Home Care In Laurys Station, PA

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A landmark dining spot in North Whitehall Township has found new life thanks to a pair of brothers.

Johnny and Richard Schafer in July purchased the longstanding Hi-Way Family Restaurant at 5470 Route 145, and after several months of renovations, the duo opened a new eatery, Laurys Station American Grill, on March 13.

The duo added “new everything” in the kitchen — including new lighting, plumbing and tile flooring — and gave the dining room a “heavy refresh” with new wall paint, ceiling tiles and restored teal booths, Johnny said.

The dining room’s appearance mostly stayed the same, but the Schafers refurbished much of the existing features, including neon lights and stainless steel accents.

“We’re bringing this landmark back to its glory days,” Johnny said. “When we first took over, we were just going to redo the floors, but then I said to Richard, ‘Let’s do this right and make it beautiful for the next 40 years because it won’t be easy to tear apart this kitchen in the future.'”

The Hi-Way, at the corner of Route 145 and Rising Sun Road, closed last summer after more than 40 years of business under another pair of brothers, Nick and Mike Gentis.

“Although we are saddened to leave, we feel confident that the restaurant will continue to serve you all in the future with the same great service and food which we always strived to achieve for the past 42 years,” the Gentises wrote on the Hi-Way’s Facebook page last year.

Laurys Station American Grill, with seating for around 150 customers, features an expansive menu of appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and homemade desserts.

Customers will find menu mainstays from the Hi-Way, including omelettes, wraps and seafood platters, along with a host of new options, including pig wings (pork shanks fried and tossed in your choice of sauce), poutine-style fries (topped with breaded cheese curds and gravy) and a “hunter burger” (bison, boar, New Zealand elk and wagyu beef blend, grilled to your liking).

More than two dozen entrees, most under $17, include steaks such as an 8-ounce top sirloin and a 14-ounce, king-cut prime rib; pasta dishes such as chicken alfredo, lobster ravioli and veal Parmesan; seafood selections such as broiled scallops, crab imperial and flounder Florentine; and other options such as pot roast, liver and onions, boneless pork chops and honey-dipped fried chicken.

Breakfast favorites, including pancakes, French toast and eggs Benedict, are also offered.

Johnny, who lives in Lehighton, has operated other businesses in the past and most recently helped his son, Jason, open The Mason Jar Family Diner on Lizard Creek Road in the Andreas section of West Penn Township, Schuylkill County, in January 2021.

In North Whitehall, he and his brother also implemented exterior renovations, including giving the restaurant’s former beige facade a new gray coat of paint.

Countless people have stopped by to inquire about the restaurant’s progress over the past several months.

“We’re excited to finally be open, and we know the community feels the same,” Johnny said.

Laurys Station American Grill is open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, but the restaurant may temporarily close on Mondays and Tuesdays due to staffing issues, Johnny said. Info: 610-261-1911.

Bethlehem news

Speaking of new life for landmarks, the revitalization of the Westgate Mall continues with the recent announcement that three quick-service restaurant chains, a bank and a retailer will occupy newly constructed buildings following the razing of a large portion of the Bethlehem shopping center’s interior.

Westgate Mall owner Onyx Equities’ third phase of redevelopment plans, which were approved by the Bethlehem Planning Commission on March 10, include the demolition of approximately 50,000 square feet of the current Schoenersville Road mall’s interior to allow for the construction of about 8,000 square feet of new building space.

Two new structures will include a freestanding bank with a drive-thru, next to the relocated Weis Markets grocery store, and an adjacent strip mall that will house Jersey Mike’s Subs, QDOBA Mexican Eats and Starbucks eateries, the latter of which will feature a drive-thru. The strip mall also will feature a yet-to-be-announced retailer.

The redevelopment of part of the mall’s infill section will open the site and allow for a connection between the front and back of the center, something that “it never had,” Ryan Whitmore, professional engineer with Landcore Engineering Consultants, said at the March 10 meeting. It also will allow for the creation of 55 parking spaces.

The latest announcement follows other stages of the mall’s overhaul, which included last year’s relocation of Weis Markets from its long-standing, 32,000-square-foot store near the center of the shopping center to a newly remodeled, 63,000-square-foot store within a 108,000 square-foot-building previously occupied by The Bon-Ton department store.

In the back of the former Bon-Ton building, Lehigh Valley Health Network in late December signed a lease to open a 27,000-square-foot medical equipment processing facility.

Onyx Equities, the New Jersey real estate investment and property services firm that acquired Westgate in 2018, this winter also announced that Harbor Freight Tools planned to open a 16,000-square-foot location in mid- to late 2022 at the former Weis site, and an additional 10,000 square feet of space at the south end of the shopping center — which previously housed Rite Aid — had been leased to Oak Street Health primary care medical facility. Facade upgrades are planned.

Other plans for Westgate include an international quick-service hamburger chain, which has signed a lease to build a free-standing, 4,500-square-foot retail pad at the northern corner of the center, in front of the Weis, and a financial institution, which has signed a lease to develop a free-standing, 3,500-square-foot building on the former Dempsey’s restaurant pad.

Both projects are pending site plan approval by the city, and Onyx hopes to commence development on them near the end of the year.

Also in Bethlehem, work is moving forward at Bonn Place Brewing’s expansion project — a new taproom at the former Bavarian Tavern, 702 Broadway, according to a post on the business’ Facebook page.

The South Side venue will feature a bronze and oak bar top, marble tile flooring and a sliding door made of reclaimed wood from the site.

“Not done, but progress and getting there!” the post reads. “Can’t wait to have you over for a pint.”

The brewery opened in 2016 at 310 Taylor St., about a mile east of its forthcoming venue. When asked for further information regarding the project this week, co-owner Sam Masotto had no comment. Info: facebook.com/bonnbrewing.

A final bit of Bethlehem news: Rosanna’s Restaurant and Catering, at 2 E. Broad St., has been temporarily closed since Feb. 26 to allow for various upgrades, including a “new look, and many new surprises,” according to the business’ Facebook page.

The eatery, which has operated at Broad and New streets for more than 20 years, is expected to reopen in the spring with the “same dedication” to its friends and community. Info: facebook.com/RosannasRest.

Odds and ends

A popular destination for grilled and frozen treats is for sale in Williams Township.

The Canalside Cup, a longstanding walk-up restaurant at 1610 S. Delaware Drive, is in transition as current ownership looks to sell the business, according to a message posted Wednesday on the eatery’s Facebook page.

The roadside food stand, operating spring through fall with shaded picnic tables along the Delaware Canal, is known for its more than 50 varieties of soft-serve ice cream, including noteworthy flavors such as black raspberry, creme de menthe, maplenut and teaberry, which are mixed on-site.

Other menu highlights include other frozen treats such as hard ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and water ice, along with savory selections such as burgers, cheesesteaks, gyros and fries.

Owner Deb Kozik has been operating the business for 17 years on South Delaware Drive, also known as Route 611, which was damaged by Hurricane Ida last summer.

A portion of the roadway, between Browns Drive south and Raubsville Road, reopened in early March after six months of being closed and negatively impacting businesses along the normally well-traveled stretch. The Canalside Cup was situated near the northern end of the closure.

“As I sit here with tears rolling down my cheeks and a lump in my throat, it’s time for the next page to turn, in the next chapter in my family’s life and my own,” Kozik writes in the Facebook message. “I had full intentions of opening The Canalside Cup on schedule this year, but after many obstacles that have surfaced, it’s time for me to hand over the reins to a new owner.” Info: facebook.com/TheCanalsideCup.

I’ll finish with a couple of Allentown developments:

First, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, offering a New Orleans-style menu of spicy chicken, fried shrimp and other regional selections, is set to open a newly constructed restaurant in the first quarter of 2023 at 1935 S. Fourth St., according to Popeyes media relations team.

The 2,145-square-foot eatery will be less than a half mile south of a former Popeyes location, which abruptly closed in 2014 at 1756 S. Fourth St.

The 1935 S. Fourth St. site was previously home to a Checkers fast-food restaurant, which Allentown Health Bureau shut down in 2018 due to health violations. Crews moved the modular Checkers structure to another site this week.

Second, Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s new Allentown Donor Center opened Monday at 740 Hamilton St., Suite 120, on the ground floor of the Five City Center office building. This new location is open Monday through Thursday, with morning, afternoon and evening appointments available for the convenience of blood donors in the area. To schedule an appointment at this, or any MKBC location, visit GIVEaPINT.org.

Retail Watch, appearing every weekend, keeps track of retail and restaurant news in the Lehigh Valley. Contact Ryan Kneller at 610-820-6597 or [email protected].

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Fans of spaghetti, stromboli and other Italian favorites have a new option in North Whitehall Township.

2 Brothers Pizzeria & Restaurant, serving Italian specialties such as antipasto salad, manicotti and tiramisu, opened Oct. 1 at 5757 Route 145 in the Laurys Station section of North Whitehall.

The 48-seat restaurant is owned and operated by brothers Lou DiGregorio and Paul Giammarino.

“We have your standard Italian and pub-style foods, but we also have some unique dishes,” DiGregorio said. “We even taste-tested our burgers and some of our other items because we want to be better and different than the restaurants down the street. More than anything else though, our biggest focus is on quality.”

The BYOB restaurant serves appetizers such as bruschetta, pork pot stickers and sweet potato waffle fries; hot and cold sandwiches such as a Buffalo chicken cheesesteak, turkey club and “Markie-Mark” pork sandwich (seasoned pork, provolone and spinach); baked entrees such as eggplant parmigiana, lasagna rollatini and lobster ravioli; and vegetarian meals such as the Beyond Burger, cauliflower crust cheese pizza and pasta marinara with plant-based meatballs.

More than a dozen signature pizzas, most available in 16-inch and 14-inch deep pan sizes, include German, Hawaiian, margherita, taco, veggie and white.

Prices range from $15.50 for a tomato pie to $22.50 for a “Sicilian Special” (square and thick), featuring pepperoni, sausage, ham, green peppers, mushrooms, onion and extra cheese. Pizza also is available by the slice, $3-$4.

Other menu highlights include calzones; chicken wings; rotating soups; half-pound, charbroiled premium Angus beef burgers such as the “Big Lou” (bacon, caramelized onions and a fried egg); and a wide array of chicken, veal and seafood entrees, including chicken piccata, veal Marsala and shrimp scampi.

DiGregorio and Giammarino spent more than a year overhauling the former Rosaria’s Italian Pizza & Restaurant.

Improvements include new dry wall, flooring, windows, kitchen equipment, furniture and a handicap-accessible entrance and bathroom. The brothers also hung framed historical photos of downtown Allentown, Bethlehem and other Lehigh Valley scenes in the dining room

“We wanted to modernize the building while still keeping it cozy and inviting,” DiGregorio said.

The restaurant, which offers delivery after 4 p.m., is divided into two dining areas — the main dining room where guests can enjoy a full-service experience and a take-out area where guests can order at a counter.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

To place an order, call 610-440-0868 or visit 2brotherspizzeria.com.

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Two brothers are breathing new life into a landmark dining spot in Lehigh County.

Johnny and Richard Schafer in July purchased the longstanding Hi-Way Family Restaurant in the Laurys Station section of North Whitehall Township with plans to open a new eatery, Laurys Station American Grill, in the coming months.

The duo has been renovating the decades-old property, at 5470 Route 145, since mid-summer and they hope to open their new establishment in late November, Johnny said.

A potential roadblock is further delays of new kitchen equipment arriving. The Schafers are still waiting on several key pieces, including sinks, ovens and steam tables.

“We originally wanted to open in September, but we’ve had some hold-ups with getting equipment,” Johnny said. “Our new goal is to open by Thanksgiving, but if that’s not possible, definitely by the 1st of the new year.”

The brothers are completely overhauling the kitchen, adding “new everything,” Johnny said. Improvements include new lighting, plumbing, tile flooring and more.

The dining room’s appearance is mostly staying the same, but the Schafers are giving the space a “heavy refresh,” Johnny said. They’ve repainted the walls, added new ceiling tiles, purchased new dinnerware and cleaned the teal booths, neon lights and stainless-steel accents.

Outside, the former Hi-Way Family Restaurant’s beige facade received a new gray coat of paint, and the partners are also planning to add a new take-out window with a digital menu board down the line.

“We’re bringing this landmark back to its glory days,” Johnny said. “When we first took over, we were just going to redo the floors, but then I said to Richard, ‘Let’s do this right and make it beautiful for the next 40 years because it won’t be easy to tear apart this kitchen in the future.’ We’re putting in place a kitchen any chef would dream of working inside.”

The Hi-Way Family Restaurant, at the corner of Route 145 and Rising Sun Road, closed in July after more than 40 years of business. Owners and brothers Nick and Mike Gentis announced the change in ownership on the business’ Facebook page.

“Although we are saddened to leave, we feel confident that the restaurant will continue to serve you all in the future with the same great service and food which we always strived to achieve for the past 42 years,” the brothers wrote in the online post. “We started all those years ago with a few booths and small kitchen, and grew to accommodate so many great customers who through the years became friends. We will miss you all and hope you continue to patronize the restaurant. Thank you to our guests and employees for all their support and being part of the Hi-Way family.”

Laurys Station American Grill, with seating for around 150 customers, will feature an expansive menu of appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and homemade desserts, Johnny said.

Customers will find menu mainstays from the Hi-Way, including burgers, steak sandwiches, wraps and seafood platters, along with various daily specials, he added.

Breakfast favorites, including pancakes, waffles, omelettes and eggs Benedict, are also set to be offered along with some new creations like a breakfast skillet, featuring scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, bacon, cheese and home fries.

“We’re going to have the basics of what the Hi-Way had along with a range of new stuff,” Johnny said.

Johnny, who lives in Lehighton, helped his son, Jason, open The Mason Jar Family Diner on Lizard Creek Road in the Andreas section of West Penn Township, Schuylkill County in January.

The Mason Jar offered an Easter dinner of ham, turkey, roast beef, mashed potatoes, filling, sweet potatoes, corn and more, and Johnny is hoping to open his Laurys Station restaurant in time to offer a similar meal for Thanksgiving.

“We’re planning a lot of made-from-scratch soups and platters like prime rib and crab cakes,” Johnny said of the menu. “Overall, it will be above a diner but below a high-end restaurant. Everyone will be able to afford to eat here.”

Johnny described the restaurant’s atmosphere as “fun and uplifting.” The brothers plan to hang framed images of local and national landmarks, including the Bethlehem Steel and Golden Gate Bridge.

“We want the atmosphere inside to be entirely positive, showcasing what’s good about America,” Johnny said.

The Schafers are excited to serve the Lehigh Valley community, and they believe the community is excited for their restaurant. Dozens of people have stopped by to inquire about the restaurant’s progress over the past few months.

“Neighbors and other people are constantly swinging by, and we’re happy to talk to them,” Johnny said. “This is a beloved landmark in the community, for sure, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”

Laurys Station American Grill is retaining some of the former Hi-Way’s employees, but the Schafers are still hiring for all positions, including cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers and servers. Individuals interested in applying for a job are welcome to stop by the restaurant.

Board-certified lactation consultant Jolie Maehrer, RN, works with new moms at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital. She has answers to questions that many parents have about breastfeeding.

Q: What are the current breastfeeding recommendations?

A: Opens in new tab The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that moms exclusively breastfeed for the first six months before introducing solid foods and then combining breastfeeding and solid foods for the next six months. Breastfeeding for 12 months, or as long as mutually desired by mom and baby, is recommended by the AAP. Others like the U.S. Surgeon General and World Health Organization (WHO) make similar recommendations based on research that shows breastfeeding makes babies and mothers healthier.

Q: Why is breast milk preferred over formula in the first 12 months of a baby’s life?

A: The nutrients in mother’s milk are perfect for every stage of baby’s development. As babies grow, their nutritional needs change. Unlike formula, the nutritional quality of a mother’s milk changes along with her baby’s needs. In addition to being easily digestible, mother’s milk contains antibodies babies need to protect against asthma, allergies, ear infections, gastrointestinal disturbances and a host of other illnesses. Breastfed babies also have a lower incidence for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Evidence suggests breastfeeding reduces a child’s incidence of diabetes and obesity, and a decrease in certain childhood cancers.

Q: How does breastfeeding benefit mom?

A: Women who breastfeed have a reduced incidence of uterine, breast and ovarian cancers, as well as osteoporosis. Breastfeeding also helps shrink the uterus back to its normal size faster and helps with weight loss as well.

Q: I’ve heard moms talk about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with their newborn. What does that mean?

A: The AAP recommends one hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact by placing baby on their mom’s chest immediately after delivery. During this “magical hour,” babies latch on easier and feed longer. Being able to feel mom’s skin and hear her heartbeat comforts babies and helps in the bonding process. Research shows that skin-to-skin contact stabilizes a baby’s heart rate, breathing and blood sugar levels. Babies who are skin-to-skin feed better, stay warmer and cry less.

LVHN encourages “rooming in,” which is the practice of keeping your new baby in your patient room. This allows you to become more familiar and recognize your baby’s hunger cues so you can feed when your baby is ready rather than following an artificial schedule. Moms and babies tend to sleep better when baby rooms-in with mom. Moms are also more confident with new baby care after discharge from the hospital.

Q: How do I get started with breastfeeding?

A: The best way to begin is by practicing skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery. Allowing your baby to latch on and feed within the first hour of life will set you up for breastfeeding success. New babies may feed as often as every one to three hours, or whenever they display hunger cues. Breastfeeding is a learned process between mom and baby.

Q: How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

A: Signs of your baby being satisfied or full after breastfeeding include your baby falling asleep, relaxed body, open fists, and seeming content between feedings. You will be given a feeding log during your hospital stay to help count wet and soiled diapers. Be sure to take this feeding log with you to your baby’s first doctor appointments. Expect your baby to lose some weight during the first few days of life. Most breastfed babies will return to their birth weight by 10 days old.

Q: Where do I go for breastfeeding education and support?

A: Education and support will help you to prepare for your breastfeeding journey. Visit LVHN.org/raisingafamily for traditional and virtual prenatal and parenting classes. A lactation consultant will visit you during your hospital stay. Once home, there are a variety of local support resources, including your LVPG pediatric or primary care provider and a number of breastfeeding support groups. You’ll benefit from peer support while also getting professional advice from a board-certified lactation consultant. Call your baby’s health care provider if you need help and ask to speak to the lactation specialist at your doctor’s office. You may also seek out a private consultant who will come to your home after delivery.

Lactation Support

LVPG Pediatrics–Fogelsville: 610-821-4920

LVPG Pediatrics–Laurys Station: 610-262-6641

LVPG Pediatrics–Madison Farms: 484-592-7620

LVPG Pediatrics–Pond Road: 610-395-4300

LVPG Pediatrics–Trexlertown: 610-402-2600

Opens in new tab Valley Health Partners (VHP) Center for Women’s Medicine: 610-969-4632

Opens in new tab VHP Children’s Clinic: 610-969-4300

Opens in new tab VHP Family Health Center: 610-969-3500

Other Resources

Opens in new tab Lehigh Valley Pediatric Assoc. Inc.: 610-434-2162

Opens in new tab LV Breastfeeding Center: 610-366-7676

Opens in new tab WIC–Pennsylvania supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children: 1-800-WIC WINS (1-800-942-9467)

Online Resources

Breast Pump Resources

Contact your health insurance provider on how to get your breast pump for an additional fee.

A local dermatology practice has been named in a multi-million dollar federal suit.

This comes as Action News was looking into claims Family Dermatology was over-billing patients.

Now, new details reveal they may also have been overcharging you, the taxpayer.

It was no secret to the dozens of patients who contacted us that Family Dermatology had allegedly questionable billing practices.

They say they were double-billed, over-charged, and even harassed for tests they say were paid for or never done.

But now Family Dermatology are in the spotlight, facing allegations they improperly billed Medicare $10 million.

Dr. Paula Nelson is the owner and primary dermatologist who runs multiple franchised Family Dermatology offices across the eastern United States.

Some patients and lawsuits claim there was a practice that may have gone to extremes to feed Dr. Nelson's lavish lifestyle.

When Maureen Conlon of Reading, Pa. got a bill, three years after her 2010 visit to Family Dermatology in Exeter, she at first thought it was funny. That was because insurance had already paid to have her skin cancer removed and because there was no way the bill was hers.

"I get billed for a penis biopsy. I thought it was hysterical," Conlon said.

Jeremy Ervin says he got harassing calls saying he owed $530 even though he had proof insurance already paid a bill from 19 months before.

After hundreds of calls, Ervin says he finally got a letter saying his account has been cleared.

"Especially when you don't owe the money, that's very frustrating," Ervin said.

And Action News also spoke with some doctors off camera who say they weren't paid in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In a lawsuit, one Georgia dermatologist alleges Nelson and her husband "diverted funds" from the practice to benefit their own "extravagant lifestyle" including their $8.5 million mansion in Georgia, formerly owned by Kenny Rogers, "vacations to Dubai," and "extravagant parties in foreign countries," where they would "wipe sweat from [their guests'] foreheads" with "$100 bills."

"I received a bill in the mail for somewhere in the ball park of about $1,200," Abigail Fallen of Northeast Philadelphia said.

While Nelson was allegedly living that life of luxury, Fallen was fending off what she said were calls bullying her to pay a bill from 2010, she says she didn't owe.

"I essentially sit in limbo hoping that I have enough of a paper trail to protect myself," Fallen said.

Then, just last week, Dr. Nelson and Family Dermatology were named in a federal settlement.

The Justice Department staked a $10.5 million claim against Nelson for improperly billing Medicare, but then settled with no admission of wrongdoing for $3.2 million and half the proceeds if Nelson sells her 15,000 square foot Georgia estate, a mansion, possibly bought on the back of clients, like Gary Blockus of Laury Station, Pa.

Blockus says a collections agency harassed his young daughter on her personal cell phone for a bill he said insurance had already paid.

"When they start harassing my daughter and I can't stop it, the only way I can stop it is to pay the money, I do it," Blockus said.

Our multiple attempts to reach Dr. Neslon were unsuccessful.

Patients say they would call Family Dermatology and their collections agency, dozens, even hundreds of times and never get a response.

Most said they were only left alone when they filed a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's Office against Family Dermatology.