Your favorite food trucks may be coming back soon as the city has started lifting some restrictions on business operations imposed at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in March. Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf announced on Friday that Philadelphia will move to the “yellow” re-opening phase on June 5 when many businesses can reopen (under state safety guidelines), including retail stores, childcare centers, and day camps.

While dine-in service at restaurants will still be prohibited, the City of Philadelphia has lifted restrictions on walk-up service in the yellow re-opening phase. Walk-up customers will be required to wear facial coverings and practice social distancing. Lines may not exceed 10 customers.  Continue Reading

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe announced on Friday that Philadelphia will move from the “red” to the “yellow” coronavirus re-opening phase on June 5. The yellow phase is the first re-opening phase and most businesses can reopen under state safety guidelines. This includes:

• Childcare centers and day camps
• In-person retail (curbside pickup and delivery are encouraged)
• Pet groomers
• Manufacturers

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Restaurant owners and operators are no doubt planning ahead while we wait for CDC guidelines and city and state guidance on re-opening. In the meantime, the University City District (UCD) wants to help restaurants prepare to re-open once they’re permitted to do so, and to hear from owners about their needs during the recovery.

UCD has been working with the Commerce Department and business improvement districts throughout the city to think through options for local restaurants. They’ve put together a survey to help get a better sense of the needs of restaurants so they can help them get operational as soon as possible. UCD is asking for restaurant operators to take a few moments to complete a short survey. The information provided will help UCD target efforts to aid the University City restaurant community.

They have already heard from some restaurants, but are encouraging many more to participate in the survey.

Too access the survey, click here. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

University City District is asking local restaurants to participate in a short online survey to understand how they are preparing to re-open once permitted. UCD is interested to know what safety measures and aid would most help get restaurants fully operational. The survey particularly asks about outdoor seating availability and whether restaurant owners are interested in setting up or expanding outdoor seating.

UCD has been known for installing parklets (outdoor seating platforms) in parking lanes adjacent to restaurants or eateries during summer months and early fall. The survey also asks restaurants owners whether they would benefit from such seating or from using the parking lane for loading or curbside pickup.

To access the survey, click here.

We’re continuing the list of the COVID-19 pandemic related closings, cancellations and changes in operation for local businesses and organizations. Check out the previously published list here.

• West Philly Porchfest, the annual do-it-yourself music festival scheduled for June 6th, has been postponed. A new date has not been set yet, but the organizers are hoping to hold the event this year. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

• Shakespeare in Clark Park has postponed its Summer 2020 production, Pericles, until next summer. For more information and to support SCP, visit their website.

• Curio Theatre’s 2020 Summer Camp will be offered online as a Pay-What-You-Can opportunity. Classes will be held in July — specific dates and times will be announced soon. Instead of two-week sessions, all sessions will be shorted to one week. Visit curiotheatre.org for updates.  Continue Reading

We have shared information on what’s happening at local restaurants and eateries and how you can order food (takeout or delivery). Some restaurants have also posted information on how you can help their workers during the pandemic. University City District’s UC Dining Days website provides information on dozens West Philly restaurants. Check it out here.

But what about other businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus? An online resource, Support PHL, has been created to support businesses that were closed following Governor Wolf’s directive to help spread COVID-19 in the state. There you can find information on many West Philly businesses – barber shops, gift and flower shops, fitness studios, cafes and bars, art studios, and more. There is also information on various COVID-19 relief funds and resources for small businesses.

For more information and to donate to small businesses, go here. For relief funds, check out this page.