Antonio “Tony” Castaneda, originally from Mexico City, Mexico, arrived in the United States decades ago. He worked hard for a number of restaurants in the Lehigh Valley and made a major life change when he opened Tony’s Top Cat Bar & Grill.

According to Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association, in its archives, in 1859, George Kopp established a public house at 607 Front St., Catasauqua. He styled the enterprise as the St. George Hotel.

Upon Kopp’s death in 1872, Ernest Nagle took over the establishment, married George Kopp’s widow and ran the business until his death in 1893.

Leopold Ehle became the proprietor of the hotel after Nagle’s death and ran it as Ehle’s Cafe. He operated the cafe for 23 years until his death in 1916.

After Ehle’s death, his bar clerk Joseph Waddick purchased the business and changed the name to Waddick’s Cafe. After his death, Waddick’s two daughters operated the cafe until 1947.

Carl Nicklas then operated the bar as Nicklas’ Bar until 1955 when Joseph and Doris Zemba purchased the business and changed the name to the Sportsman’s Bar. They ran the bar until 2001.

The business and building were sold to Castaneda in 2001. After extensive renovations to the bar and building, including a major expansion, the name was changed to Tony’s Top Cat Bar & Grill.

Castaneda’s wife, Maria, said the name Cat refers to Catasauqua. She told The Press how hard her husband labored to rework the interior of the building to get the bar and grill to its current state.

The business today has been expanded, and a second room with a bar and a potential meeting place were added. Castaneda worked diligently to make the transformation, which has increased the number of patrons that can be served, and continue to grow his business.

Tony’s Top Cat has a Mexican/American menu. The menu touts “premium quality, authentic Mexican cuisine - always fresh.” Tuesday is taco Tuesday, and Thursday is burrito bowl day.

Reviews about the food and restaurant online are superlative. It is a “must visit” if one seeks a local restaurant with good food and a pleasant ambience.

On Nov. 3, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Tony’s Top Cat to celebrate 20 years in a successful business.

On hand at the celebration was a full house of well-wishers. Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong, Catasauqua Borough Mayor Barbara Schlegel and Catasauqua Borough Council President Vincent Smith all offered congratulatory remarks to Castaneda regarding his work ethic and business success. Jessica O’Donnell, executive vice president of affiliated Chambers for GLVCC, emceed the ceremony.

Castaneda humbly thanked everyone for their support, especially thanking Maria and their three children for their help and support throughout the years.