SLATINGTON, Pa. - A longtime destination for beers, burgers and banter among friends is finding new life in Lehigh County.
Slate Mill Tavern, a family-friendly tavern offering high-quality American pub fare, is expected to open within the next few weeks at 751 Main St. in Slatington, co-owner George Yaniger said.
The new restaurant and bar will occupy a renovated property that previously housed The Shack, a tavern that operated for more than 20 years before closing in 2022.
Yaniger, owner of The Gin Mill & Grille on Main Street in Northampton, and his partner, Ruthie Turczyn, purchased the Slatington property and have been renovating the tavern over the past several weeks.
“We are working hard to convert The Shack into The Slate Mill,” the partners announced on the business’ Facebook page. “As we polish our glasses and make everything shine, we appreciate your patience. Our friendly staff is looking forward to meeting all of you very soon. Cheers!”
Yaniger has operated The Gin Mill for the past 16 years, and he’s looking to replicate the same family-friendly concept – complete with house-made specialties such as 10-hour, slow-roasted pork and roast beef sandwiches, and entertainment options such as televisions and a digital jukebox – at the Slate Mill Tavern.
“We’re super excited,” Yaniger said. “We want to be the local eatery where families come to relax, have fun and enjoy great food."
Yaniger and Turczyn are giving the Slatington tavern a “mostly cosmetic facelift,” with new lighting, ceiling tiles, furniture and more, Yaniger said.
They’re painting the walls light gray and slate blue and maintaining the space’s original 24-seat wooden bar, which was recently refurbished.
In addition to the bar accommodations, seating for an additional 40 guests will be available at a mix of booths and high-top tables, Yaniger said.
The partners are also planning to keep the Slatington tavern’s partially enclosed rear patio, which proved to be a popular drinking and dining spot during the spring and summer months.
“The back portion of The Shack was a very popular hangout, and we don’t have any intention of changing that,” Yaniger said. “That area will likely be open in the spring as we’re concentrating on the front for now.”
Slate Mill Tavern, managed by Slatington native Shaun Papay, will offer several Gin Mill staples including wings, burgers, tacos and cheesesteaks, Yaniger said.
It will feature a full bar, with draft and bottled beers, classic and signature cocktails and happy hour specials offered Monday through Friday. Weekly trivia will also be offered.
“We're kind of piggybacking off of what we do at The Gin Mill by offering great pub food, drinks and a family-friendly atmosphere,” Yaniger said. “We’re also going to offer weekly food and drinks specials, including some items that were popular at The Shack. We’re not looking to duplicate what The Shack did, but we want to give a nod to it.”
The Shack, operated by Mike and Shelly Galio, shuttered in June 2022. At the time, ownership attributed the closure to struggles stemming from the pandemic.
Slate Mill Tavern will be the latest tenant of the early 20th century building, which also has been home to other dining establishments, including Grim’s Arcade Restaurant, Welsh’s Inn and Frey’s Tavern.
The Slatington community has already given Yaniger and Turczyn a warm welcome.
“Since the first day that we started work on the space, neighbors and people just walking down the sidewalk have come up to us and extended warm wishes,” Yaniger said. “Everyone in town seems to be very excited, and we’re excited that they’re excited.”
Slate Mill Tavern, which will operate daily, is hiring for all front- and back-of-house positions. Individuals interested in applying for a job should send a direct message via the business' Facebook page, Yaniger said.
For the latest Slate Mill Tavern updates, including an official opening announcement, follow the business’ Facebook page.
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