June 16, 2017
Atiya Ola’s participated in Thursday’s Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (Photos West Philly Local).
Atiya Ola’s, the vegan, vegetarian and raw foods restaurant at 4505 Baltimore Avenue, has been given 60 days to vacate the space, according to its owner. The business has been asked to move out by June 30 after eight years in the space.
“[The landlord] said he needed the space,” said owner Atiya Ola. “He gave a letter to the cook, then a letter in an envelope to me… Then a certified letter that says the same thing. Then he came by to check we got that mail…. He said we could move across the street, down the street.”
Prior to receiving the letter, Ola said their landlord complained about cooking in the space, which was followed by complaints about the restaurant vent. The request to vacate the space was his final request. Continue Reading
June 14, 2017
The summer’s first Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will take place Thursday, June 15, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., and the location of this extremely popular annual event has now expanded. Neighborhood businesses will be offering $1 food samples, drinks, pet supplies, vouchers, theater tickets, merchandise, and more along Baltimore Avenue from 43rd to 52nd streets. Click here for a detailed map showing what and where the participating businesses will be selling.
Along with veteran businesses, it’s great to see many new businesses participating in the event. While doing the stroll this Thursday, please stop by to say hello and check out offerings by such recently opened businesses as Amari’s Restaurant, Black Hound Clay Studio, Greensgrow West at their new location near 52nd and Baltimore, Ice Cave, and more (see more details here). Continue Reading
June 1, 2017
El Toro Chef Richard Diaz making fresh mozzarella (Facebook photo).
You’ve heard complaints about how tough it is to get authentic Mexican food in the neighborhood. In fact, quite often neighbors will remind you that Honest Tom’s is the only Mexican restaurant around and that if you’re looking for something else, you’ll need to venture out to South Philly. Situated right across from Malcolm X Park at 52nd and Pine, El Toro Pizza and Grill wants to change that.
After living in the neighborhood for the past ten years, owner Margaret Mayer decided to bring a wider selection of food to the area with Chef Richard Diaz. “It’s right here in your backyard right now… the neighborhood is crying out for people to bring good food, so we answered their call.”
The pair’s newest restaurant menu offers Mexican staples like tacos, nachos, and quesadillas in addition to hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pizza and cheesesteaks. “Everybody likes a little bit of everything,” she explained. With 30 years in the restaurant business under her belt, Mayer feels like she’s seen everything. “I was a waitress at the Last Supper,” she joked. Continue Reading
May 30, 2017
Our Muslim neighbors are observing Ramadan until June 25, and this is a reminder that some local businesses will be closed or will have special hours.
Saad’s Halal restaurant (45th and Walnut) closed on Saturday and will reopen on Monday, June 26.
Manakeesh Cafe & Bakery (4420 Walnut St.) is closed during the day and open for dining from 8 – 10:30 p.m. Calls for pickup can be made after 6 p.m., and Iftar orders can be picked up after 7 p.m. The Dining Room opens at 7:30 p.m. Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.
May 22, 2017
West Philly small business owners, from corner grocery stores to hair salons, child care centers to cafés, are invited to a series of free workshops at Community College of Philadelphia. “Power Up Your Business” is a new initiative offering in-demand business development tools to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the College’s effort to reinvigorate City neighborhoods.
Here are the upcoming three workshops to be held on Tuesdays at Community College of Philadelphia’s West Regional Center at 4725 Chestnut St. from 6 to 9 p.m.:
May 23: Capital and Credit for Growth
Learn the importance of personal and business credit to your business’ success. Continue Reading
May 18, 2017
The Saturn Club hair salon opened more than 30 years ago on the 3400 block of Sansom between what is now Federal Donuts and White Dog Cafe. The salon has been a staple of the block, until now. As of June 3, it will close its doors for good, according to the salon’s Facebook page.
“We’ve loved every minute of the last 30+ years and wanted to say thank you for taking this journey with us!” it reads on the salon’s Facebook page.
We are hearing that the neighboring White Dog Cafe may take over the space.
Employees of the salon, some of whom have been there since the business started, have been given notice. The salon staff has been working on getting the word out to clients via calls, texts and e-mail. Continue Reading
“[The landlord] said he needed the space,” said owner Atiya Ola. “He gave a letter to the cook, then a letter in an envelope to me… Then a certified letter that says the same thing. Then he came by to check we got that mail…. He said we could move across the street, down the street.”
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