The Halal Guys Facebook photo.

The Halal Guys, the fast casual restaurant serving Middle Eastern-style chicken, beef and vegetable dishes, has opened its newest location in the recently renovated historic Hamilton Court at 39th and Chestnut. The grand opening for the University City location is set for this Saturday, March 23rd from 11 a.m. – 4 a.m.

This is the fourth Philadelphia location opened by local franchise owners Jung Ahn and Naveen Mohiuddin, who also operate locations in Chinatown, King of Prussia and Northeast Philadelphia.  Continue Reading

After a couple of years in the making, Alrayyan Food Market has finally opened on the corner of 43rd and Sansom, on the ground floor of the new 5-story apartment building. Alrayyan features an international and Middle Eastern food market and a restaurant.

The supermarket section also sells organic and halal foods, produce, meats, baked goods, dairy and more.

The restaurant serves traditional Middle Eastern foods, such as shawarma ($7.95), kofta ($9.25-$11.95), falafels ($5.99), and lamb chops plus appetizers and salads, like hummus, Baba ghanoush, and tabouli.  Continue Reading

Those on and around Penn’s campus may be happy to hear this news: Giant Food has set its sights on a location near 34th and Chestnut for its second small-format food market in Philadelphia, aka Heirloom Market. The city’s first Heirloom Market is opening this week in Graduate Hospital.

The new grocery store will reportedly open at 3401 Chestnut Street, the location previously occupied by Eastern Mountain Sports.  Continue Reading

Kung Fu Hoagies cart (archived image).

After more than six years of operation in Clark Park, Kung Fu Hoagies, the vegetarian and vegan friendly food cart, will close next month, according to an announcement on their Facebook page.

The cart, a partnership between Paul Davis and Steve Renzi, was launched in 2010 and first rolled out in Clark Park in March 2012. It had been inspired by Davis’ love of Kung Fu (he’s a martial arts practitioner).

The reason for closing is “some life and business changes.”

“It’s a tough decision that we have to make, but can say that we have had an amazing 8 years serving the Philadelphia vegan and vegetarian community,” the Facebook message reads. “It’s been a really great experience sharing our food and passion for Kung Fu, and having such positive reception from amazing customers.”  Continue Reading

If you missed the first Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll in June, here’s another opportunity to enjoy this great outdoor event. This year’s second and final Dollar Stroll will take place Thursday, Sept. 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Over 30 businesses and food trucks will line up between 43rd and 52nd streets to offer $1 deals – from their signature food items, drinks and treats to memberships. The full list of participating businesses is available here; also check out the map below.  Continue Reading

Photos by Kyle Cassidy

Trolley Car Station, the long-awaited restaurant next to the 40th St. trolley portal at 40th and Baltimore (or 40th and Woodland, depending on which way you’re standing) has finally opened! It’s the third Trolley Car location opened by restaurateur Ken Weinstein. Convenient to trolley commuters, Penn, USciences, the VA hospital and visitors to The Woodlands, Trolley Car Station offers lunch and dinner options, a separate breakfast menu and a full bar. The restaurant has ample indoor seating spread out over two floors as well as an outdoor seating area, though the bar is located on the first floor only.  Continue Reading