Philly Homebrew Outlet has closed their shop at 47th and Woodland after eight years of operation. The West Philly location was Philly Homebrew’s final store.

“We are sad to say today, March 11th, is the day we have finally decided to close the doors permanently and shut down Philly Homebrew as a business,” reads an email newsletter message by Philly Homebrew co-owners, Jimmy McMillan and Nick Less, sent out on Monday. “Our final store in West Philly is locked up [and] will be no more.”

Philly Homebrew Outlet was launched in 2011 when McMillan and Less purchased Barry’s Homebrew and moved it from South Philadelphia to Kensington. The business opened its second, West Philly location in 2016 and later expanded to three stores.

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The Ethiopian restaurant Abyssinia, located at 45th and Locust, has sustained heavy damage to its front entrance after a car crash. The accident happened on Tuesday around 5 p.m., according to reports, when a 2012 Dodge truck, going at a high speed, ran past a stop sign and eventually crashed into the front entrance of Abyssinia at the corner of 45th and Locust. Before crashing into the restaurant, the truck hit a 2022 Tesla, which then hit another car that went on to hit two parked cars, according to police. A passenger who was inside the Tesla sustained minor injuries in the accident. No other injuries were reported.

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Milkcrate Café, the vinyl record boutique and café that opened at 45th and Baltimore less than six months ago, was vandalized early Thursday morning. Several windows were smashed “sometime around 3:30 a.m.,” according to an Instagram post by Milkcrate owner Adam Porter (see below), and there is no information as of today on who did it and why.

Despite the vandalism, the shop will stay open for business. “Unfortunately, there will be boards up for 2-3 weeks until the new windows are in,” reads the post. Adam also thanked everyone who have supported his business these past two days in the aftermath:

“As disheartening and sad as it may seem…I found joy and comfort from all of our neighbors coming by and showing support… It’s a wonderful vibey shop and I’m super proud of it. West Philadelphia is an amazing vibrant, unique, super rad neighborhood that’s unlike anywhere else in the city. To say I’m proud to be here & part of this community is an understatement.”

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Van Leeuwen’s storefront at 3631 Walnut St.

Expanding upon the success of their other Philadelphia locations, New York City-based ice cream parlor, Van Leeuwen, is opening their 4th storefront at 3631 Walnut Street, according to a recent announcement by Penn’s Division of Facilities & Real Estate Services.

“We’re looking forward to Van Leeuwen bringing their popular parlor and unique ice cream flavors, including vegan and dairy offerings, to the diverse culinary scene in the Shop Penn District,” said Ed Datz, Penn’s Executive Director of Real Estate.

Based on their belief that “good ice cream is for everyone,” Van Leeuwen has been on a mission since its inception to create the best ice cream with simple ingredients. Led by co-founders Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O’Neill, the company began in a yellow ice cream truck on the streets of New York City in 2008. From there they grew in popularity, and their ice cream can now be found in various scoop shops throughout the United States as well as select grocery stores.

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Manzanita, a new vintage boutique, has opened at 42nd and Baltimore.

Here’s some exciting news for local fans of vintage goodies. Manzanita, a new vintage boutique, has opened at 4206 Baltimore Ave.

“Manzanita is a brand celebrating the diverse and inclusive neighborhood of WEST PHILADELPHIA with future vintage curated to current perfection, boutique goods to enliven and inspire, and VIBES FOR DAYS!” the shop owner, Dorit Avganim, posted on Instagram.

The shop could be a great place to shop for unique gifts. It also hosts various events. For example, this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 & 27, the store, in collaboration with West Philly tattoo artist Jillian Christofferson, is offering hand poked tattoos. For more details, visit the shop’s Instagram page.

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Here’s a great local holiday event where you can buy unique handmade gifts made by West Philly artists and makers. The annual West Holiday Craft Fest is returning this weekend to The Rotunda (40th and Walnut).

The Fest kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 9 and will continue on Sunday, Dec. 10 (open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days). Both days will have completely different vendor lineups: Here’s the list for Saturday’s vendors, and here’s the list for Sunday. So come both days if you can!

And here’s what types of gifts you can buy at the Fest, according to the event website: “artisan jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, art prints and originals, home wares, clothing, cozy hand knits, natural bodycare, candles, stationery, toys, and all sorts of unique holiday gifts.”

For more details and updates, go to: https://westcraftfest.wixsite.com/home. Also check out the event’s Instagram page (see below).

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