Sept. 23, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Two fast-casual food chains are closer to opening at the Bethlehem Square Shopping Center in Bethlehem Township, just off Route 191.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos is hiring for its store at the former Subway location, and several workers were putting the place in order a few days ago.
Jersey Mike’s didn’t show quite as much activity but the process is under way. That sandwich store will be at the former Gamestop.
Both have locations not too far away. The closest Bubbakoo’s is at 1892 Leithsville Road in Hellertown. The menu includes burrito bowls, tacos, curly fries, quesadillas and more, and is there a menu for children.
Bubbako’s describes itself as a Mexican fusion, fast-casual restaurant with more than 100 locations across 15 states.
Jersey Mike’s has a store at the Westgate Mall, a couple miles west of Bethlehem Square. The chain has more than 4,000 shops open and under development, according to its website, and Jersey Mike’s is expanding into Ireland and the United Kingdom.
In 2024, private equity funds managed by Blackstone agreed to acquire a majority stake in the chain, with founder Peter Cancro keeping “a significant equity stake.”
Jersey Mike’s went public in July, with shares (NYSE:JMKE) selling for $23. At 10:26 a.m. today, the shares traded at $17.76 for a market capitalization of $4.1 billion.
At that price, a customer could buy one share of stock or a couple regular sandwiches.
