Matey’s Crossroads Hotel has been a landmark at the intersection of Main and High streets in Hellertown for more than 100 years. (FILE PHOTO)
In an abrupt turnaround from earlier reports that Matey’s Crossroads Hotel would remain open until it is sold, employees of the landmark Hellertown restaurant–which was listed for sale in March–learned Thursday that their last day of work will be Saturday, May 7, according to a source.
“Everyone is so upset” over the “abrupt” announcement that the restaurant will close before a buyer is found, said the source, who has knowledge of the situation.
In interviews with local newspapers such as the Express-Times in March, owner Ray Matey said he planned to keep the restaurant open until it is sold, and to assist with the transition to new ownership.
The three-story building that includes the restaurant and bar, its liquor license, time-tested recipes and all its contents are currently listed for sale for $2 million.
The Matey family has owned the Crossroads since 1953, and now plan to retire, according to reports.
The restaurant is especially well-known throughout the Lehigh Valley for its pizza and cheesesteaks.
It’s also largely symbolic of a time gone by, with its dark paneling and retro interior decor, “cash only” payment policy and lack of an online presence.
The restaurant is located at 1443 Main St., Hellertown.
It has traditionally been open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for Sundays, when it is closed. Recently the restaurant has also been closed Mondays.