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Food & Drink

Clark Park Farmers Market to change hours of operation this Saturday due to planned far-right group rally

September 18, 2020

The Food Trust, the organization that hosts Clark Park Farmers Markets, has adjusted hours of operation for this week’s market due to a rally planned at the park by the far-right group “Proud Boys.” The market will be held this Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Due to the shortened duration of the market, The Food Trust will not have their usual designated shopping hours for senior and immunocompromised residents. Additional details about vendor participation and pre-orders can be found here. Market operations will return to normal hours on Saturday, Sept. 26: from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  Continue Reading

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University City Dining Days kicks off this weekend with more deals and options

September 16, 2020

University City District (UCD) is launching University City Dining Days this weekend with new deals to showcase West Philly’s diverse restaurant scene and a new meaning – to offer support to an industry severely impacted by COVID-19.

This year’s Dining Days promotion will run from Saturday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Oct. 4 and will feature not only the typical option of three courses for a set price, but also alternate deals including to-go cocktails, special add-ons, and takeout options, all perfect for picnics in the neighborhood’s public spaces.

Nearly 30 restaurants are participating in this year’s Dining Days, including returning participants like White Dog Cafe, Distrito (pictured), and Vientiane, and newcomers like Kusina Philly, Loco Pez, and Booker’s. Participating restaurants offer choices for takeout, outdoor dining, or indoor dining, where applicable. Available options include three courses for a set price ($15, $25, or $35), free add-ons for orders over a certain price threshold, and deals on make-at-home kits and takeout beer and cocktails.  Continue Reading

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West Philly business news: more stores, restaurants reopen

September 11, 2020

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Mariposa Food Co-op (Archived photo).

More West Philly and University City shops have reopened in recent weeks or are reopening soon as Philadelphia has been slowly reopening under the Green coronavirus reopening phase. Restaurants have also begun reopening their indoor space. Check out some business news and updates below.

• Gift shop VIX Emporium (50th and Baltimore) is reopening to customers for in-person shopping this Saturday, Sept. 12 with COVID-19 safety protocols. The store will be open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will offer private shopping appointments on Wednesdays (you can book an appointment for yourself and two guests here; a $10 deposit will be credited toward your purchase).  Continue Reading

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Limited indoor dining now allowed in Philadelphia

September 8, 2020

Starting today, Philadelphia restaurants can offer limited indoor dining to customers, in addition to outdoor dining and takeout/delivery options. Restaurants are now allowed to seat guests inside at 25 percent capacity, according to a new regulation by the City, and have to follow strict social distancing and other COVID-19 safety rules.

Many city restaurants have been preparing for socially distanced indoor dining – separating tables at least six feet apart and installing barriers. Here are other rules that restaurants have to follow if they want to reopen indoor dining:

• The maximum of four diners per table is allowed.

• Servers must wear both masks and face shields for additional protection.

• Bar service is not allowed. Alcohol can be served when in the same transaction as a meal.

• Food establishments are required to be closed for service by midnight.

• Restaurants must install physical barriers in restaurant kitchens and at cash registers and food pick up areas where maintaining physical distance of at least six feet is difficult.

• Restaurants must screen every employee for symptoms before every shift and prevent them from remaining on-site if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, fever, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell.

Check out the video below for more information:

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Park Pizza opens at 52nd and Addison (across from Malcolm X Park)

August 25, 2020

If you live in Garden Court, Cobbs Creek or Cedar Park and need a pizza fix, check out Park Pizza, a new restaurant and pizzeria at 434 S. 52nd Street across from Malcolm X. Park. Park Pizza’s co-owners are experienced restaurateur Joe Scarpa, the former owner of Allegro Pizza at 40th and Spruce, and his son Sean Dundon who worked as a restaurant manager.

They both were approached by the Spak Group, a local real estate company which has been renovating buildings on 52nd Street, to open a neighborhood pizzeria. But, it took a few years for Park Pizza to get going, according to Dundon.  Continue Reading

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Closed or reopened? COVID-19 updates on local businesses/organizations

August 7, 2020

Last month Philadelphia entered a modified Green reopening phase and most businesses were allowed to reopen, including hair salons and barber shops, and spas and gyms, with COVID-19 safety protocols. Many West Philly restaurants also re-opened for outdoor dining, but indoor dining has been delayed until at least September. Unfortunately, since the COVID-19 pandemic struck some businesses in the area closed their doors permanently. Here’s an update on what’s currently happening at some local businesses and organizations since we posted the list of temporary closings and cancellations in the spring.  Continue Reading

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