Unfortunately, there have been reports of two more food establishments closing in West Philly.

• University City’s iconic City Tap House unexpectedly announced permanent closing after 13 years  in operation at 3925 Walnut Street on Feb. 23 and closed three days later. The following message was posted on City Tap House University City’s Instagram page:

“It is with a heavy heart that we are informing you that the last day of service will be Sunday, February 26th. This was a difficult decision, as this location was the launchpad for our company’s growth over the last 13 years.”

Following the announcement, numerous messages of support followed in the comments. Continue Reading

Decluttering can bring many benefits, including improved mental health, increased space, and a clean home. Junk removal companies can help residents in West Philly get rid of unwanted items and organize their living spaces. This article will explore the benefits of decluttering and why you should consider using a professional junk removal company to do so.

The Benefits of Decluttering

Decluttering can bring many benefits to your life, including:

Improved Mental Health

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved focus and productivity

Increased Space

• More room for the things you love
• Better use of storage space

Enhanced Aesthetics

• A clean and organized home is more inviting
• Improved appearance can boost your mood and energy levels.

How to Get Started with Decluttering

Decluttering can seem overwhelming, but with a clear plan and a little bit of patience, you can transform your living space. Here are some tips to help you get started: Continue Reading

Ice Cave owner Po Chang and dessert chef Jessica Wang in 2016 (Photo by Rana Fayez)

UPDATE (3/11/2023): Ice Cave has reopened under new ownership. More details are coming soon.

(2/16/2023): The local favorite, Ice Cave dessert shop, is closing after more than six years of operation.

The family-owned business opened its first shop serving Taiwanese shaved ice treats in 2016 at 4507 Baltimore Ave., and then moved across the street to 4520 Baltimore in 2020. Ice Cave received a lot of support from the community during the move and was able to survive through the COVID pandemic.

The reason for the shop closing is personal. The owners, Po Chang and Jessica Wang, are moving away from Philadelphia and want to spend more time together as a family, which has been very difficult while running the business. Here’s a part of the message posted on Ice Cave’s Facebook page by Chang: Continue Reading

Blk Ivy, a new concept clothing shop dedicated to the fashion of the civil rights era, has opened in West Philly, at 3605 Lancaster Ave.

Created by well-known Philly sustainability focused fashion icon, Kimberly McGlonn, the store will stock hand-curated thrift and vintage items associated with the fashion of the civil rights movement from 1954 (Brown v. Board of Education, when the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional) to 1972 (the presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to U.S. Congress).

The opening of this shoppable museum took place last week, just as Black History Month kicked off across the country.

This concept shop will bring sustainably sourced fashion to a larger audience, particularly those interested in vintage and thrift shopping. The retail destination highlights the style of civil rights figures such as James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, and Angela Davis with a particular focus on their connection to the city of Philadelphia. The store also showcases rare vintage vinyl, first edition books, and current authors writing about the continuing fight for civil rights. Continue Reading

Vagrant Cafe, located on the corner of 45th and Baltimore, has closed after two years of operation. The Baltimore area-based business that opened its West Philly location in January 2021, has recently cut the number of its brick-and-mortar locations, which also affected their West Philly shop. The space, which prior to Vagrant Cafe was occupied for many years by Milk & Honey, is again available for rent.

This is the second coffee shop that closed on Baltimore Avenue in the past year. Greenstreet Coffee, located just a block away, near 46th and Baltimore, closed after a fire in spring 2021, less than a year after opening. The space was renovated and is now occupied by Doro Bet Ethiopian Chicken House.

Despite these closings, there are other cafes within one-two blocks – Alif Brew and Green Line Cafe on Baltimore Ave., Dottie’s Donuts on Springfield Ave. and Knockbox Cafe on 45th St.

Here’s a roundup of some news and events at local businesses.

Hakim’s Bookstore, Philadelphia’s oldest Black-owned bookshop located at 210 S. 52nd St., will soon be honored with a blue historical marker from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). The store was founded in 1959 by Dawud Hakim, an African American scholar, author and publisher.

Throughout the years, the store has provided the local community with Afrocentric and often rare literature with a focus on African American history, culture, and racial justice. After Mr. Hakim’s death in 1997 at the age of 65, the business has been run by his family members. Yvonne Blake, Mr. Hakim’s daughter, is the current owner of the store (since 2013). For more information about Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop, visit its website or Facebook page. Continue Reading