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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Lil Pop Shop owner Jeanne Chang photographed at her newly opened shop in 2012 (Archive photo/West Philly Local).

After more than 11 years of operation, Lil Pop Shop, the popular local business offering small-batch seasonally-inspired ice pops and pies, is closing their original location at 265 S. 44th Street, according to an announcement posted on social media by owner Jeanne Chang.

This location was the last remaining brick-and-mortar location for Lil Pop Shop after the business closed its Rittenhouse shop three years ago. After closing the West Philly shop, Lil Pop Shop will focus on catering at local events (you have probably seen the Lil Pop Shop truck at West Craft Fest, Nature Nights at The Woodlands and other events).

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The Enterprise Center, the West Philadelphia-based non-profit that helps local minority-owned businesses, has recently received a generous investment in its Innovate Capital Growth Fund (ICGF). The $5 million investment was made by TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank. It is the first equity investment made by the Foundation.

ICGF is a new non-profit sponsored Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) focused on providing growth equity to minority and women-owned businesses in the Mid-Atlantic, with a focus on the Greater Philadelphia area. To date, the Foundation is the fund’s largest financial institution investor.

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