Puyero spread.

Here are some interesting developments on the West Philly restaurant scene, from new openings to updates on existing businesses.

Puyero is bringing authentic Venezuelan cuisine to the heart of University City along the iconic Sansom Row, at 3428 Sansom Street. The restaurant serves authentic Venezuelan street food. Their “comida callejera” revolves around the arepa, a round corn flour patty that is stuffed with a variety of fillings and enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their most popular arepas are the Reina Pepiada (chicken-avocado-salad) and the Pabellón (beef, beans, sweet plantains, and white cheese). Other must-try menu items include patacones, tequeños, and a memorable tres leches for dessert. The business was founded in 2017 by three Venezuelan immigrants: brothers Gilberto and Simón Arends, and Gil’s wife, Manuela Villasmil, who runs the kitchen. The idea behind Puyero was to share Venezuelan culture and identity, but most importantly their food with the city of Philadelphia. For more details about the restaurant, go to: www.puyeroflavor.com.

             Gouldsburger’s cheesesteak.

Gouldsburger’s is planning to open their newest express location in University City this month in Franklin’s Table Food Hall (34th and Walnut). The Haddonfield, NJ based business will offer their signature burgers, cheesesteaks, uncured grass-fed beef hot dogs, and vegetarian and gluten-free items, among other offerings, at their new location on Penn’s campus. Gouldsburger’s has a dedicated vegetarian griddle to cook their vegan and vegetarian food options, such as their house made beet burger and a vegetarian mushroom cheesesteak. Anything on the menu can be made gluten-free, and the sides offered, such as the house-made onion rings and French fries are also gluten-free and fried in olive oil in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. Gouldsburger’s will join these popular eateries in the food hall: Goldie Falafel, DK Sushi, Pitruco Pizza, PaperMill Fresh Asian Kitchen, and YiFang Fruit Tea. Learn more about the restaurant by visiting www.gouldsburgers.com.

Schmear It, a popular local bagel shop, is coming soon to 44th and Spruce, to the location formerly occupied by Lil Pop Shop. The storefront at 265 S. 44th Street closed earlier this month for renovations and is expected to reopen in January 2025 as “the first ever” Schmear It Bagel Parlor, according to the sign on the door. Schmear It founder Dave Fine and his partner Brett Weinheimer took over the ownership of the shop in the spring and continued offering Lil Pop Shop’s frozen treats up until the shop closing in early November. Once the shop reopens, Schmear It will be serving bagels, schmears, Rival Bros. coffee, and other drinks to its customers. Lil Pop Shop’s popsicles and Weckerly’s Ice Cream sandwiches will also be available with Schmear It’s full line of bagel and coffee offerings. Visit www.schmearit.com for more info.