By LOU WHEELAND

Special to The Press

Dan and Laurie Wuchter, owners of the Allentown Farmers Market, reopened the Ritz Barbecue at the fairgrounds on March 4.

A welcome tradition to many Lehigh Valley residents, the Ritz had been closed when the previous owners retired.

At more than 100 years old, the Ritz was a staple in the Valley and revered by many as the best “hang out” spot in the area.

The Wuchters kept longtime chief cook, Barry Fenstermaker, to run the kitchen.

Fenstermaker has worked at the Ritz for 22 years, and has kept all the original menu available.