HEIDELBERG TWP., Pa. – The family behind a beloved Lehigh Valley restaurant – forced to vacate its longstanding spot over the summer – will begin a new delicious chapter at another location.
Katie’s Family Restaurant, a family-run eatery known for its burgers, steaks, seafood platters and all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar, in late July held its last day of business at 6397 Route 309 in Heidelberg Township amid a landlord-tenant dispute.
Now, the operators are planning to serve up the business' popular eats and drinks – along with some new menu items – at a new location.
The restaurant’s new iteration, Katie’s Country Kitchen, was originally planned for the nearby Star Plaza strip mall, but that plan is no longer in the works due to unforeseen circumstances, owner Katie Macalush said.
A new location announcement is "coming soon," Macalush said.
“If I’ve learned anything these last few months, it’s that everything truly happens for a reason,” Macalush stated in a post shared on the business’ Facebook page.
“Rejection is Protection. When something you thought you wanted didn’t work out, only means that something better is in store. That didn’t work out for you in some way, only to see that months later it really worked out for you. Almost perfectly.”
Macalush’s late father, Jim Macalush, established Katie’s in 2012 at the site of the former Hamm’s Drive-In and former Northwestern Grill at Route 309 and Northwest Road, adjacent to Northwestern Lehigh High School, Katie said.
Katie's Family Restaurant previously operated at Route 309 and Northwest Road in Heidelberg Township.
The full-service restaurant Katie’s, which is BYOB, has become a “cornerstone of the community,” where individuals and families gather for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Katie said.
Popular menu items include omelets, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, steaks and seafood selections.
Katie is a server alongside her mom, Denise Macalush, who she labels her “right-hand partner.”
The business is a true family affair, with Katie’s two children – who are 3 and 5 years old – also regularly visiting the restaurant to greet guests.
At the new dining establishment, guests will be able to enjoy Katie’s favorite community specials, “with lots of new features specializing in breakfast, lunch and dinner with Hershey’s ice cream,” Katie told 69 News.
“Thank you for being patient and supporting my Mom and I during this difficult time,” Katie announced in the online post.
“I have a NEW idea that we will be building from the bottom up. This place will truly come from the heart. A place that feels like home to everyone. A place to gather and a place to enjoy. A place we call ours.”
For the latest updates, including a location announcement and other reopening plans, follow Katie’s on Facebook.
