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Food & Drink

‘Good ice cream with simple ingredients’: Van Leeuwen coming to University City

February 8, 2024

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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Amina Ocean Restaurant to open at 41st and Market

December 20, 2023

Amina Ocean Restaurant is coming to 3.0 University Place at 41st and Market.

The team behind Amina Restaurant & Lounge in Old City is opening up a new venture, Amina Ocean, in University City. The new seafood-focused restaurant has inked a deal with University Place Associates (UPA) to become the anchor retail tenant in 3.0 University Place’s ground floor retail space. The new 250,000 square-foot eight story commercial lab and office building is located at 4101 Market Street.

Encompassing 4,800 square-feet, the upscale dining and nightlife brand is the second retail partner to be announced by UPA, and will be located on the northeast corner of 41st and Market Streets. Lancaster, PA-based Fulton Bank, which occupies 2,250 square-feet in the center of the street level retail corridor, opened on August 7.

“My vision for Amina Ocean is ‘Southern Seafood Fusion,” entrepreneur Felicia Wilson said in a statement. “The theme and vibe of the restaurant will provide a Tulum-meets-Morocco feel.”

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Lil Pop Shop closing original location at 44th and Spruce

November 7, 2023

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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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Seasonal pop-up beer garden opens at uCity Square

October 6, 2023

A new seasonal pop-up beer garden officially launched last night on The Lawn at uCity Square (37th and Filbert). The bar is inspired by local creativity and activation and offers locally-sourced food, brews, and cocktails.

The beer garden is operated by and in partnership with MilkBoy Restaurant Group. It offers a diverse array of beverages including offerings from Two Locals Brewing Company, Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery, and local rap artist Chill Moody’s nicethingsBEER. In addition, it will have an ever-evolving selection of seasonal brews from both Yards Brewing Company and Love City Brewing, as well as craft and canned cocktails, wine, and a rotating lineup of food trucks.

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The Community Grocer’s store/kitchen construction breaks ground in Cobbs Creek

September 21, 2023

The Community Grocer (TCG), a nonprofit food justice organization launched last year by two University of Pennsylvania alumni, broke ground on first store yesterday, which is located in Cobbs Creek.

The organization, co-founded by Alexandre Imbot and Eli Moraru, purchased a corner storefront at 60th St. and Walton Ave. about nine months ago, according to The Daily Pennsylvanian, with a goal to transform it into a new-concept grocery corner store that will serve the local community.

City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) participated in the groundbreaking.

“Today we broke ground on The Community Grocer’s store in Cobbs Creek!” she later posted on her Twitter (X) page. “Cobbs Creek is a food desert, meaning residents struggle to access nutritious meals. I’m grateful to TCG for combatting food insecurity by providing affordable, healthy, culturally relevant, and delicious food.”

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‘Vinyl Diner’ Milkcrate Cafe coming to 45th and Baltimore

September 20, 2023

UPDATE (9/27/2023): Milkcrate Café is now expected to open at 45th and Baltimore on Thursday, Sept. 28. The new location will be selling new and used records as well and available for event rental.

After several months, the vacant commercial space at 45th and Baltimore, previously occupied by Vagrant Café and Milk & Honey Market before that, will have a new tenant soon. Fishtown-based Milkcrate Café has announced its opening a West Philly location “sometime” this week (the sign below was posted on Sept. 13).

Milkcrate is not only known for its coffee (from La Colombe Roasters), and simple breakfast and brunch offerings, it is also a vinyl record boutique. It has a few thousand vintage and new soul, rock and jazz vinyl records for sale. You can check their online record collection here. The store also sells new and used turntables and audio equipment. You can also buy or trade in records or Hi-Fi audio gear at Milkcrate.

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