After more than nine decades serving up its popular cheese steak sandwiches to Lehigh Valley patrons, The Brass Rail restaurant at 3015 Lehigh St., Allentown, will close permanently June 4.

The announcement came last week with a sign at its entrance stating the decision was made “with much sadness.”

Patrons hoped a new restaurant location in the area would be found after co-owners Mark Sorrentino and his sister, Pam Ray, disclosed in 2020 the site of the restaurant had been sold to Royal Farms, a Baltimore-based gas station/convenience store noted for its fried chicken.

The restaurant remained viable during the pandemic shutdowns with its attached takeout windows, with racks of orders stacked up for pickup.

The closing sign said the decision to close “was very difficult” and went on to thank loyal customers and its “wonderful employees.”

“The Brass Rail would not have survived and thrived without both,” the sign said.

The Brass Rail was founded in 1931 by Mark Sorrentino’s grandfather, Phil. Upon his death its ownership passed to Phil’s son, Richard. Sorrentino and his sister Pam Ray took ownership in 1969 after Richard’s death.

Day-to-day operations were handled by Mark Sorrentino and his wife, Leigh. Pam Ray lives outside Pennsylvania.

Mark Sorrentino was not available to talk with The Press for a comment.