A local artisan ice creamery is preparing to introduce the Lehigh Valley to the next great dining combination. The owners of Batch Microcreamery will be opening an ice cream and waffles shop called Batter Up in Bethlehem later this year, reports local media outlet 69 News.
The eatery will be serving scoops out of a new building at 307-311 East Third Street, which will be able to accommodate around 40 customers.
Batter Up co-owner Rick Pongracz spoke with What Now Philadelphia about bringing the power couple of ice cream and waffles to the Lehigh Valley. “We find that a lot of our customer base loved our waffle cones at our current location that we have now, whether it’s waffle cones or Belgium waffles.” he states, adding “All our staff are trained on making them how I like them to be made. We’re going to have recipes for everything.”
The Batch Microcreamery team believe that Bethlehem is undergoing a renaissance that will make it a perfect environment to debut the Batter Up concept. “The south side of Bethlehem is growing-they’re doing a lot of great things down there.” says Pongracz. “It’s very artsy and we see ourselves being a part of that.”
Fans of Batch Microcreamery’s delicious premium ice cream can look forward to enjoying 16 of the brand’s 32 varieties in the new shop. Pangracz explains that Batter Up will have 10 staple flavors with around six rotating ice creams.
Batter Up will prioritize its customers’ needs and restrictions. While dairy lovers will have plenty to choose from, the shop will provide options for those with alternative diets. Pangracz states “We’re going to have a gluten free waffle, made on a separate iron, along with non-dairy, vegan ice cream options.”
Batter Up is hoping to open its doors just in time to help the Lehigh Valley beat the heat. Pangracz says his team is currently wrapping up the design phase and heading into construction. “We’re looking at hopefully spring/summer, May/June- it all depends on construction right now.” he says.
Batter Up has a simple but welcoming goal; to provide a pleasant and warm environment for visitors to indulge in one of the most universally beloved treats. “We just want our customer base to enjoy our handcrafted ice creams with our homemade waffles-get that wonderful, vanilla aroma in the air. We want our customers to have a great time when they come in and enjoy themselves as much as we enjoy serving them.”
