We got a word from the Roost owners and now can confirm the rumors that have been swirling around for a few days that the take out/delivery chicken and biscuit shop at 45th and Springfield has closed – for now. According to Annie Baum-Stein, who along with her partner also owns Milk & Honey Market, the shop closed for some housekeeping on Monday, Dec. 12. They are working on its re-opening in early 2012 but it may be at a different location, hopefully with seating and curb appeal.
The Roost location at 4529 Springfield will continue to function as Milk & Honey’s kitchen and offices. Milk & Honey will be going strong. If you are dying for a biscuit that you were able to get with your Roost chicken order, they are available with orders of soup at Milk & Honey while supplies last. Also, look for Milk & Honey Catering in early 2012.
This holiday season Milk & Honey is offering a lot of nice gifts, including Urban Apiaries gift boxes. For more information visit our Buy Local for the Holidays page.
December 17th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
what we need is more astronomically expensive businesses in economically depressed areas. the neighborhood really appreciates a store that sells a dozen eggs for eight dollars.
December 17th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
that’s right! horrible cheap sh*t filled with chemicals made by giant corporations that take the money from the locals that cause diabetes and high blood pressure is so much better!
December 17th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
You’re both right, obviously.
December 17th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
I am the guy who broke this story a few days ago. I have a friend who worked at Roost and they were not given any warning of the closure.
Also from what I hear the owners have money invested in Brazilian agribusiness. I find it funny that they push local while making money off of Brazilian farms.
December 17th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Gigi’s truck at 38th and Spruce is a small business and makes great fried chicken. I found Roost to have slow service, expensive with an oddly sweet batter and overcooked and small chicken pieces.
December 18th, 2011 at 12:17 am
I for one hope they reopen soon. I loved their spicy fried chicken (which oddly was never on the menu but I saw it on yelp) and mashed potatoes and gravy.
December 18th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Well I’ve never paid $8 for a dozen eggs in their store. I pay $3.50 for a dozen eggs in the same price for most eggs at the Farmer’s market in Clark Park as well as Fresh Grocer, Trader Joes and Wholefoods. Plu, I don’t to bike or take transit to get it. One can find slightly cheaper prices elsewhere (typically for non organic) but (1) M&H doesn’t have the buying power of larger corporate chains and (2) often even corporate chains charge as much if not more for organic. Rather than tearing down a locally owned business which buys from and supports local farmers and the neighborhood, try going in to see for yourself. They also generate jobs for some in the community, which isn’t always true of other corner stores that do not serve up locally grown food. Yes some things are expensive, such as meats and cheeses, but even those items are on par pricewise with DiBruno in the Italian Market.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
I stopped by M&H on my way home this evening. I buy their bread, which they cheerfully slice for me. I asked, jokingly, about their $8 eggs. The funny thing was, after I paid and turned around, there was a guy standing behind me, holding a carton of eggs — with a look of trepidation on his face.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
P.S. They charged him $3.75.
December 19th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Yeah and the $8 Nutella that was referenced is actually $5.99. The sandwiches are $6-8.50, basically the same as what Saad’s offers and I’ve never heard anyone complain that the chicken maroosh is overpriced. I’m sure there are legitimate reasons to dislike the place but some people’s biases are showing. Oh, West Philly.
December 20th, 2011 at 8:19 am
I personally love Milk & Honey. I only go there for the panini, they’re always fresh and delicious, and the people are always very cheerful. I don’t have an issue with them.
If you’re bargain hunting for nutella, you may want to try going online. They’re a convenience store, which will always have higher prices than a grocery store because they don’t buy in bulk.
January 13th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
I just read the news about ROOST after writing a rave review about them on YELP. I felt like I won the lottery the day I discovered ROOST. Despite the fact I live in Narberth didn’t deter my passion for their incredible fried chicken, collard greens, smashed potatoes and biscuits. I hope they re-open and SOON! For now, I will weep salty tears as I think fondly of the 3 times I was honored to eat food from ROOST.
March 24th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Has there been any word about whether Roost will ever return to West Philly? I’d imagine the Milk & Honey owners have been inundated with queries to this effect and I’m confused as to why they haven’t announced anything about their restaurant location.