Allentown Goose to Close

The Allentown Goose is closing after 15 years on E. Emmaus Avenue, its owner Dave Soska said.

The small neighborhood grocery store at 1017 E. Emmaus Ave. that served as deli, catering service, ice cream bar and post office could not compete with the larger supermarkets and chain outlets, Soska said. A new supermarket is being built nearby on Broadway in Fountain Hill Borough.

The Allentown Goose's last day will be June 19, but Soska said he wants to reopen the store and is looking at other locations in Salisbury Township, possibly further west on Emmaus Avenue. Soska said the store would resume its catering, deli and ice cream services in about two to three months when it reopens. He is also looking into resuming postal service.

Terry Orendach, a 10-year veteran employee of The Allentown Goose, reflected on the popular local store’s impending change.

“It’s sad to see the store move,” Orendach said. “Since I was a kid, I remember memories of me walking down to the Goose and get ice cream. And being there so long, you get to know the customers and residents of the neighborhood.”

Orendach opens the store in the morning, operates the register, prepares catering and deli services, among other responsibilities. She hopes the establishment’s change will be for the best.

“We are on to bigger and better things,” Orendach said. “Sometimes change is good.”