Former Pickles & Pies storefront. (Photo West Philly Local)

A deal is in the works to bring a Subway franchise to 4533 Baltimore Ave., the former site of Pickles and Pies. Franchise representatives reportedly shared plans with members of the Spruce Hill Community Association last night.

No zoning variance is required for the location, but there is a Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing scheduled for December.

Barry Grossbach, who handles zoning issues for the Spruce Hill Community Association,  said that the Subway franchise has applied for a takeout certificate, which is required of any restaurant. The Subway will likely have limited seating.

“Our zoning committee is still discussing the application for a take out certificate,” said Grossbach by e-mail. “[A zoning hearing] is scheduled for December 21st. We expect to have a decision before then.”

The zoning hearing will likely be at the regular ZBA spot – 1515 Arch St., 18th Fl.

Today is a Small Business Saturday and everyone is encouraged to support small businesses by shopping locally.

We have a lot of great businesses in our neighborhood, so please consider supporting them today. Do your grocery shopping at the Farmer’s Market, Mariposa or Milk & Honey. Have a pet? You can buy your pet supplies at Baltimore Pet Shoppe. Want a new book? Stop by Bindlestiff Books (Facebook link). While shopping, don’t forget to refuel at one of many awesome local cafes and restaurants.

Finally, consider buying your holiday gifts at local shops. VIX Emporium has a very nice selection of handcrafted holiday gifts and today you can get a free “West Philly” tee or tote with a $100 purchase. Also, American Express card holders will get a special credit on their account when they use the card at any of thousands of participating small businesses, including VIX. VIX Saturday hours have been extended until 7 p.m. and the store is now also open on Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. until Christmas.

Here’s a list of Thanksgiving schedules at some local stores and cafes. If you know of others drop them in the comments.

CVS Pharmacy (43 & Locust)
Thursday – Store: open 24 hours, Pharmacy: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Earth Cup (45th and Pine)
Thursday and Friday – 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Four Worlds Bakery (4634 Woodland)
Wednesday – 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday – 8 a.m.-noon.

Fu-Wah (47th and Baltimore)
Thursday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Green Line Cafe
Wednesday – Baltimore Ave closes at 1 p.m.; Locust Street and Powelton Village close at 2 p.m.; Green Line at PennVet open normal hours
Thursday & Friday – All shops are closed

Mariposa Food Co-op (47th & Baltimore)
Thursday – closed

Milk & Honey Market (45th & Baltimore)
Wednesday – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursday – closed; Friday – 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

ROOST (45th & Springfield)
Wednesday & Thursday – closed

Supreme (43rd & Walnut)
Thursday – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Fresh Grocer (40th & Walnut)
Thursday – open 24 hours

Those who didn’t get a chance last week to pre-order their Thanksgiving turkeys through stores like Mariposa and Milk & Honey can still do it until Friday, Nov. 18 through The Gold Standard Cafe (4800 Baltimore Ave).

Fresh, farm-grown turkeys will be delivered to the cafe on November 22 in the afternoon. Weights range from 12-30 pounds. The exact weight cannot be guaranteed but they will come close to your request. Price is $2.75 per pound. Turkeys are Lancaster County grown, never frozen, and anti-biotic free.

Orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 18 at noon . Please email your order to: eat@thegoldstandardcafe.com. Payment is due at pickup (check or cash).

Mariposa Food Co-op is expanding into a space five times bigger than its current location and needs more help. Currently, the store is hiring for part-time cashier positions and also looking for an intern starting this winter.

The cashiering position is hourly based and includes benefits. For more information and to apply please go to this page.

Mariposa Food Co-op is also looking for an energetic self-starter seeking professional experience in membership management and communications to help open their new food co-op. This position is unpaid, but includes some perks. For more information and to apply for this position please go here.

The International House Philadelphia is hosting a series of events this month dedicated to India and its rich culture. A photography exhibit, the Diwali festival, and the International Vision Award Ceremony are all part of the Incredible India! event series running in October and the beginning of November.

This week the International House invites neighbors to enjoy and learn more about Indian cuisine. This event will take place tomorrow, Oct. 18, at 6:00 p.m. at Tandoor India located at 106 S 40th Street. Tandoor India specializes in exotic North and South Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s host will select the menu and drinks and present a short overview of the food and culture of the region.

We hear that members of Youcie (the University City Young Friends group) will co-host the event, so this is also a great opportunity to meet them and learn more about the group.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. For more Incredible India! and other events at the International House go here.