A time capsule of black-and-white photographs, postcards, newspaper clippings and illustrations cover the walls, making the sight of original drywall a rarity.
Over the years, The Goose’s owner, Tony Silvoy, has nailed, tacked or clipped everything given to him by the South Side and Lehigh community anywhere and everywhere in the packed sandwich shop.
Lehigh sports teams’ photos hang precariously from the ceiling, event flyers scale support columns and decorated paper plates are clipped on wired shelves.
The Goose’s display reflects the diverse population it serves.
Located at 102 W. Fourth St., The Goose is operated by Bethlehem natives, Tony and Debbie Silvoy, who have dedicated over 30 years to serving affordable sandwiches.
The Goose was founded by Robert Goosley and Mike Corcoran in 1979, the name a play on Robert’s surname. That same year, high schooler Tony Silvoy began working part-time at the shop. By 1983, Tony Silvoy was a full-time employee at The Goose and brought in his now-wife, Debbie Silvoy.
In the days of Bethlehem Steel, the shop opened its doors at 5 a.m. to accommodate workers.
“Guys were going into work, people were leaving work,” Tony Silvoy said. “So, you got your hoagies before you went in, and you got your hoagies when you got out.”
When Bethlehem’s iron and steelmaking operations shut down in 1995, Tony Silvoy said the Goose continued serving their community, amidst the change.
“We make the sandwich for the person in front of us,” Tony Silvoy said. “You’re here now. We are making a sandwich for you. That’s what we do. I think people appreciate that.”
Over the decades, Debbie Silvoy said The Goose has consistently served their classic menu items with affordable pricing.
“People come in and say, ‘I love it because everything’s still the same,’” Debbie Silvoy said. “You know, (The Goose) has changed, and yet it’s stayed the same.”
Growing up nearby, Brendan Reed, ‘26, went to The Goose on special occasions with his family.
Over the years, Reed and his family developed a relationship with the Silvoys and other staff.
Now, while attending Lehigh, Reed has gone to The Goose multiple times a week for the past four years.
“There’s a Subway right across the street,” Reed said. I’ve never been there.”
With his frequent visits, Reed now has his own menu item, the ‘B-Special.’ The sandwich comes with bacon, egg, Muenster cheese, hash brown and a touch of Russian dressing.
Instead of kiosks or touch screen menus, patrons find craft sandwiches, like the B-Special, by sifting through piles of paper plates, detailing sandwiches from a menu that’s grown overtime.
The plates serve as a list of ingredients for each sandwich, including the Goose-Fil-A, Rocket Fuel, the Gucky or the Billy Bob.
Customers can also create their own plates featuring their sandwich’s name, ingredients and drawings.
Tony Silvoy said the plate menus started in early 2020. The trend began when persistent patrons with unique sandwich orders created plates — it took off from there.
Debbie Silvoy said the paper plates allow for more customer involvement. She said anyone can add their own plate to the stack, but it’s up to the people whether the order becomes well-liked or is pushed aside.
Plates rotate: they’re clipped onto the wired shelf, displayed to customers, and after a time, rotated out for the next one.
Despite the dozens of unique paper plates, if a sandwich is named, Tony Silvoy knows exactly what’s on it.
“It’s a God-given gift,” Tony Silvoy said, laughing.
In addition to remembering menu items, Tony Silvoy knows his customers.
“You could have been here 15 years ago and had your go-to sandwich, and if you walked in today, (Tony Silvoy) would know exactly what your sandwich is and make it on the spot for you,” Reed said. “That’s just a gift he has. He’s just incredible at that.”
If Reed walks through The Goose’s door, he said he knows he’ll receive a high-quality and affordable sandwich and a great conversation with staff on the side.
Debbie Silvoy said behind the counter, The Goose’s staff consists of family and close friends.
Reed said he feels cared for by the Silvoy’s.
“We try to be affordable for everyone, and help people out in the community to just make it a place that people can come to,” Debbie Silvoy said. “Everyone appreciates the kindness and the love that’s here. That’s very rewarding.”
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