpatico in early June, but some finishing touches pushed back the restaurant's opening.
"I'm beyond excited," Haik said.
"The positivity that we've received about the upcoming opening has been overwhelming. People are so excited about it and stop me in the streets to talk about it. So, I really can't wait."
Haik, a New Orleans native, has been working in the restaurant industry since he was 15 years old.
He's opened and managed restaurants in five states, with former gigs including beverage manager at The Dime restaurant at The Renaissance Allentown Hotel and general manager of the Liberty House in Jersey City, N.J.
Haik has wanted to open an Italian concept for many years, and he finally decided to take the leap after noticing the positive reception of freshly prepared pasta dishes at Pennsylvania Rye Company, a nearly three-year-old downtown Allentown restaurant that he operates with a friend, Dan Gonzalez.
"It's going to be a modern Italian concept focused on fresh pasta and fresh dough for pizza and focaccia," Haik said.
"Everyone at PA Rye responds so well to the fresh pasta. So, we're going to try to piggy-back on that success and build on it. We also will do some pasta classes down the line."
Haik and Gonzalez opened Pennsylvania Rye Company in August 2022 in a renovated Hamilton Street space that was previously home to Grain and Federal Grill restaurants.
The full-service PA Rye Company offers fresh and creative cuisine made from scratch, classic and signature craft cocktails and an extensive collection of rye whiskey.
Simpatico, featuring indoor and outdoor dining, catering/private event space and a rectangular full bar with one side opening to the ArtsWalk, will showcase local fare, fresh pasta, brick oven pizza and innovative small and large plates.
Diners will be able to choose from a diverse menu of hand-crafted appetizers, handhelds, entrees and desserts.
"The pasta will be made on-site, and it will be available to order as an entree or as a small plate," Haik said. "We'll have a solid amount of pastas, between six and 10, including some classics and some rotating seasonal options."
Simpatico's menu will feature antipasta such as crispy calamari, focaccia, mushroom arancini and polenta cake bruschetta; pasta such as linguine and clams (with white wine butter sauce), lasagna Bolognese (with red sauce, beef, pork), pappardelle (with short rib, smoked mozzarella) and gnocchi (with foraged king oyster mushrooms, asparagus, pine nuts); and entrees such as pork chop, braised short rib, roasted branzino, chicken piccata, chicken parmesan, 6-ounce filet and mushroom risotto.
The restaurant also will offer a variety of salads such as Caesar, burrata and radicchio (with pancetta goat cheese vinaigrette, roasted hazelnuts); 12-inch pizzas such as pepperoni, sausage and fungi; and handhelds such as porchetta, muffuletta and classic Italian cold cut sandwich.
Muffuletta, a classic New Orleans sandwich, is a nod to Haik's roots.
"It’s an insane sandwich that’s made with mortadella on a big sesame roll with giardiniera, which is pickled onions, carrots and other vegetables, and a little swipe of mustard and olive oil," Haik said in reference to the muffuletta.
"It’s the best sandwich that’s served cold. On the flip side, we’re also going to make porchetta for the entree menu and the sandwich menu. With porchetta, you take either a pork belly or pork shoulder and butterfly it out to where it’s open. The recipe that we’re going to use is a mix of sourdough bread with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil and some different spices. We’ll spread it all over the one side, roll it back up and tie it into a big cylinder and then roast it in the oven for like 10 hours so it's super tender and packed with a lot of flavor."
The culinary team would cut an approximately 10-ounce piece of the porchetta for the entree and a roughly 4-ounce piece for the sandwich, Haik said.
Simpatico also will feature a full bar with a focus on craft cocktails and international wines, including several Italian and French wines, Haik said.
"Italy has a lot of components that contribute to some really cool cocktails, and I’m looking forward to exploring the subtleties of certain items, like different amaros and vermouths," Haik said.
Following requests that he's heard from PA Rye Co. customers and community members, Haik decided to feature an extensive wine list at Simpatico.
"We're investing heavily into our wine list," Haik said.
"The focus will be unique wines at affordable price points. We want people to come in, hang out and order wine by the bottle or explore the extensive list by the glass. There also will be some really approachable prices during happy hour, along with deals on small plates."
Over the past few months, Haik and a team of workers have implemented renovations that include updated wainscoting, light fixtures, furniture, curtains and other cosmetic touches in the dining room.
To brighten up the space, the walls were painted an off-white color, while columns and other features were painted a green accent color.
A variety of artwork and photos of family and friends are displayed throughout the space, and a room divider with plants was installed between the bar and dining room.
"We wanted to brighten up the space and bring more life to it," Haik said.
"The artwork plays into this as well. There will be a lot of life in the art - landscapes, photos of people doing things, etc."
Simpatico means "of a like mind" or "in agreement with," and Haik chose it as the name of his new restaurant because it's also a slang term - used frequently in Italian and Italian-American cultures - to describe someone who is friendly or likeable.
Haik's wife, who is part Italian, assisted him in choosing the name, which helps convey one of the restaurant's main pillars: inclusivity.
"I knew that I wanted to open an Italian restaurant, but I also knew that I wanted it to be kid-friendly and inclusive," Haik said.
"I want anyone and everyone to feel comfortable, and I also want it to feel sophisticated at the same time. So, that's why I liked the name, Simpatico, because it represents people of a like mind and bringing people together."
Simpatico will operate in an updated space at the corner of Seventh Street and the ArtsWalk.
Most recently, the space was home to Blended, a full-service restaurant offering hand-crafted food, cocktails and more, which closed in the fall.
“We are excited to have a successful restaurant owner-operator opening an Italian restaurant and bar in downtown Allentown,” said Jill Wheeler, vice president of City Center Group, which owns the property.
“His other concept, PA Rye Company, has been well-received and is thriving. We look forward to seeing the menu for Simpatico and enjoying a cocktail there at the bar on the ArtsWalk.”
Simpatico will feature a full bar, with an extensive wine list, draft and bottle beer and craft cocktails such as a Boulevardier, Negroni, Averna daiquiri and espresso martini.
Simpatico will operate 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Friday (closing between 3 and 4 p.m. to prepare for dinner service) and 4-10 p.m. Saturdays.
For the latest Simpatico updates, follow the business' pages on Facebook and Instagram.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A well-known fast-food restaurant is once again serving customers in Lehigh County.A location of Popeyes - the restaurant chain known for its fried chicken, biscuits and other Southern favorites – has reopened at 1302 Hanover Ave. in Allentown, according to general manager Mari Padilla.The eatery was temporarily closed on Wednesday and a portion of Thursday for maintenance, Padilla said.Popeyes, which originated in New Orleans in 1972, is part of Restaurant Brands International Inc., which also own...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A well-known fast-food restaurant is once again serving customers in Lehigh County.
A location of Popeyes - the restaurant chain known for its fried chicken, biscuits and other Southern favorites – has reopened at 1302 Hanover Ave. in Allentown, according to general manager Mari Padilla.
The eatery was temporarily closed on Wednesday and a portion of Thursday for maintenance, Padilla said.
Popeyes, which originated in New Orleans in 1972, is part of Restaurant Brands International Inc., which also owns Burger King, Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs.
Popeyes menu highlights include a wide array of chicken options, including wings, tenders, sandwiches and signature chicken boxes and meals; seafood selections such as a quarter-pound popcorn shrimp meal; and sides such as coleslaw, homestyle mac and cheese and mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy.
“Popeyes distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring fried chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items,” a company description reads.
The chain has more than 4,000 restaurants globally, including other Lehigh Valley locations on South Fourth Street in Allentown and MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Other regional Popeyes locations operate on Penn Avenue in South Heidelberg Township, North Fifth Street Highway in Muhlenberg Township, Crossings Boulevard in Caernarvon Township, East High Street in Pottstown, North Broad Street in Hatfield Township, South West End Boulevard in Quakertown, South Fourth Street in Allentown, North Ninth Street in Stroudsburg, Route 940 in Mount Pocono and Memorial Parkway in Phillipsburg.
The Hanover Avenue Popeyes, located in the Allentown Commons, was temporarily closed for several months following a fire in September 2020.
Hours for the Hanover Avenue location are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for dine-in service; and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily for drive-thru service.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Forget pork-themed mascot races, bacon strip uniforms and FeRROUS and FeFe dancing on the dugout.In fact, forget everything you know about a typical night at Coca-Cola Park, because the Party Animals are about to flip it upside down.This weekend, Allentown will host one of baseball’s weirdest, wildest shows when the high-energy rivals of the Savannah Bananas roll into town to take on the Texas Tailgaters.Pardon the pun (or two, or three). This is a fresh peel on America’s pastime: playe...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Forget pork-themed mascot races, bacon strip uniforms and FeRROUS and FeFe dancing on the dugout.
In fact, forget everything you know about a typical night at Coca-Cola Park, because the Party Animals are about to flip it upside down.
This weekend, Allentown will host one of baseball’s weirdest, wildest shows when the high-energy rivals of the Savannah Bananas roll into town to take on the Texas Tailgaters.
Pardon the pun (or two, or three). This is a fresh peel on America’s pastime: players that wear hot pink, dance, flip bats and turn ordinary plays into total theater.
And if you have no clue why the Banana Ball phenomenon keeps selling out stadiums faster than you can say “Bacon USA,” you’re about to find out.
Banana Ball is an almost-anything-goes version of baseball — designed to look nothing like a regular ballgame.
The Party Animals are the designated “bad boys” of this traveling baseball circus, and judging by their 2025 headline tour hype video, any and all uniform regulations are strictly unenforced. Some players are even shirtless (we’re looking at you, Noah Fisher).
And their biggest cheerleader? His name is Pharty the Party Animal — the gassiest mascot in sports.
? Forget your standard nine-inning baseball game. Here’s what to expect instead:
In other words: Prepare for a chaotic mashup of baseball, comedy, and players updating their TikTok reels on the field.
Are you kidding? They never really went on sale.
With the Savannah Bananas (and now, by extension, their Party Animals counterparts) a total social media sensation, they’ve sold out ballparks nationwide. Tickets for Allentown were snatched up months ago through a lottery system (but that hasn’t stopped fans from scouring resale sites).
If you’re still looking, check verified sites like StubHub, but be prepared to pay a premium. Some tickets were as high as $446 earlier this week.
???? Dates: Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 ???? Time: Saturday is a night game. Sunday is a day game. See times below for gates and other information. ???? Location: Coca-Cola Park, Allentown ???? Who’s playing: The Party Animals vs. the Texas Tailgaters ????? Tickets: Officially sold out
| July 5 | July 6 |
| Parking opens at 1:30 p.m. | Parking opens at 8:30 a.m. |
| Pre-Game Plaza opens at 3:30 p.m | Pre-Game Plaza opens at 10 a.m. |
| Player appearances at 3:30 p.m. | Player appearances at 10 a.m. |
| Pre Party LIVE at 4:30 p.m. | Pre Party LIVE at 10:30 a.m. |
| Gates open at 5:30pm | Gates open at 11:30 a.m. |
| The show starts at 6:30 p.m. | The show starts at 12:30 p.m. |
Pre Party LIVE features special appearances from players, cast, mascots, and other surprise guests. It will take place on the Pre-Game Plaza, which is a ticketed area. You must have a ticket to the game to be part of the fun.
The semiannual Allentown Night Market is a “most curious biannual market,” filled with over 150 oddities and offbeat artists and vendors.In other words, “an arts festival for the weird,” says Kelly Braden, the festival’s founder and owner of The Weeping Glass curiosity shop and Grim Wizard Coffee Shop.The Night Market returns on Saturday, from 7-11 p.m. on Warrington Avenue, between Walter Street and Arlington Avenu...
The semiannual Allentown Night Market is a “most curious biannual market,” filled with over 150 oddities and offbeat artists and vendors.
In other words, “an arts festival for the weird,” says Kelly Braden, the festival’s founder and owner of The Weeping Glass curiosity shop and Grim Wizard Coffee Shop.
The Night Market returns on Saturday, from 7-11 p.m. on Warrington Avenue, between Walter Street and Arlington Avenue. The businesses there — including Weeping Glass, Dr. Tumblety’s Time-Inspired Specialty Shop, Inner Groove Brewing and Death Comes Lifting — will be open late that day with something special at each location.
Lily Chan, a Pittsburgh-based performer with the Tantalizing Tigers, will provide face painting, fire breathing, contortionism and other sideshow skills. “
[It’s] definitely different,” she says of the festival. “It has a large variety for whatever you like — it has everything.”
The roots of the festival lie in Braden’s celebration of the one-year anniversary of Weeping Glass in 2018. After the third or fourth year of the community requesting that she do it again, the nonprofit community organization the Hilltop Alliance asked if she wanted to turn it into an official semiannual event.
“Nothing she does ever stays small,” says Chad Hammitt, Braden’s fiancé and co-founder of Grim Wizard Coffee.
“The night before the first big Night Market, I was so nervous because I thought no one would come,” Braden says.
Her fears dissolved when she saw several hundred people turn out.
“I remember walking out of the Weeping Glass into the street … and I was just balling,” she says.
Since then, the Night Market has become a hit, drawing attendees and vendors from around the country.
Zak Bellante owns Death Comes Lifting, an Allentown gym with black painted walls that seem to flow into the floor. Old vintage mirrors hang over the equipment, as metal, punk and rock music play over the speakers. This will be Bellante’s second year in business, but his fourth or fifth time at the festival. He enjoys seeing friends there and meeting new people.
Bonnie Ramone fronts the band Bonnie and the Mere Mortals, which will be there with a sound that combines Appalachian Americana with synthwave and shoegaze — “if Dolly Parton had ever met The Cure,” she says.
“Events like these make doing art possible,” Ramone notes. “Artists get to sell their art and are able to do something that brings joy into the world.”
At every Night Market, she’s found someone she wanted to be friends with in what she calls “the subculture of people who wear black T-shirts.
“Go out of your comfort zone, talk to someone you find interesting, ask someone about their art,” she says.
In past years, a shuttle has run along Warrington Avenue for the duration of the festival to help make up for the lack of parking. But this ate into the funds gathered from vendor fees every year and made financing the festival more difficult, according to Braden. So this year, there will be no shuttle.
She recommends taking Pittsburgh Regional Transit or getting there early because the parking lots in Allentown fill up fast.
First Published: June 11, 2025, 1:00 a.m. Updated: June 11, 2025, 6:50 p.m.
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