As the number of people infected with the coronavirus in the Philly area is growing, many local businesses are considering measures to help slow the spread of the disease. In West Philly, some restaurants, like Renata’s Kitchen, have temporarily suspended dine-in service. No doubt, many places will suffer from reduced business or will have to face temporary closures due to the virus outbreak.

During these trying times, it is important to support local restaurants, eateries and other businesses and help them stay in business. Please consider ordering take-out or delivery or purchasing gift certificates or cards from your favorite spots.  Continue Reading

Photo by West Philly Local

The Fresh Grocer supermarket at 40th and Walnut, which has operated in that location since 2001, has closed its doors. It was reported last month that the store management had agreed to free the space this month after a four-year legal battle with the landlord – the University of Pennsylvania, which ended the Fresh Grocer’s lease in 2016.

Penn has signed a lease for 40th and Walnut with Acme Markets. The new supermarket is not expected to open until Fall 2020, according to a report by The Daily Pennsylvanian. The space will undergo renovations in preparation for Acme’s opening.

UPDATE: Fresh Grocer will be closing the store at 40th and Walnut Streets in early March, according to Jennifer Rizzi, Director of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. Penn has signed a lease with Acme Markets for this location. Acme is currently working on an anticipated timeframe for renovations to the existing facility and anticipated opening.

Fresh Grocer will leave its 40th and Walnut Street location this spring after four years of legal battle with the landlord – The University of Pennsylvania. According to a joint statement from Penn and Fresh Grocer, the store will close in March 2020, after almost 20 years in operation.

Penn terminated the Fresh Grocer’s lease in April 2016, claiming that the store had failed to renew it on time. Fresh Grocer countered with a lawsuit against Penn and refused to vacate the space until this spring.  Continue Reading

Three siblings hope to open an Ethiopian coffee shop on the southwest corner of 42nd and Baltimore.

The trio, whose family is from Ethiopia, presented their plan to the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee on Monday. The proposal requires a special exception to put a coffee shop in the vacant storefront at 500 S. 42nd Street.

“Our goal is to really showcase our heritage,” said Tigist Hailu, who will open the shop along with her brothers. “One thing we feel is really missing in the neighborhood is the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.”

The proposal will go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in April and, if approved, interior innovations will begin shortly after.

Renata’s Kitchen owners Kate and Yasser Aiq at their new location at 40th and Baltimore.

Renata’s Kitchen is ready to welcome customers at their new location at 40th and Baltimore, in the two-story building formerly occupied by Trolley Car Station Diner. The new Renata’s Kitchen & Bar is officially opening to the public on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Restaurateurs Kate and Yasser Aiq, the masterminds behind Renata’s Kitchen on Baltimore Avenue, are bringing their brunch menu to the space, which is roughly six times larger than the current location. Customers can expect familiar items such as lemon pancakes, an eclectic selection of espresso beverages and an expanded meze (small plates) menu with fan favorites like shakshukas, a Middle Eastern stew with eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers and garlic.  Continue Reading

Gaia, a touring artwork by artist Luke Jerram, will be on display at the Horticulture Center during the Getaway at the Greenhouse event.

This February, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Constellation Culinary Group will transform the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center into “Getaway at the Greenhouse,” a pop-up indoor summer oasis. Back by popular demand from last year’s debut event, the Horticulture Center will offer art, food trucks, movies, live music and more for visitors of all ages.

Now extended to 16 days (through Sunday, Feb. 16), and with more free programming, this summertime-inspired series is a great way to warm up your winter. Programming for children includes an oversized indoor sandbox, arts and crafts, story time, live animals, and more. Adults can enjoy food trucks, pop-up bars, live music, happy hours, and more.  Continue Reading