A new eatery specializing in halal chicken shawarma, Barakat Chicken, is in the works for the northeast corner of 43rd and Walnut. The space was previously occupied by a Chinese restaurant. While more details are currently not available, it looks like the new restaurant should open soon as the signage is already there.

The area around Walnut between 43rd and 45th Streets is known for halal food, featuring Muslim-owned food markets and restaurants. We hope that Barakat Chicken will be a great addition to the local halal restaurant scene.

Burrito Feliz, an award-winning Philadelphia food truck business, is about to open its first brick-and-mortar location serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The storefront at 4403 Chestnut Street has been secured by the owners since Spring 2024, and it looks like the opening is going to happen this winter, as soon as some issues with PGW are resolved.

Burrito Feliz, founded by Mexican natives Miguel Nolasco and his wife Leticia Jolapa, began its operation as a food cart in 2017 and was upgraded to a truck in 2019. Since then, the green food truck serving Mexican favorites has gained huge popularity and won the Best in Philly award in 2021 for its birria. Burrito Feliz is also known for its flavorful chicken tinga and Baja shrimp tacos, and more. Burrito Feliz also has vegan options and offers catering.

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Here’s information on Thanksgiving Day hours and closings at some local stores and supermarkets. Please feel free to post your business hours in the comments below.

ACME Markets (40th and Walnut): Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aldi (46th and Market): Closed

Mariposa Food Coop (49th and Baltimore): Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoprite of Parkside (1575 N. 52nd St): Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Supremo Food Market (43rd and Walnut): Open 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight)

The Fresh Grocer (56th and Chestnut): Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits: All stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Photo: West Philly Local

The ground-floor commercial space in the Garden Court Towers that was occupied by Garden Court Eatery until last summer is no longer vacant. Good Hatch, a South Philly-based eatery, has just opened its second Philly location at this space at 4721 Pine St.

Good Hatch specializes in breakfast sandwiches and has other breakfast options, like bagels and toasts. If you want something more substantial, they serve breakfast platters. Various lunch options are also available. Plus, they serve coffee, tea and smoothies. There is some seating available inside, so you can eat in.

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Here’s some exciting news about new cafe and restaurant openings in the area, but there is one business closing, too.

Out West’s barista @swagscappuccino at work. (Instagram photo)

• A new cafe, Out West, opened over the summer at 5127 Walnut Street and already has a lot of admirers. Founded by Philadelphia entrepreneur and James Beard Award winner Muhammad Abdul-Hadi (he also owns Down North Pizza in Strawberry Mansion), Out West offers “coffee, breakfast and community,” according to its website. Executive Chef Mike Carter has prepared a creative menu, including items like Crispy Lamb Scrapple Sandwich and Smoked Black Bean Toast. Out West also has an interesting selection of specialty drinks, like Avocado Lemonade and Honeydew Sage Matcha Soda. Just like Down North Pizza, Out West is mission-driven – it provides job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Continue Reading

Made West, the West Philly hub of Made Institute, is relaunching under a new name and offering updated classes and curriculum in a revamped space at 4719 Pine Street.

Community members are invited on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 6 – 9 p.m., to celebrate the relaunch of West Workshop. There will be live music, drinks and sewing class giveaways. This is a great opportunity to network with West Workshop’s community of local creatives, teachers, students, artists and designers.

West Workshop is the sister studio of Made Institute, Philadelphia’s independent fashion design school with over a decade of experience. It creates accessible and inclusive sewing classes and workshops. With a deep appreciation for West Philly, the director, Thomas Rowe of Chrysalis Clothing, has been creating garments for local West Philly craft shows and fairs selling upcycled clothing and connecting with the local community since 2022.

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