Big Woody's Reopening Delayed for Another Month

The wait for to reopen will be a little longer.

officials said that it may be another month before the sports bar and grill reopens its doors following sinkhole damage caused in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

While Jasmine, Ivy Cleaners and reopened their businesses a little more than a week ago, Forks Township manager Richard Schnaedter said the forecast for Big Woody's is calling for sometime in late October.

Zoning Officer Tim Weiss said work still remains at Woody's before it gets a clean bill of health.

"The building is going to be in good shape," Weiss said. "It's just a matter of time."

Weiss has visited the site at 1855 Sullivan Trail several times since a water line ruptured on Aug. 28, causing a giant sinkhole to open right behind the business.

Officials have stated that the rupture was not caused by the hurricane.

"They're estimating at least another month. It could go quicker. But they have to put in new sewer lines," Weiss said.

He added that work to fill a void underneath the building -- adding 200 yards of concrete -- should be completed by Thursday.

"They are raising the floor so it's settled and are almost done with that," he said.

New floor tiles are also being installed, he said.

Big Woody's management had hoped to have the business reopen a few weeks into the new National League Football season, which is now entering its third week.

The establishment offers numerous televisions showing all NFL games on Sundays.

"This couldn't have happened at a worse time for them," Weiss said.

 A sign on the business states that it is closed due to “structural damage" and encourages patrons to visit other Big Woody's establishments in Allentown and Bethlehem.

The Forks eatery employs between 35 and 40 people. Any questions or concerns should be addressed via email to BigWoodys@yahoo.com.