Billy Kounoupis prides himself on breaking from the norm.
When he opened Billy's Downtown Diner in downtown Bethlehem more than a decade ago, he stretched the limits of traditional diner fare such as pancakes and omelets.
Now, he's planning to knock the concept of a burger joint off its axis.
Let me explain: Kounoupis is planning to open Bethlehem Burger Bar in late October at the former Theo's Gyros & More space at 639 Linden St.
Kounoupis, a real estate buff, recently purchased the two-story building at North and Linden streets with plans to sell it off. But after noticing the renaissance of new commerce in the neighborhood just blocks from Liberty High School, he wanted to be in on the action.
So now he's gutting the former gyro joint. Everything but the sink and freezer are marked for the junk pile. The space will feature a contemporary design with a long burger bar, flat-screen televisions and seating for about 35 patrons. There also will be outdoor seating for as many as 40, available year-round thanks to the installation of heat lamps.
The building's facade is also getting an update, he added.
Kounoupis said the eatery's menu will include burgers, hot dogs, french fries and milkshakes. That's about as specific as he wanted to be during my tour of the place a few days ago. He assured me that it will be "classic ingredients," but with his signature flair.
"This is a burger bar, but not in the traditional sense," Kounoupis said.
He said this will be nothing like any of his current ventures.
This isn't the only news, though. Kounoupis hinted that there's more news on the horizon, but details are hush-hush for the moment.
Kounoupis is no stranger to the world of fast and casual fare. He owned the short-lived Greekers burger joint in south Bethlehem, which was destroyed by a fire in 2009.
With all this talk of burgers, I think I better hit the gym. On second thought, let's just talk about it.
Since there wasn't avitamin store near the popular Planet Fitness on Hanover Avenue in Allentown, a merchant has stepped up to fill the void.
VitaFuel is slotted to open early next month next to El Greco's II pizzeria in the shopping center, according to co-owner Ryan Wilmott.
The shop will be stocked with a full line of vitamins and sports supplements, he added.
Wilmott said this will be the inaugural shop for a chain planning to have five new stores open within five years.
We usually see health stores close to Fitness Centers, as sales are easy-pickings from bodybuilders and Average Joes who want to maximize their workouts. Protein Xpress protein, a shakes and healthy snacks shop near Planet Fitness in Tilghman Square Shopping Center in South Whitehall Township, is one example.
These merchants highlight the importance of location, location, location. Merchants want to be where they have a set customer base. Some other examples include sports bars near sporting venues, gas stations near highways and bail bond offices near prisons.
Jeweler PANDORA is coming soon to the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, next to American Eagle Outfitters.
