Innovate Capital Growth Fund, an SBIC fund sponsored by The Enterprise Center, has recently announced its first investment: a $2 million equity investment in EMSCO Scientific Enterprises Inc., a West Philadelphia-based distributor of research laboratory supplies and equipment. This investment in EMSCO’s growth strategy will hopefully allow the company to become a world-class distributor of choice for researchers across the globe.

EMSCO is an African-American owned enterprise which has been in business for more than 40 years. The company recently opened a new 70,000 square-foot biorepository/freezer farm facility in West Philadelphia devoted to the processing and storage of human/animal cell and tissue samples for use in cell and gene therapy and immune-oncology research.

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Chai Nashta, an Indian cafe, is coming soon to 4520 Baltimore Ave.. We don’t have a ton of info on Chai Nashta yet, but it’s exciting that the space that until recently was occupied by the shaved ice dessert shop Ice Cave hasn’t stayed empty for long. Ice Cave closed its doors in late spring.

The location on Baltimore Avenue is very close to two popular Indian/South Asian cuisine spots – Desi Village Restaurant (4527 Baltimore Ave) and Mood Cafe (4618 Baltimore Ave). We can’t wait to try Chai Nashta’s drinks and treats and hope the new cafe will be a great addition to the local food scene.

We’ll let you know about the opening date and other details when they become available. In the meantime, follow Chai Nashta on Instagram.

Here’s some exciting news coming from the Shop Penn district this summer.

Later this summer, Cork & Candles will be opening a new store at 3421 Walnut Street, bringing the candle making experience to University City. Cork & Candles, a family-owned small business, is a BYOB candle-making experience that invites guests to create, drink, and connect while hand-pouring custom candles.

“Our mission at Cork & Candles is to create a space where friends gather and have the opportunity to build connections while partaking in a creative experience,” says David Straub, Co-Founder and CEO of Cork & Candles. “We believe everyone is creative and we love helping people tap into that side during their time with us.”

At Cork & Candles, guests can gather with friends and explore a scent library stocked with over 60 unique fragrances, creating a custom blend to craft a handmade candle that is truly one-of-a-kind. Guests can also take part in novelty candle classes that rotate monthly. In addition to classes and candle-making experiences, guests can shop a retail section and purchase candles created in-store. While taking part in the candle-making activities, guests are invited to BYOB (wine or beer) and indulge while enjoying a hands-on and creative experience!

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UPDATE (8/10/2024): The Garden Court Eatery permanently closed at the beginning of August. The space is now empty.

(7/1/2024): A popular local business, the Garden Court Eatery, is permanently closing after more than a decade of operation. The sign in the window says that everything in the store is 50 percent off before it closes. The Korean-American run business, located on the ground floor of the Garden Court apartment complex, has been a local spot not only as an eatery and grocery store, but also has been known for its nice selection of craft beer.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched by community members a few days ago to help the business. The reason for the store closing is due to “building managers refusing to renew their lease,” according to the message posted by the fundraising campaign organizer, Mohini Dutt, on GoFundMe. The business has been experiencing problems with the building managers for a few years, partially due to the construction of an additional apartment building on top of the store. There have been other campaigns to help save the store in the past few years.

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Photo courtesy of UCD

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is returning this Thursday, June 6, from 5 – 8 p.m.. The first Dollar Stroll of 2024 will bring deals, music, arts, and more to Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets. Just a reminder, that local businesses and vendors now offer $1, $3, and $5 deals during this event.

The Dollar Stroll is a great opportunity to enjoy some of your favorite items from well-known businesses, like VIX Emporium, Renata’s Kitchen, Desi Village, Loco Pez, Vientiane Cafe, Booker’s Restaurant & Bar and more. The event is also a chance to check out new businesses like Manzanita (42nd and Baltimore), Milkcrate Cafe (45th and Baltimore), Third Wheel Cheese Co (50th and Baltimore), and more.

The list of performers and entertainers includes Gretchen Elise at 40th and Baltimore (5-7 p.m.), Orchestra 2001 at Clark Park and HMS School Block Party, and Hip Hop Fundamentals at 50th and Baltimore.

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The University City Grocery Outlet grand opening took place on Thursday, May 30. (Photos by Hanbit Kwon)

A new grocery store, University City Grocery Outlet, has opened at 4301 Chestnut Street, on the ground floor of the new apartment complex that replaced a strip mall (the construction began in Spring 2022). The store is a medium-size supermarket that carries everything from fresh produce to meats to frozen foods and personal care items. It is locally owned and operated by sisters Jaelyn and Jaida Deas (check out their Instagram post).

University City Grocery Outlet is a franchise of the Grocery Outlet chain founded in 1946 in San Francisco. The store offers bargain prices on many items. Grocery Outlet’s business model is built on offering brand-name items that have been discounted because of “packaging changes, surplus inventory or product overruns,” according to the company’s website.

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