Partnership Acquires Former Buca di Beppo in Whitehall to Launch International Turkish Market and Kitchen
WHITEHALL, Pennsylvania – A team of experienced food entrepreneurs has purchased the former Buca di Beppo restaurant at 714 Grape Street in Whitehall, with plans to transform the space into an international market and kitchen with a Mediterranean focus. The $1,150,000 acquisition was completed on June 4, 2025, by Sultan Property Group LLC, a partnership formed by Timor Bulag, Cengiz Yalim, Tuncay Yalim, and Mohammad Khan.
The group will fully renovate the 1.7-acre standalone property, leveraging its existing commercial kitchen, ample parking, and expansion potential to establish the first concept of its kind in the Lehigh Valley.
“Our core business is food importing, and we’ve had our eye on the Allentown corridor for a long time,” said Bulag. “There’s a void in this market for what we offer—halal butchery, Mediterranean and international foods, and a gourmet shopping experience. We’ve vetted this area for over 10 years.”
The vision for the new business includes an international supermarket featuring Mediterranean specialties, ethnic groceries, and a restaurant-style kitchen. The location will offer gourmet groceries and fresh prepared foods, including custom cuts of halal meats, fresh dairy, olives, imported chocolates, and more than 20 varieties of kebabs. The owners also plan to add a four-season dining deck and possibly expand the building footprint.
“We’re foodies,” Bulag said. “We want to offer something different to the neighborhood—quality products in a beautiful setting, not a discount look. Our model is built on experience and passion.”
The renovation plans are extensive. “We’re gutting the interior, installing automated glass doors, upgrading the kitchen, and adding refrigeration, an olive bar, juice bar, and more,” said Bulag. “We also hope to add 3,000 square feet to the building and maybe even a second floor.”
The team aims to open by Thanksgiving, pending township approvals. “We’re targeting a soft opening followed by a grand opening with the local community and possibly the mayor,” Bulag said. The business is expected to create 20 to 25 new jobs.
Though the group has yet to finalize a name for the venture, the concept will center around an “international supermarket with a kitchen.” The team brings more than 20 years of combined retail and wholesale food industry experience and sees this project as a launchpad for broader expansion across the East Coast.
“We want to grow organically, and this is just the beginning,” Bulag said. “From here to Miami—there are existing stores we want to take over and rebrand.”
Lehigh Financial Group’s Antonia Trigiani arranged the financing for the deal. “Professionalism to the ump level,” said Bulag. “They were very honest, comforting, and got it done on time—even after our first lender failed us. Jeff Barber, Toni Trigiani, and the team at Lehigh Financial Group communicated well and delivered.”
Bulag also praised realtor Brian Bailey of KW Commercial – The James Balliet Group. “He had the right blend of communication—cordial, professional, and reliable.”
The loan was provided by First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union. First United Land Transfer handled the title and closing services.
Lehigh Financial Group, LLC is a leading source of innovative real estate capital solutions and financing options for commercial customers. The company, based in Allentown, serves the Lehigh Valley region—including Northampton, Bucks, and Berks counties, Philadelphia, and beyond—by providing capital for businesses and investors locally, regionally, and nationwide. For more information, visit LehighFinancialGroup.com.
Information provided to TVL by:
Chad Clauser
