05/12/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Owner of Iconic King Kone to Revitalize Former 2nd Street Tavern as “The Coplay Cabin”
COPLAY, Pennsylvania — Rick Safi, the longtime owner of the legendary King Kone Whitehall, has officially closed on the purchase of the 2nd Street Tavern located at 33 N. 2nd Street. Safi, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, plans to revitalize the property and return it to its roots by rebranding the establishment as The Coplay Cabin.
The acquisition was backed by commercial financing arranged by Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group, LLC. This marks the fourth successful collaboration between Safi and Barber over the last decade.
“I’ve been the entrepreneurial spirit for the last 30 years of my life,” Safi said. “I saw the opportunity and I wanted to buy it, improve it, and really clean up that side of the street. I used to go there when I was younger when it was the original Log Cabin, and I’ve always liked the quaint, small-town feel of Coplay.”
The building, which operated as the Log Cabin Tavern for roughly 30 years before being sold and renamed the 2nd Street Tavern in 2019, will undergo a significant transformation under Safi’s leadership. While Safi intends to honor the building's history, he is planning a top-to-bottom refresh to brighten and modernize the space.
Renovations will begin immediately and include new flooring, fresh paint, updated lighting, and new countertops. Safi also plans to upgrade the kitchen and bar equipment to support an elevated menu.
“We’re moving away from basic bar fare,” Safi explained. “It’s going to be a much higher quality of food. Think upscale bar fare, more like a flatbread than a regular bar pizza. We’ll also have an expanded draft system with more variety, including craft styles, seltzers, and iced teas.”
Safi is well-versed in major renovations; two years ago, he successfully transitioned King Kone, a Whitehall staple since 1990, from a strip mall into a standalone building, a project that involved extensive land development and structural upgrades. He brings that same commitment to quality and customer service to this new venture.
“At King Kone, we’ve always been customer-focused with a goal of a five-star rating,” Safi said. “I want to instill that same friendliness and high standard here. This will be a child-friendly space where families can feel welcome to relax and enjoy a meal.”
Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group praised Safi’s vision and dedication to the region. “Rick is a fantastic operator who truly understands how to build a business that serves the community,” Barber said. “It’s an honor to help him secure the future of another local landmark”.
The buyer was represented by Kevin Yarnell of Howard Hanna The Frederick Group. Attorney Joseph Piperato III of Eastburn and Gray, P.C. handled the closing and the liquor license transfer.
Looking ahead, Safi plans to open The Coplay Cabin by the first week of July. His long-term vision includes converting the building’s second floor into a premier cigar and spirits lounge within the next year, featuring bourbon and tequila tastings.
“My goal is for this to be a family-owned fixture for the long haul,” said Safi. “I have a succession plan to eventually pass these businesses to my children. I want it to be known that our family took care of this business and the community for years to come.”
The Coplay Cabin plans to host live entertainment and DJs, with a commitment to respecting the neighborhood by concluding music by 10 p.m.
