Update: A former employee said last night that Café Cláve will close permanently. This is sad for a couple of reasons. First, they had good coffee and a good atmosphere that contributed to the diversity of cafés in the neighborhood. Secondly, that building has been in their family for a long time, since Gooch’s father, Carlos, ran an electronics shop in the same space in the early 1960s. Carlos is still listed as the primary owner of the building though he died several years ago. Café Cláve was, in a way, a homage to Carlos and Norma, who were well-known on the Salsa dance scene in Philadelphia.
Many readers have been asking what has happened to Café Cláve, the popular Cuban-themed coffee shop at 4305 Locust Street that has been closed for several days. It’s not good news. Shop co-owner Armen Terzian, known by many as “Gooch,” has been charged with a variety of crimes stemming from an incident late last month.
Terzian, 41, has been charged with aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation, possession of an instrument of crime, terroristic threats and simple assault. He allegedly brandished a machete and uttered several racial slurs during an argument with another man who was cleaning the street outside the shop on November 28.
Police issued a warrant for Terzian’s arrest soon after the incident. Terzian, who was on probation, turned himself into police on Sunday, according to court records.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 24. No word on when (or whether) Café Cláve, which Terzian co-owns with his mother Norma, will reopen.
Today is Small Business Saturday. I know, I know it sounds cheesy, but it represents something profoundly important. One of the most basic ways to show your commitment to your neighborhood is to shop at local businesses. Many local businesses rely on the holiday season to get by.
Why shop local? Your money stays here. Local businesses contribute to more local causes. Our friends and neighbors have invested their lives in these businesses. The public benefits outweigh the public costs. More practically, you can avoid the long lines of the big stores and you don’t even have to get in your car.
Here are some special opportunities to show your support for a local business today.
Baltimore Pet Shoppe (45th & Baltimore) – 3-year-anniversary sale, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Refreshments for people and pets as well as tons of awesome 3 year deals.
Earth Cup Coffee (45th & Pine) – a special running for Gift Certificate Special. Buy $10 Gift certificate for $9, $20 for 18. $30 for $27, $40 for $36 and $50 for $45.
Cafe Rue 52 (52nd & Larchwood) – Just Cookies will hold a tasting event for Small Business Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
VIX Emporium (50th & Baltimore) – Open an extra hour today, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (also 12 – 4 p.m. tomorrow). Get a free tote with a purchase of $50.09 or more. Warm cider for all!
It’s always great news to hear that a local business is doing well, especially when it’s expanding into other locations. One of the anchor businesses in the area, the Green Line Cafe, has posted an announcement that on October 1 it’s opening a shop in Center City, at 15th and Moravian – a couple blocks away from City Hall. Green Line will take over the Cafe Loftus currently operating in that location. This will be Green Line’s fourth shop, with other locations at 45th and Locust, 43rd and Baltimore and 37th and Lancaster. They also operate a kiosk inside the Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.
This news comes as Green Line, a family-owned business, begins celebrating their 10th anniversary. The first Green Line Cafe opened in January 2003 at 43rd and Baltimore.
This week don’t miss the Second Friday on Lancaster Avenue, an event that fosters a great sense of community and showcases local talent and businesses in Powelton Village. Here’s what’s happening on the Avenue, from 34th to 45th Street, this Friday, from 5-9 p.m.:
The Community Education Center will be hosting a Summer Garden Series with an Open Mic Night, Poetry reading and performances (3500 Block). Green Line Cafe (3649 Lancaster Ave) will host a few acoustic players and free snacks. The 3800 block will feature music and Art by Emil Baumann and Jazz artist Alfie Pollitt at Art on the Avenue. The Make your Mark building (3861 Lancaster Ave) will be transformed to a small concert venue featuring performances by Drexel students. In addition to art and music, business owners will display their merchandise and food trucks and street vendors will be out on the sidewalk from 5-9 p.m. Please check the flyer below for Block by Block listings or visit the event’s Facebook page.
The sign in the windows at Saad’s (45th and Walnut).
Ramadan began on Friday and some businesses will be closed or have limited hours until late August. Saad’s Halal Restaurant (45th & Walnut) will be closed until August 27. Manakeesh Café Bakery (45th & Walnut) is open ever night, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight (taking meal orders from 8:15 p.m., serving food from 8:30). For more information go to: http://www.manakeeshcafe.com. Kabobeesh Restaurant (42nd & Chestnut) is open regular hours (Mon-Sun noon-11:00 pm) and serving free Iftar (evening meal) for neighbors who fast during this holiday. For more information and menu, visit Kabobeesh website or Facebook page.
Trust us when we tell you that the wait for the re-opening of Locust Moon Comics (Facebook page) in its new digs on 40th Street is well worth the wait.
Check it out for yourself. Locust Moon’s new shop, which includes a great gallery space, quietly opened this week at 34 S. 40th Street. The shop’s grand opening – complete with comic and graphic novel decadence – is tomorrow. Do yourself a favor and check it out – even if you’re not into comics (yet).
Owners Josh O’Neil and Chris Stevens are comics creators themselves and their passion comes through in the renovation of the new space. Original artwork lines the walls and the bookshelves are packed with comics, graphic novels and awesome vintage and new action figures. They also have board games and movies for rent and sale. The shop moved from their old site – the old Urban Outfitters building on Locust Street near 40th – last Fall.
In addition to the main retail space, the new Locust Moon also includes a gallery with original works that will double as a movie screening room complete with a ceiling mounted projection system.
The shop’s hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Oh, and by the way, you have to see their fish tank.
Here are the details on the grand opening and a tantalizing invitation from their Facebook page:
“Expect food, drinks, art, comix, and a super-sexy anything-goes atmosphere. Chris will dress as Mr. Peanut and perform a lengthy, emotionally complex tap routine. Other stuff too. Don’t miss it.”
Locust Moon Comics 34 S. 40th St. 7:30 p.m.
Here is a great video about the renovation of the new shop (sent by an anonymous e-mailer):
Recent Comments