Former Shanty owners to open new restaurant in center city Allentown

Former owner of The Shanty, Don Saylor, announces his plans for a new downtown restaurant across the street from the PPL Center in Allentown.

One of Allentown's best-known restaurateur families is getting in on the redevelopment downtown.

Don and Diane Saylor, longtime owners of The Shanty restaurant, announced plans Wednesday to open a restaurant at the former House of Chen at 732 Hamilton St., one of many properties owned by downtown developer City Center Investment Corp.

The yet-to-be-named restaurant is expected to open in September. It will seat about 100 people for lunch and dinner and will serve contemporary American cuisine and cocktails in a 1920s-type setting.

Evoking images of the former Colonial Theater, Don Saylor said he and his wife remember the vibrant business community in Allentown that once attracted people from across the Lehigh Valley.

All that excitement is coming back with construction of the PPL Center arena, scheduled to open in September, a Marriott Renaissance Hotel attached to it, and several other buildings with thousands of square feet of office and retail space, Saylor said.

"Just to come down here as someone who is walking the street, you can't help but feel how vibrant, the excitement," Saylor said. "This place is happening. It's going to be happening more next week and next year, so we are excited about being a part of that."

City Center President J.B. Reilly touted the Saylors as some of the "premier restaurant operators" in the Valley and thanked the pair for having confidence in the downtown.

"We can't wait to experience what you have in store for us," Reilly said.

For decades, the Saylors had a strong following with The Shanty restaurant on 19th Street. The comfortable eatery, best known for its salad bar, was frequented by people attending shows at the nearby Civic Theatre or celebrating special occasions.

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Former Shanty owners to open new restaurant in center city Allentown