Check out The Broken Record, the latest hotspot that fuses good food with a love for music.
A new dining establishment, The Broken Record, has opened its doors in Lower Macungie Township, aiming to create its own identity while honoring the legacy of a beloved former restaurant. Located at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, this venture began a soft opening period in late December. Co-owners Jeff Trainer and Andrea Kenney are behind the project, hoping to carve out a niche in the local dining scene.
The menu is diverse, offering a range of dishes including pizza, burgers, salads, and fish, alongside crowd-pleasers like spinach artichoke dip and tempura cauliflower. Beverage options feature signature cocktails such as the “Cosmo-rita” martini, as well as lunch items that were once available at the recently closed Griddle 145. Taylor Eisenhard, the head chef, previously launched Griddle 145 in Whitehall Township before joining The Broken Record team.
Trainer and Kenney have been mindful of the potential in their Hamilton Boulevard location, having previously rented out spaces to other tenants. Trainer remarked, “It’s just getting more valuable, that land, and since we controlled it, we thought it would be foolish to give it up.” They believe the combination of their restaurant experience and Eisenhard’s culinary skills makes this an exciting venture.
The restaurant’s design sets it apart, having collaborated with Emmaus-based Swine Design. Kenney aimed for a unique atmosphere, recalling the initial designs felt too generic. She insisted on infusing Trainer’s personality into the space, inspired by his love for music and his background in event management. Bold decor choices, including a striking wallpaper that resembles a zebra, reflect this vision.
One of the standout features is the high-quality sound system, which Trainer proudly notes is a rarity in restaurants. “Most places settle for mono,” he stated. “We opted for a full stereo system, allowing sound to envelop the entire space. If Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ is playing, it creates an immersive experience.”
In other local restaurant news, Retro Burger has permanently closed its doors after just two years in Bethlehem, while Fiamma Italian Grill announced its temporary closure due to water damage. Meanwhile, Mariachi Mexican Grill & John’s Pizza will celebrate a grand opening on January 19 in Washington Township, featuring a menu of pizzas, stromboli, and more.
Additionally, the Easton Public Market reported the closure of vendor More Than Q Barbecue Co. Katie’s Country Kitchen is set to reopen on January 23, serving a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Grandma Chicken Pica Pollo plans to open a new location in Bethlehem in February, offering fried chicken and other delights.
In other business updates, Main Street Real Estate Group will relocate its office in February, aiming to create a space that combines real estate with community art and vendor pop-ups. Meanwhile, GameStop has closed one of its locations in Richland Township.
As the Lehigh Valley continues to see changes in its dining and retail environment, the Easton Winter Market kicked off its season, showcasing local vendors every Saturday. The market runs until April 25, providing a platform for local businesses to connect with the community.