Closed Bernie's Restaurant Drawing Interest In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA —While Bernie's Restaurant & Bar has closed, the property might not be vacant for too long.

"There's been interest in Bernie's," Borough Manager Diane Hegele told Patch.

Hegele would not go into detail about how many or what businesses might be interested in the building on 58 S. York Rd.

Meanwhile, another closed restaurant in the borough will be getting new life soon.

Gallo Tropical, a Mexican restaurant at 134 S. York Rd., will be replaced by Amor A La Mexicana.

The Mexican restaurant will hold its grand opening next Friday, July 21, with free drinks, nachos, Flautas, and Tamales. A Mariachi band will also perform.

Bernie's opened in the borough in 2011.

The casual dining eatery featured a menu of craft beers, fine wines, freshly-prepared food, a comfortable dining room, and two private rooms for parties. Live music was featured at brunch on Saturdays, according to the eatery's website.

Bernie's closure came just after a raid by state authorities last month for a liquor license violation.

Bernie's in Hatboro had been cited by the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, before.

In a March report, the liquor control board found that Bernie's served an "unlimited or indefinite amount" of alcoholic beverages for 31 days over a five-month span, including unlimited mimosas that were served at a set price of $21.

Another nearby Bernie's property was recently sold and is under new ownership.

Dan and Chelsea Katz, owners of West Ave Grille Restaurant & Food Truck and Pizza Wheel in Jenkintown, are taking over the former Bernie’s Restaurant & Bar property at 391 Highland Ave. in Glenside.

The couple said on Facebook that the new venture will be called the Highland Restaurant and Bar and that it's coming soon. No date has been slated for the opening.