Here’s some great news from the area. Three new businesses have opened over the summer in the Garden Court neighborhood, and other area businesses have recently re-opened or are reopening soon after being closed due to the pandemic.

Openings

• Throttle Gear Apparel Company store has opened at 4746 Spruce St., in the former Aladdin Pizza space, which had been vacant for years. You won’t recognize this space now since it’s been completely redesigned. The store offers streetwear designed by local entrepreneur and motorcycle enthusiast Todd Briggs. He started the company in 2012 on the basis of his love for motorcycles and relieving stress while riding them. The store hours are: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed on Sundays & Mondays). For more info, visit: www.thrtl.com.

• If you’re looking for health or beauty products, check out the new store, JNJ Variety – it has opened at 4804 Spruce St.

• Pizza Plus opened at 4814 Spruce St. in June. It offers gourmet pizza and other foods for takeout or delivery. What’s interesting about this place is that all menu items have a vegan option. If you missed our earlier post about Pizza Plus, check it out here.

Re-openings

• After being entirely online for more than a year, The Green Tambourine music studio has begun offering individual lessons to people of all ages at their physical space at 711 S. 50th St. They also offer group beginner instrumental classes for 2-4 children and ensembles and have introduced some free programming – Open Play for all ages, Makers Workshop for 3-10 year-olds, and Cookie Concerts. Go here for more information.

• EveryBody Movement & Wellness is reopening Sept. 20 at 43rd and Locust. Group classes for adults and kids will resume for the first time since March 2020. Folks can now register for Pilates, yoga, kettlebell and other classes online. More information is available on their website.