BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem and its Main Street area are in for a treat, with two new stores setting up shop next month in a five-story Victorian building on the 500 block, officials said.
The news comes courtesy of a release from the property owner, Iconic Real Estate, and Lucy H. Lennon of Morganelli Properties, both of Bethlehem.
Le Macaron, a French pastry franchise serving macarons, gelato, coffees, teas and the like, will open at 521 Main St., the release said.
Just next door at 523 Main, Nurse Wellness Hemp Dispensary will offer its first “full-service” location in the Lehigh Valley.
The company currently has four locations in New Jersey and a “micro-location” on Linden Street in Bethlehem.
'Jewel of French pastries in Europe'
A macaron is a sandwich cookie typically made using almonds, meringue, food coloring and some kind of filling.
Le Macaron offers macaron offerings in more than 20 flavors — including lavender white chocolate, strawberry key lime, orange grand marnier, Colombian coffee and Sicilian pistachio. Also, gourmet chocolates, classic pastries, homemade candies and French cakes in meringue, chocolate, raspberry and gateau choco-coconut flavors.Le Macaron website
Le Macaron’s company website shows macaron offerings in more than 20 flavors — including lavender white chocolate, strawberry key lime, orange grand marnier, Colombian coffee and Sicilian pistachio, to name a few.
There also are some seasonal and dairy-free options.
Each handmade dessert is about 80 calories, involving no gluten-containing ingredients, the site reads.
The website also lists gourmet chocolates, classic pastries, homemade candies and French cakes in meringue, chocolate, raspberry and gateau choco-coconut flavors.
The franchise locator shows 68 locations across the United States that are open or in the works. The closest shop to Bethlehem is in Doylestown, Bucks County.
Nurse Wellness
The neighboring business, Nurse Wellness Hemp Dispensary, is said to soon offer CBD and other health products.
No medical marijuana card is needed to buy CBD-based offerings.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is found in marijuana but doesn’t cause a “high” like the base plant. It can be derived from hemp, a relative of marijuana, and studies have shown it can reduce anxiety, sleep issues, chronic pain and tobacco, alcohol or hard drug addictions.
It can come in the form of oil, edible, capsule, vapor and topical options.
Iconic Real Estate bought the whole property last July for $3.2 million and has converted the upper levels to luxury apartments.News release from Iconic Real Estate and Lucy H. Lennon of Morganelli Properties
The Nurse Wellness site has some offerings in seltzer, tea, chocolate, gummy and mint forms, as well as tincture, oil and treats for pets.
Neither company immediately responded to messages seeking comment regarding exact product offerings, opening dates, operating hours, potential job listings and more.
The Victorian building recently was home to Lobby at the Lofts, which offered live music and food along with drinks from the Cave Brewing Company taproom on site.
It also included nine loft-style temporary rental units up above the entertainment space.
Iconic Real Estate bought the whole property last July for $3.2 million and has converted the upper levels to luxury apartments, according to the news release.
