COPLAY, Pa. — The Bacon Strip, a beloved local breakfast spot, is one step closer to reopening after a major fire earlier this year left its building severely damaged.
Landlord Matt Morrow shared an update this week, saying the restaurant’s comeback story is “finally taking shape” after eight months of cleanup, construction and community support.
“What started as heartbreak has turned into pure grit and determination — and no one embodies that more than Emily and Reuben from The Bacon Strip,” Morrow wrote in a Facebook post Thursday. “Here they are, literally shoveling their way toward reopening, piece by piece, after months of setbacks, permits and a full commercial rebuild.”
The February fire, which Morrow described as the result of “someone else’s direct and malicious actions,” caused major damage to the property. He called the experience “terrifying” and “eye-opening,” crediting first responders from multiple departments — including Coplay, Northampton Borough, Charotin Hose and Catasauqua — for preventing an even greater tragedy.
Despite the loss, Morrow said the restaurant’s tenants, Emily and Reuben, have shown remarkable perseverance as they rebuild from the ground up with brand-new electrical, plumbing, framing, insulation and drywall.
“To the thousands of you who’ve followed their journey, shared posts, stopped to check in and sent words of encouragement — you’ve kept this dream alive,” Morrow said.
While no firm reopening date has been set, Morrow said it will likely take at least another three months before The Bacon Strip can welcome back customers. Once renovations are complete, the property will also feature newly remodeled apartments available for rent.
Morrow added that the experience has been a reminder of the challenges of property ownership — and the importance of integrity through hardship.
“Real estate isn’t always pretty,” he said. “Sometimes you lose more money, time and heartache than you ever make. But do the right thing, always and forever, and treat people right — it always comes back around.”
