ALLENTOWN, Pa. — One of Allentown’s most well-known restaurants is beginning a new chapter under familiar leadership.
Zonia Sibri, a longtime customer and local entrepreneur, officially purchased Stahley’s, the East Allentown restaurant and bar serving generations of Lehigh Valley residents, on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Sibri first visited Stahley’s shortly after arriving in the United States from Ecuador in 1995 — an experience she remembers vividly.
“This was the first American restaurant I ever went to,” Sibri said. “My brother-in-law said the clams were the best, so we went. The food was great, the service was great, the atmosphere was great. It felt like family.”
Since then, Sibri has built a career in hospitality and real estate, owning multiple businesses in the region. When she learned Stahley’s might be for sale, she saw an opportunity to preserve a piece of Allentown history while adding her own touch.
“I always said if one day it’s for sale, maybe I’ll try to get this place,” she said. “It’s a good area, nice people, and I see a lot of possibilities.”
Those possibilities include keeping Stahley’s classic meals — including the clams, cheesesteaks, cheeseburgers, Black Diamond steak and homemade soups — while reintroducing breakfast service. Sibri plans to offer paninis, pulled pork Benedict, cream chipped beef and homemade coffee and juice options.
She also hopes to expand salad and seafood offerings and include soup or fries with sandwiches.
“If customers ask for something, we’ll make it,” Sibri said. “I want them to feel like they’re in a family house.”
Sibri said the current staff plans to stay on, and she’ll bring in additional chefs and training specialists to support the expanded menu. Initial renovations will focus on kitchen equipment and fresh paint, with future updates planned for furniture and signage. She said she also hopes to revive the use of the restaurant’s banquet room for private events.
The sale was financed through Lehigh Financial Group, with Jeff Barber arranging the deal. Barber praised Sibri’s journey from customer to owner.
“Zonia’s story is exactly the kind that reminds us why we do what we do,” Barber said. “She has the drive, experience and heart to lead this business into its next chapter.”
Stahley’s first opened on Oct. 16, 1968, under founder Donald Stahley Sr. The Stahley family thanked the community for 57 years of support and asked residents to welcome Sibri in continuing the restaurant’s legacy.
“Today marks the end of a legacy which began in 1968,” the family wrote in a statement. “Please welcome Zonia Sibri as the new owner and help make her a huge success.”
