NAZARETH, Pa. — Carl’s Corner, a cherished local restaurant known for its cheesesteaks and friendly service, will close its Nazareth location on November 30 due to economic challenges.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of our Nazareth restaurant on November 30,” the management said in a Facebook statement. Despite our best efforts, hopes, and dreams, we cannot continue to operate in the current economy.”
They cited rising food and energy costs as significant factors in the decision. “We know that the rising cost of food and energy has affected everyone in recent years, and restaurants are not immune to that reality,” the statement read.
Carl’s Corner opened its Nazareth location in December 2021, expanding from its original Bethlehem site at 2 W. Elizabeth Avenue.
The Nazareth restaurant, located at 848 Nazareth Pike, offered a larger space with seating for 30 patrons and the same beloved menu.
“We wanted to bring our cheesy, saucy food to the Nazareth community,” co-owner Cindy Weintraub said in a 2021 interview. “It’s been exciting to see new faces and share our family recipes with more people.”
The Bethlehem location will remain open, and the team plans to focus their efforts there. “As we say goodbye to Nazareth, we will concentrate our efforts on our flagship restaurant,” the statement said. “We will always value the Nazareth community and will always welcome the familiar faces of our Nazareth friends.”
The restaurant has a rich history in the Lehigh Valley. Carl and Betsy Souders opened it in 1991 as J’s Steaks and Subs and renamed it Carl’s Corner in 1996.
When the Souders considered retiring in 2017, Matt and Cindy Weintraub purchased the Bethlehem eatery to keep the beloved establishment running.
The staff expressed deep gratitude to their patrons. “We are so grateful to every single customer who has stopped in over the past several years. Serving up our cheesy, saucy food with a side order of ‘tude has been our sincere pleasure,” the statement read. “Your loyalty has meant the world to us.”
Customers are encouraged to visit the Nazareth location throughout November for a final meal.
“We hope you will all stop in throughout the month so we can say our farewells and serve you up the food we all love one last time,” the management said.
