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.

Pennsylvania residents entering a grocery store or any business in the state will have to wear a mask or a facial covering, according to a new state order. The requirement goes into effect on Sunday at 8 p.m. and is applied to both customers and staff.

Businesses have been ordered to refuse entry to anyone not wearing a facial covering. If the business sells food, medicine or medical supplies, they must provide “alternative methods of pick-up or delivery,” according to the order.

Businesses are required to provide masks for employees or approve masks they bring themselves.  Continue Reading

Many local events, activities and programs have been canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Many West Philly businesses, organizations and venues have also announced temporary closings, restrictions or new ways of operating to help slow down the spread of the virus and following Mayor Jim Kenney’s directives.

Here’s a list of canceled or postponed events and closings/changes in operation for local businesses and organizations (check back for updates):

Closings, Changes in Operation

• The Green Tambourine is now offering online music classes for kids and adults.

• VIX Emporium is closed until further notice, but their online shop is open with free local delivery. With Mother’s Day approaching fast (May 10), VIX has been adding many more items to their online shop, now organized in categories like home wares, bath & body, jewelry, stationery & paper, and Philly-themed items. Go here to shop online. Local customers: enter promo code LOCAL to receive free next-day delivery on anything in the shop, within 1 mile.

• Greensgrow West is closed until further notice, but online orders are accepted with pickup at their Kensington (Greensgrow Farms) location. Go here for more info.

• Studio 34 is offering a variety of online (Zoom) yoga classes. Check out their weekly schedule here.

• Renata’s Kitchen is now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for cleaning and disinfecting. The new hours are: Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Breakfast/brunch and dinner are available for takeout or delivery. Go here for more info.

• Scribe Video Center is offering virtual film screenings, workshops and other programs.

• Penn Museum is closed until further notice. Check out the Museum’s virtual programs and experiences both for kids and families and for adults.

• The Free Library of Philadelphia has launched new Virtual Program Listings, where you can find information on some of your favorite library events now offered online – via Facebook, Instagram, Crowdcast, and Zoom. Programs are being offered for library lovers of all ages, from storytimes to financial workshops to cooking classes and much more. Here’s more info.

• The University City Garden Club’s 2020 Plant Sale will be pre-order/pre-paid with curbside pickup only. The pre-order period will run until April 20th. Pickup of pre-orders will be Saturday, May 2 on Woodland Terrace near the 40th Street Trolley Portal. Order online here or download the flyer here.

• A list of local restaurants/eateries that currently offer takeout/delivery can be found here.

• Crust Vegan Bakery (42nd and Chester) will be closed through at least April 30th. A no contact, pre-order/prepayment only, bake sale will be held on Saturday, April 11 in Manayunk. More info.

• Four Worlds Bakery is open for pickup (from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.) or delivery. The store accepts online orders for their morning bakes on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Go here for more info.  Continue Reading