ORWIGSBURG - Madeline's restaurant in the borough will not reopen.
The restaurant at 1100 E. Market St. posted the news on Facebook on Tuesday.
"The owners and management have decided not to reopen the Orwigsburg Madeline's location. This was an extremely difficult decision to make but rebuilding the Orwigsburg restaurant is not what would be best for business. Factors contributing to this decision were the limited opportunity for expansion at the current location, the reduction of restaurant space due to compliance with ADA regulations and the inability to get adequate sewer and water accommodations for the restaurant. ... Once the new Madeline's is up and running, we want nothing more than to see the faces of our regulars again. You have given us so much support during this difficult situation and we will miss you all. Thanks again!"
A Madeline's is planned for Fogelsville, Lehigh County.
Jerry Blecker, general manager of Madeline's, did not return a call for comment after the message was posted.
A June 24, 2012, fire destroyed the business. The fire was ruled accidental.
The Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, board of supervisors approved the transfer of a liquor license in December from Charlie Brown's restaurant, Allentown, to King's Restaurant Group LLC. Nadine King owns Madeline's.
The proposed restaurant is to be located at 7801 Glenlivet Drive West, Suite 1, Fogelsville, and will open later this year.
"I am disappointed. I hate to see them go but we do expect them to make repairs to the building to make it presentable. They own the property. We expect them to maintain the property," Borough Manager Mike Lonergan said.
Blue Mountain School District President Mary Jo Moss will miss being able to eat the restaurant in the borough.
"I think it will be a big loss to the area. It was a favorite of my family and many people I know," she said.
