Black-owned businesses thrive in the Lehigh Valley

BY YAMELIN JAQUEZ — ; PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 13, 2020, 2:44 PM

Evan Robinson, the owner and a certified personal trainer at 36E Fitness. Robinson started his own private gym after hearing many athletes complain about the lack of privacy while training in big gyms.

Over the years, the Lehigh Valley has seen a growth in diversity of businesses. There are a number of Black-owned businesses that have sprouted in the Bethlehem and Allentown communities. 

Coal Bethlehem is not a typical casual dining establishment. It aims to provide the customer with authentic West African fusion.

Kofi Armah, from Ghana, is the executive chef at Coal Bethlehem and has been living in the Lehigh Valley for about nine years.

“I’ve worked for a couple of establishments in the Lehigh Valley, like Hotel Bethlehem,” Armah said. “I realized that we didn’t have that much diversity in the dining scene.”

Armah recalls some challenges he had to face when starting this business. However, he was more motivated to teach about what was missing.

“The cuisine isn’t as popular compared to every other place in the area,” Armah said. “It was more of a challenge educating the consumer.”

In its dishes, the restaurant aims to include elements from West African cuisine but mainly focuses on Ghana’s street food.

Menu items include a variety of grilled meats and salads. Armah said there have been some challenges as a result of COVID-19.

“We are not doing as much dining as takeout, which is not the best,” Armah said. “We prepared for our guest to dine in here to have the full experience.”

The restaurant is located at 81 W. Broad St. in Bethlehem and is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.  Read the full article