Developer Wants to Re-Open South Side Restaurant

It's been nearly two decades since anyone sat down to dinner at the Hilltop Cafe on Easton's South Side.

Now, a New Jersey restaurant family wants to re-open the long-shuttered restaurant, and turn it into an Italian eatery.

Frank Tolotta, who runs several restaurants in New Jersey, and his daughter are restoring the former Hilltop Café on the top of South Side hill, at Madison and St. John streets, according to Mayor Sal Panto. 

"This building has been vacant for mote than 15 years and will add a lot to the South Side giving local neighbors another choice and visitors to south side as well," said Panto, who announced the night at the the opening of his new campaign office on Third Street.

Fellow Democratic candidates, including local county council candidate Bob Werner, school board candidates Janet Myers and Frank Pintabone, along with State Representative Robert Freeman, City Controller Tony Bassil and Easton Councilman Ken Brown, attended in support of Panto's reelection campaign.

The event, featuring food from several local long time venues, was well attended, including by some city officials and employees, along with supporters and friends.

Panto, who is as mayor, is facing a challenge from Republican .