BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Wind Creek Bethlehem is expanding its food and beverage lineup with the addition of three new fast-casual dining options.The new tenants – Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s and Moe’s Southwest Grill – will operate under Villa Restaurant Group and will be located within Wind Creek Bethlehem’s food court, The Market, according to a news release.
Starbucks is anticipated to open in the fall in space that previously housed Croissanterie, a fast-casual eatery that offered fresh coffee, filled-to-order croissants and other treats.
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Auntie Anne’s – replacing the food court’s Bananas smoothie stand – and Moe’s – replacing the food court’s Green Leaf’s salad stand – are expected to open in early 2025.
“We are thrilled to add these renowned brands to Wind Creek Bethlehem’s food and beverage roster,” said Patrick Ryan, executive vice president and general manager at Wind Creek Bethlehem. “Our ongoing partnership with Villa Restaurant Group has allowed us to continuously evolve the property’s culinary options for Wind Creek Bethlehem Guests.”
“As long term partners at Wind Creek Bethlehem, our goal has always been to provide a delicious, high quality, and globally diverse selection of foods and concepts at the property,” added Biagio Scotto, president of Villa Restaurant Group. “The addition of these three well regarded national brands serves to continue this trend by offering fresh and familiar flavors that will elevate the culinary and guest experiences at this growing world class destination.”
Wind Creek Bethlehem currently features several on-site dining options, including two signature restaurants, Chop House at Wind Creek and Urban Table.
The property also features Steelworks Buffett and Grill and quick-service eateries such as Green Leaf’s and Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen at The Market, both operated under Villa Restaurant Group.
Auntie Anne’s, known for its hand-baked soft pretzels and refreshing lemonade, got its start in 1988 when Anne Beiler opened a stand in a Pennsylvania farmer’s market, according to a message on the business’ website.
“After some experimentation, ‘Auntie’ Anne created a masterpiece — the same freshly baked goodness you know and love today,” the message continues.
The chain offers freshly baked soft pretzels, including specialty varieties such as jalapeno, pepperoni, cinnamon sugar and roasted garlic and parmesan, along with pretzel dogs, pretzel nuggets, lemonade and more.
There are more than 1,200 Auntie Anne’s locations worldwide, including around two dozen regional locations.
Moe’s Southwest Grill, founded in 2000 and based in Atlanta, is a fast-casual restaurant franchise serving “high quality and fresh southwestern food.”
Moe’s serves up a variety of menu items, including its popular burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas and specialty offerings such as stacks, Moe’s take on a “Southwest wrap,” served with your choice of protein, beans, shredded cheese, pico de gallo and queso, stacked between two crunchy shells wrapped in a grilled tortilla.
Guests are welcome to “create whatever they’re craving” by choosing from more than 20 fresh ingredients, according to a description on the chain’s website.
Moe’s stands for Musicians Outlaws and Entertainers, and restaurants’ hand-selected playlists are “filled with the amazing artists who left this world too early since these legends changed the musical landscape and continue to inspire guitar slingers, lyrical poets and a new generation of pioneers,” according to a message on the chain’s website.
Moe’s Southwest Grill has over 600 locations, including more than a half dozen other regional locations in the Lehigh Valley, Poconos and Bucks and Montgomery counties.
Atlanta-based Focus Brands Inc. is the parent company of Auntie Anne’s and Moe’s Southwest Grill, along with other well-known brands such as Carvel, Cinnabon and Jamba.
The addition of Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s and Moe’s to Wind Creek Bethlehem’s food and beverage lineup is welcome news for hungry and thirsty guests.
Carlo’s Bake Shop, a chain of bakeries fronted by celebrity baker Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, in June abruptly closed its only Lehigh Valley location at The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Other dining options, including full-service restaurants Emeril’s Fish House and Buddy V’s Ristorante, closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.