ALLENTOWN, PA — The Brass Rail, an iconic Allentown eatery that has operated for over 91 years, will reopen at the Allentown Farmers Market later this year after a two-year hiatus.
The beloved restaurant, which used to operate at 3015 Lehigh St in Allentown, officially closed on June 4th, 2022.
At that time, local news outlets reported that brother and sister duo Mark Sorrentino and Pam Ray had signed an agreement to sell the property to a developer to make way for a Royal Farms at the location.
However, in a report from WFMZ, owner Mark Sorrentino said those plans fell through, and it was too late to reinstate the business. Most recently, WaWa has been eyeing the spot to expand its convenience empire.
The updated fast-casual concept has a reduced menu focusing on the restaurant’s most popular items and fan favorites.
The new venue is on the lower level of the Allentown Farmers Market, next to the grocery store and diagonally from Foods of the Mediterranean.
Mark, his wife, and some past team members hope to serve great food and continue a nearly century-old tradition in Allentown by July or August.
“We’re going to be doing the cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, and variations of the cheesesteaks, like California, as well as our hot dogs, French fries, and pierogies,” Sorrentino said to WFMZ.
They also plan to offer breakfast items since the Farmers Market pulls a crowd as soon as the doors open early in the morning.
The Brass Rail was conceptualized by Philip Sorrentino, a 9-year-old immigrant boy who came to the USA from Italy in 1917.
Today, over 91 years later, his grandson Mark carries the torch, keeping an age-old tradition alive with continued dedication to serving their loyal patrons.
