Lehigh University Launches Full-Service Restaurant Open to the Public
Bethlehem, PA (January 13, 2025)- When the reimagined Clayton University Center at Lehigh University debuts later this month it will feature a full-service restaurant open to the Lehigh campus community as well as the public. The university engaged Settlers Hospitality to manage restaurant operations at Lehigh University Pub, which is slated for an exclusive, invitation-only opening on January 28 and launching to the campus and general public on February 4.
A modern, casual atmosphere will provide the backdrop for elevated pub fare served at the restaurant. The concept addresses student feedback for more comfortable spaces to relax, additional food options on campus and another vibrant atmosphere conducive to socializing. Lehigh University Pub also pro- vides a new way to cultivate shared experiences among Lehigh community members and local residents.
Guests to the a la carte gastropub will have a dining experience that is not only fully immersed and inte- grated with Lehigh University’s culture, but also Bethlehem’s rich culinary history and traditions. The menu will appeal to diverse palates representing the community’s many cultures. Guests will enjoy craveable favorites with a creative twist such as Korean Chicken Sliders, Brown and White Potstickers, an 1865 Burger and Croque Madame. Entrée options run the gamut from Grilled Atlantic Salmon to Thai Curry Cauliflower. Food will be available for dine-in or to-go service. Lehigh University Pub will also boast an extensive craft beer and quality wine list that spotlights the products of alumni supplier partners. Pri- vate dining spaces for small groups will be available along with regularly scheduled entertainment and special events.
“We are excited to invite the community to the Lehigh University Pub in the reimagined Clayton Univer- sity Center, the heart of our campus,” said Chris Cook, interim vice president for finance and administra- tion at Lehigh University. “The pub will elevate the dining experience for our campus community while bringing together students, faculty and staff, as well as our neighbors and visitors to enjoy great food and build lasting relationships in a unique space that represents both Lehigh’s history and future.”
Settlers Hospitality has been a leader in boutique hotel and restaurant management for over 40 years with a collection of concepts in Lehigh Valley, the Pocono Mountains, Catskills and Scranton regions. CEO Justin Genzlinger’s ties to Lehigh Valley run deep. Not only is he a ’99 graduate of Lehigh University, but multiple generations of his family worked for Bethlehem Steel and The Sayre Mansion in the city’s South Side has been operated by Settlers Hospitality for over two decades. “It’s especially meaningful to be able to expand Settlers Hospitality’s presence in the region through this partnership with Lehigh Uni- versity,” explains Genzlinger. “Collaborating with the university and design team on the revitalization of the historic Clayton University Center was extremely rewarding. This new gastropub uniquely dovetails
the historic architecture with a modern aesthetic to introduce the first-of-its-kind dining experience for students, faculty, guests and the general public.”
Lehigh University Pub is located on the third floor of Clayton University Center adjacent to the Great Room, which features a lounge, game room and event stage. The restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. A formal building dedication and celebration will take place in fall 2025. For more information, visit LehighUniversityPub.com.
About Settlers Hospitality
Settlers Hospitality, boutique hotel and restaurant concept in the Pocono Mountains, Catskills, New York, Scranton and Lehigh Valley, consists of The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches Resort, Hotel Anthracite, Sayre Mansion, The Chestnut Inn on Oquaga Lake, The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Glass- wine.bar.kitchen, Kōl Grill, Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery, Lake Region Fitness, Art on the Edge and Gorgeous Floral. For more information, check out SettlersHospitality.com
About Lehigh University
Founded in 1865, Lehigh University is recognized among the nation’s premier private research universi- ties. Through academic rigor, an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative opportunities students are challenged to become leaders of the future. Programs of study are offered in five distinguished colleges with an ideal student-to-faculty ratio on one of the nation’s most beautiful campuses.
Information provided to TVL by:
Barbara Toolan
