ABOUT US
ZEST bar+grille, an award winning restaurant from the creators of the Grille 3501 of West End Allentown, opened in January 2019 on the rooftop floor of 306 South New Street, in the heart of Bethlehem’s South Side Arts District. ZEST has been awarded and recognized annually by Opentable and various local magazines.
ZEST, defined by 'great enthusiasm and energy,' is the vision of the culinary and social experience the team strives to deliver to the Valley using South Side Bethlehem as their stage. A unique dining experience, ZEST offers three-season terrace seating where guests enjoy spectacular views of the Steel Stacks, Hill-to-Hill and Fahy bridges, as well as the Bethlehem Library, City Hall, and beyond.
ZEST is a place where guests can dive deep into the newest culinary creations offered through a progressive menu that highlights the best of New American cuisine. Tapping into techniques used successfully at Grille 3501, Chef Justin Cogan's culinary creativity continues to shine, but in an all new setting.
OUR TEAM
JEFF BILLIG
General Manager
Born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, Jeff brings 20+ years of industry experience to Zest. Jeff is a natural leader, who will lead the team as General Manager. He is
proud of his foundation instilled by his parents, which includes hard work, mutual respect and leading through being a positive example. Jeff's wife, Sarah, and kids Noah and Jeffrey are his motivation to succeed.
Jeff is ecstatic for the opportunity to lead the Zest team into the future, building on its strong culture and leaving a legacy behind for his family and staff.
JUSTIN COGAN
Executive Chef
A native of the Lehigh Valley,
Justin graduated from the culinary arts program at Northampton Community College. After gaining valuable experience at several Philadelphia eateries, as well Allentown's Cosmopolitan restaurant, Justin joined Grille 3501 as the Sous Chef in 2016. But it didn't take long to recognize that Justin's extraordinary talent was the perfect fit to lead the culinary team here at ZEST bar+grille.
ALYSSA SABLICH
Manager
Alyssa brought to ZEST her extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. She began her career at the Texas Roadhouse in 2011, where she also met her now husband, Nick, whom she married in 2017.
After some time at Shula's Steak House and Grille 3501, she didn't hesitate to embrace the opportunity to join the team at ZEST.
DANI JOHNSON
Manager
A native of Bethlehem, Dani graduated from Northampton Community College with a degree in business management. She brought more than five years restaurant experience with her when she joined the ZEST team to help open our doors in January 2019. Dani is thrilled to be a part of the management team at the Lehigh Valley's Favorite Restaurant!