Published July 28. 2020 12:24PM
There is a new ice cream shop in Bethlehem, as Bangor-based Dinky’s Ice Cream Parlor and Grill officially opened its doors on July 3 at their 312 East 3rd Street location in Bethlehem. Owners Norman and Jill Matthews saw the SouthSide of Bethlehem as an opportunity with SteelStacks, Lehigh University and other amenities located in the environs and they decided to pursue a second location. Dinky’s is named for Norman’s childhood nickname and he says his father still uses it.
They boast three soft ice cream, 24 hard ice cream, four vegan ice cream and six Italian ice flavors, in addition to grill favorites such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, chili, taco salad, shrimp tacos and chicken tenders, among selections on the grill menu. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
Opening night even drew customers from the Bangor area, such as Wayne and Lisa Jones, who described Dinky’s as “good people and good food.” A retro interior design takes customers back to the 1940s and 1950s with its feel.
The Swing Time Dolls performed classic songs from the 1940s to entertain customers on opening night.
Southside Arts District manager Missy Hartney called Dinky’s vibe and business “perfect for the Southside.”
Dinky's owners Norman and Jill Matthews give an enthusiastic signal at the grand opening of their East Third Street location.
Sales associate Jade Bello transacts an order for customer Wayne Jones of Bangor. Jones said he and his wife Lisa frequent the original Dinky's in Bangor. “We wanted to show our support,” said Jones.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB The interior of Dinky's on East Third Street has a very retro design.
The Swing Time Dolls welcome customers by performing in front of Dinky's and singing many hit numbers from the 1940s.
