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Kenney orders closure of “non-essential” businesses by 5 p.m. today (updated)

March 16, 2020

A sign on ReAnimator Coffee shop’s window this afternoon. The popular Garden Court cafe closed in compliance with Kenney’s directive.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has called on all nonessential businesses to close for at least two weeks beginning today at 5 p.m.. Most retail stores will close through at least March 27.

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the city may invoke authority to close businesses or penalize those that remain open.

The city deems these businesses “essential”:

• Supermarkets and grocery stores  Continue Reading

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How you can help local restaurants, other businesses amid coronavirus outbreak

March 16, 2020

As the number of people infected with the coronavirus in the Philly area is growing, many local businesses are considering measures to help slow the spread of the disease. In West Philly, some restaurants, like Renata’s Kitchen, have temporarily suspended dine-in service. No doubt, many places will suffer from reduced business or will have to face temporary closures due to the virus outbreak.

During these trying times, it is important to support local restaurants, eateries and other businesses and help them stay in business. Please consider ordering take-out or delivery or purchasing gift certificates or cards from your favorite spots.  Continue Reading

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Penn Book Center, saved from closing last year, has a new name

January 29, 2020

Penn Book Center, the 58-year-old indie book store at 34th and Sansom that was saved from imminent closure last summer, recently got a new name from its new owners. Since December, it’s been called People’s Books & Culture, and also has a new logo (see photo).

The new name was chosen from a public poll and has the same initials as the previous name (PBC), which was very important to the new owners.

“We had all kinds of interesting answers, but keeping the PBC initials was central to the store’s branding and community name recognition,” Duquès told Billy PennContinue Reading

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New York style bagel shop opens on Lancaster Avenue

January 17, 2020

A new bagel shop inspired by sojourns to legendary Manhattan shops like H&H and Zabar’s has opened in the Powelton neighborhood last week.

Brothers Brett and Kyle Frankel opened Bart’s Bagels at 3945 Lancaster Ave. The shop was recently featured on 6ABC news. The brothers grew up in Philadelphia and reportedly often visited their uncle in New York where they were bit by the bagel bug, according to the report.

The new shop includes a kitchen, and all bagels (about a dozen varieties!) are handmade on-site, according to the report. Meats are also roasted on-site. The shop also serves schmears and sandwiches. Continue Reading

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Abyssinia expansion/outdoor seating proposal update

January 15, 2020

Abyssinia, the popular Ethiopian restaurant located at the corner of 45th and Locust, is eyeing expansion into the adjacent space on S. 45th Street (a former laundromat) and also wants to offer outdoor seating.

“They are in early stages and will have to apply for their expansion [to the City’s Zoning Board of Adjustment] and come back once they have a refusal,” says Spruce Hill Community Association Zoning Committee Chair Barry Grossbach following a meeting on the plan. Continue Reading

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Millcreek Tavern vandalized on New Year’s Day

January 3, 2020

Millcreek Tavern, located at 42nd and Chester, was sprayed with graffiti overnight on January 1, according to reports. A few windows were also broken. Owner Jack Gillespie told the Washington Examiner that the damage was estimated at approximately $20,000.  Continue Reading

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