West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Mar. 14, 2025

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It’s Friday, Mar. 14, 2025: Five years ago this week, the new normal began. I still remember getting the directive from the office to bring my laptop home and prepare to “work from home” for at least a week. (Ha.)  In some ways, those days of lockdowns, virtual learning, and mandatory masking seem so far away. Yet repercussions from “state of emergency” decisions continue to reverberate today. In remembrance of the milestone, I caught up with three downtown restaurants that took the plunge and opened during the height of the pandemic. Surprisingly, they are all still open today. They share their best pandemic stories and reflect on the secret to success - or at least, succeeding.  Plus, two Borough Council members announce they will not seek reelection and a new taco stand brings authenticity to the Borough. 

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up. 

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Serving Up a Life Post-Pandemic: 3 Restaurants Reflect on COVID-19

Five years ago, three local business owners were on the edge of new dreams when COVID-19 started pushing its way across the country. Washington, then Illinois, and California. First, it was the email from schools, then offices moved to “work from home,” - but it was when a multi-billion-dollar sports juggernaut preemptively agreed to a $300 million loss that soon-to-be Mae’s owner and executive chef Josh Taggert got worried. 

“It’s for real. They are shutting everything down,” he said. He knew just as soon as the NBA made their March 2020 announcement, but by then, days before the planned opening of his new farm-to-table venture, it was too late. As everything else was halting, Josh and Mae’s hurtled forward. 

“There was nothing I could do. I’m in the heart of it,” he said.

Each year, roughly 10,000 restaurants will open across the country. Of those, 83 percent will survive their first year; half will make it to year five under typical business conditions. March of 2020 was anything but typical.

In February 2020, seven new restaurants prepared to open in the Borough. Three would delay their plans. Four would leap. In honor of the fifth anniversary of the day the world stopped, I checked in with the owners of three of these businesses to see exactly how they survived those chaotic first years and how things stand today.

A Brave New Work

Scoops and Smiles owner Akain Rowland and his brother Yusef had no intention of opening a second location. They had their Malvern shop and it was doing just fine. 

“It was the world’s craziest thing,” Akain said. “I was approached by the owners [of the West Chester storefront] in December.” Initially, they were reluctant, but January came around, and he and Yusef decided to at least look. The town and space won them over. “This is the blueprint of what we love,” said Akain. In February, they decided to go for it. They signed a lease, had the inside repainted, and prepared to open their second ice cream shop. “March 7, I got my [opening health] inspection,” he said. The plan was to open on Mar. 21, the first day of Spring. On March 14, everything shut down.

Governments introduced social distancing protocols and mask mandates. They deemed some workers “essential,” others, “non.” Shop owners broke out the masking tape and measured out six-foot demarcations on their floors. Sit-down restaurants pivoted to offer takeout options. Happy hours moved to Zoom. Cocktails moved to “to go.” Gay Street closed to traffic. Yet, in the middle of it all, three downtown restaurants were working tirelessly to promote their new businesses.  

Forging Ahead

The hardest part for Scoops and Smiles and La Tartine, a Mediterranean restaurant that opened spring on W. Gay St., would be getting the word out about their endeavors. 

“When we opened, no one heard about us yet, and during that time there was much less foot traffic as West Chester is known for,” La Tartine’s owners shared. “Even with delivery service available, it was challenging to get things moving along.”

Scoops and Smiles' strength in Malvern came in part from endearing themselves to the community. They went to the schools. They showed up at events with ice cream, meeting and greeting. Introducing themselves as not only business owners but the people in your neighborhood was key to their business strategy.  

“One of the bigger things in the smaller towns is introducing yourself to the community,” said Akain. “You couldn’t do that. You had to go with the flow of things. Introductions with the pandemic were hard,” he said. 

For Mae’s, the biggest hurdles would be bureaucratic. Despite a kitchen ready to go it took two months for Josh to get his opening inspection due to Chester County Health Department closures.  

“Honestly, not opening right away [would be the hardest part],” he said. 

Staying Alive

As for early survival, they all cite some combination of adaptation, community support, fortuitous action, and faith.  

Mae’s “Grab and Go” fridges were installed to stock easy lunch options for local office workers. With workers now at home, they became the perfect place to house the restaurant's homemade family-style soups and sauces. “I couldn’t keep up on soup,” said Josh. 

That ice cream window at Scoops, which would become a lockdown savior, was not put in by Akain and his brother. “The coffee shop had put it in and never even got to use it. It was a freak of nature blessing,” said Akain.

The Gay St. closure was also huge. So was the West Chester community. 

“Getting to know people in the community and their families has been such a reward,” said La Tartine. “We are sincerely grateful to all our wonderful customers for their referrals and steadfast loyalty. It has helped sustain us through the past five years.” 

In some ways, those pandemic times feel so long ago. However, the vibrations that shook the world as a result are still working their way through society. Shutdowns begat staffing shortages and pay increases. Supply chain disruptions and stimulus payouts led to shortages, then inflation and still high food prices. 

“I can’t believe today is the five-year anniversary,” said Josh. “I can’t believe I’m still here.” 

The owners reflect on why, even five years later, each day remains a challenge and share what’s next. (Mae’s for one, has big changes coming) Keep reading here.  

As for the pandemic, can’t remember what it was like? Check out the weekly updates from five years ago to jog your memory - It’s wild. (March, April, May, June)

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

Here at Spring Creek Design we’re ready to help you get in shape for Spring with a new home gym. We love these projects because we help clients meet their fitness goals through smart design and careful construction.

We start by understanding your fitness goals and the spaces required for different machines and interests. Then we assess the available space and create potential layouts. Once clients choose the best design for them, we dive into construction. Here are some key aspects to consider, all of which we incorporated in the gym above:

• Ceiling height must accommodate overhead exercises or extra-tall machines

• Flooring is vital: rubber sheet flooring or interlocking tiles dampen noise and reduce impact injuries 

• Good ventilation prevents moisture buildup and odors

• Proper lighting enhances safety and motivation

• Mirrors can improve form and make the space feel larger

• Electrical outlets for treadmills or other powered equipment should be included in the plan.

Ready to make the most of the home you love? Give us a call at 610-273-9194.

The Warnings.

The West Chester water supply is contaminated with PFAs. (Yay.) Yep, those forever chemicals. This week, Aqua Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against Arkema Inc. The suit alleges that the French-headquartered specialty materials manufacturer negligently discharged PFAs into the Goose Creek watershed, which services the West Chester area. In West Chester, Arkema is represented by Sartomer, a manufacturer that produces specialty acrylate and methacrylate monomers and oligomers used in coatings, graphic arts, electronics, adhesives and sealants, and 3D printing, among other things. Sartomer is located at 610 S. Bolmar St. and employs 75 people locally. 

West Goshen summer camps are at near capacity after day one. Unless you’re registered, it’s time to start thinking about Plan B. Last week, West Goshen opened registration for its annual summer camp and after the first few tumultuous hours, most spaces were full. A couple of technical issues with the registration software had some families confused and a little frustrated, but in the end, all who applied were registered. “After numerous calls and emails on Tuesday and Wednesday, everyone from the list who would have been eligible to get in was registered,” said West Goshen Park and Rec Director Ken Lehr. To date, Coopersmith Park and West Goshen Community Park are full. There are a few openings left for the Summer Recreation Program at Barker Park and the Summer Teen Program at Lambert Park. If spaces remain, registration will open to non-residents after 8 p.m. on Monday. There is a possibility that capacity could be expanded if the township can find the staff they need to supervise the campers. 

“If we are able to hire additional counselors, we may be able to invite many of the people still remaining on the Waiting Lists to register,” said Ken. Know a college student or soon-to-be high school grad in need of a summer job? They can apply here. 

Sit in the back of an Uber. Last month, an Uber driver from the East Goshen was accused of groping a female passenger while she rode in the front passenger seat of his vehicle. Robert Travers Corcoran, 61, has been arraigned and remains out on bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing on Mar. 20. In response to the charges, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele shared the following reminder. 

“All passengers, especially female passengers... have to take safety precautions. This woman was Facetiming with someone while in the Uber, texting her contact, verbally resisting the driver and noting the vehicle’s license plate, all of which were heads-up actions. A few other safety recommendations are… to sit in the back seat and use the alert button on the app or call 911 if they feel unsafe.” 

Avoid these streets. PennDOT will be in West Goshen next week working on a Route 100 bridge. Expect closures starting Thursday at 8 p.m. and running through 6 a.m. Friday in both directions on U.S. 322 between Phoenixville Pike and New St. PennDOT work also continues on High St in the Borough; expect single lane closures throughout the week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Finally, slow down in school zones. With the weather warming, student walkers are on the rise. 

The Accolades.

This Saturday, the Chester County Ancient Order of Hibernians will celebrate its 47th annual Irish program from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge on W. Washington St. The AOH’s Irish Program is Chester County’s longest-running St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It started nearly five decades ago as a radio and cable TV program and continues today as a live show with Irish music and dancing.  

“Thankfully, we have outlasted these two networks,” volunteer Mick Dunleavy said of their longevity. “The McDade Irish Dancers have been with us for all 47 events. The Do Cairde Irish Dancers for at least 25 years,” he added.

In addition to music and dancing, there will be face painting and a raffle. Tickets are $15/adults. Children are free. 

“This is both a beloved tradition and a tribute to Irish culture and heritage,” organizer Artie Treston added. (While we’re all Irish on St. Patrick's Day, roughly 20 percent of Chester County residents claim Irish ancestry the rest of the year, too.) 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Stepping up to that podium. Congratulations to Rustin sophomore AJ Corp on his fifth-place finish at last weekend’s PIAA State Wrestling Championships. Impressive.

Making (sound) waves. A round of applause to the following West Chester area students on being selected to perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s All-State programs. Participating in all-state concert band this year will be Henderson’s Heidi Krug on oboe, Nathaniel Niederman on bassoon, and Skylar Trudeau on tuba. East’s Dinith Halambage will play string bass. Joining this year’s all-state orchestra are Rustin senior violinist Vidhu Sriram and Henderson bassist Charlie Platt. Dinith was also named to the All-State at large roster. I have no idea what that means, but it seems like a pretty exclusive group. Congratulations to all the musicians who were selected. The All-State Orchestra Concert will be held on Apr. 11 at 8 p.m. The All-State Concert Band performance is on Apr. 12 at 2 p.m. Both take place at the Kalahari Convention Center in Pocono Summit, PA. 

Second chances. Last week, West Chester University’s Men's Basketball team’s stellar season was all but wiped clean by a singular loss in the quarter-finals of the PSAC Tournament. It probably also cost them a few seed-places. WCU was down, maybe, but not out. On Sunday night, they learned they would get their second chance. The Golden Rams were selected as a sixth seed in the NCAA Division II Tournament. They face third-seeded Virginia State on Saturday at noon. This is the first appearance for the Golden Rams since the 2018-2019 season. Also, a shout-out to Coach Damien Blair. Last Thursday, the PSAC league named Coach Blair the PSAC Eastern Division Coach of the Year. This is the first time Coach Blair has been named coach of the year while at West Chester. 

Hanging on. Speaking of multiple chances, congratulations to QVC CEO David Rawlinson. Despite seemingly continuous negative news coming from the fashion retailer, the QVC Group has agreed to extend Rawlinson’s contract for another three years. The extension announcement was followed quickly by news that the company reported a near $1.3 billion operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2024 and an eight percent decrease in revenue for the year. Kind of makes you wonder if he has one of those cat-on-a-rope posters in his office?  

Good Samaritans. Last Saturday, four guys got out of their vehicles and hauled a tree off Paoli Pike to keep traffic moving. Their efforts earned them a big “THANK YOU” from the Westtown-East Goshen Police Department and the gratitude of area travelers. 

Sweet treats. High fives to West Chester’s Northbrook Marketplace on taking home “most creative” dessert at this year’s Sweet Charity fundraiser. The competition at the annual Chester County Community Foundation fundraiser was intense, with eleven Chester County caterers and bakeries vying for top honors. “This year’s event was a vibrant blend of delicious desserts, philanthropy, and fun,” said CCCF Chair Zebulun Davenport. Northbrook won for their PB Maple Crunch wraps.

Know someone who should be recognized? Send me an email at [email protected].

Hello.

Now, who is ready for some authentic Mexican? This week, Taqueria Los Poblanos opened at 455 Hannum Ave - the former home of Sam’s Pizza Island. The young entrepreneur behind the new Mexican restaurant also runs the Taqueria el Pariente food truck at the Shell Gas station on S. High St. where he has garnered a reputation for producing delicious, high-quality tacos at a fair price. Our friends at Drunks of West Chester have been onto their food for a while and shared this post this week on the new outlet. 

“The authenticity here is what sets this place apart. The flavors transform each bite into a revelation - the al pastor will knock the literal socks off your feet. I savor each moment I get with that al pastor taco,” they wrote on Instagram

They aren’t the only fans, though. So far, it’s all five-star reviews on Google. 

“Delicious tacos. No notes. Will be back,” local guide Joe G. wrote. 

The little Mexican restaurant is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to  11 p.m. and on weekends from 12:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.. Just a couple of notes - it’s takeout only. There does not appear to be a posted menu. You’ll just need to go, ask, and make a decision. And bring cash, just in case. 

Also, it’s hello, to a new stoplight at High St. and University Ave. Part of PennDOT’s planned pedestrian improvements along High St., the light began its operational life on the last day of February with seven days of flashing. Now, two weeks into existence, it should be fully functional. Effective at improving safety in the area? That’s still TBD. 

And finally, in other stopped-traffic news, get ready to once again welcome that pandemic-era hang-on - the Gay Street Closure. This week, the Borough’s Smart Growth Committee voted 3-0 to bring the Open Air Market back on weekends starting on Friday, May 2, and running through Sunday, Sept. 28. 

Goodbye.

At least two Borough Council members have announced they will not seek re-election. West Chester Borough Council President Patrick McCoy and Ward 7 Representative Lisa Dorsey shared that they will end their terms this year. Two other council members' terms are also ending. Ward 3 representative Brian McGinnis is seeking re-election, and Ward 5 representative Sheila Vaccaro - who knows? She did not respond to several emails asking her intentions.

“It’s true, I will not be seeking re-election,” Borough Council President Patrick McCoy shared last week, citing time as the biggest factor. “Done well, a Council position requires time to read materials, research what you don’t already know (there’s a lot of that!) and talk to people who DO know and have done the day-to-day work, and most importantly listen to residents.”

“I suspect there’s a reason many long-term council persons do it in retirement!” he added. 

Lisa also recognized the time commitment required. “Serving on Borough Council requires a significant commitment of time and effort,” she said.

However, she’s proud of the progress the Borough has made in the last five years.”I have witnessed significant changes in our council and within the Borough. In 2020, I was the only woman on the council, and I am proud to say we now have three women serving. Each of us brings our unique experiences and perspectives to the table.”

There has also been a new Borough Manager, Parking Director, Public Works Director, and Building and Housing Director (soon two.) “These key roles contribute to our success, and each change has helped move the Borough forward,” Lisa said. During her tenure, she has participated in the development of four new apartment complexes, an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, and a new short-term rental ordinance. Still, she suspects housing will remain a priority.

“Housing will continue to be a topic of discussion for the Borough, including affordable and attainable options, as it is at the county and national levels,” she said.  

While Patrick won’t be running, he does hope others will consider it.   

“My advice to Council candidates or residents that vote for them is to understand that meaningful and lasting change to improve life in the Borough isn’t one or two 'big’ things, it’s many, many small issues. To deal with those, elect people with the entire Borough constituency in mind with a broad range of experiences solving problems and the patience and character to respectfully engage with people who don’t share their beliefs.”

Wise words. Mr. McCoy and Ms. Dorsey will serve through Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

And speaking of new Borough leadership, Parking Director and Interim Housing Director Ramsey Reiner shared that interviews for a new Building and Housing Director will begin next week. 

Finally ready to say goodbye to the cold weather and get back outside? Well, good news. Local real estate agent and new mom Cassie Shankweiler is starting a West Chester Walking Club and everyone is invited. 

The group will meet Saturdays and Wednesdays at Everhart Park with a view more toward the social than the aerobic. “It’s very casual,” says Cassie. “I have lived here for 10 years now and feel like I barely know anyone, so I created this club for a better sense of community.”

As the group grows, she hopes to expand it to other events around town. The first walk will be tomorrow at 9 a.m. Meet at the park’s northeast entrance. The club will kick things off with a relaxed one-mile walk. Can’t make it tomorrow? No worries. Join the Facebook Group and plan for the next one. 

Pay it Forward.

More than 200 years ago, the Westtown Shiloh AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church sat at the center of a vibrant Black community. They hosted pioneering preachers and likely played a role in the Underground Railroad. Sadly, the church was destroyed by a fire in the 1930s, and the building razed. The land, including that holding the burials, is now privately owned. For the last fifty years, the church, its dead, and the role it played in history have gone unmarked.

That is soon going to change thanks to the dedicated efforts of a few local community members. The Friends of Westtown Shiloh AME Church have been fighting for two years to get the land marked, and early this month, they proved victorious. On Monday, Mar. 3,  the Westtown Township Board of Supervisors voted to allow a historic marker to be placed on Little Shiloh Road, adjacent to the half-acre church property. The marker will detail the historic importance of the church and cemetery.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We have been getting into biking again lately. It seems to be a seasonal thing we try out every time the weather starts to warm up. I love the relative flatness of the Borough, but trying to find roads with sufficient room to bike down without holding up traffic can be a challenge. Still, it’s supposed to be nice. So, maybe we’ll give it another shot and reward ourselves with a little St. Patrick’s Day treat? 

If you are around this weekend, St. Paddy Day activities abound. Levante’s bringing back their “No Green Beer” celebration. Bierhaul will have live music, Irish dancing, and Guinness - loads of it, and Iron Hill is celebrating with their own take on the new Guinness drinking game. Not a beer drinker? Scoops and Smiles is celebrating the green and the Girl Scouts with their limited-time-only Thin Mint milkshake and Pine and Quill is running a “Feeling Lucky” sale with a chance at 50 percent off your purchase. Also, this weekend, 9 Prime celebrates one year on Sunday with a complimentary dessert bar. That’s right, let them eat cake.

Thank you to Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, this week’s Hello West Chester Community Sponsor. As the premier destination for the performing arts in the borough, Uptown enriches West Chester’s Historic District with vibrant cultural experiences. From live theater, music, and dance to film and education, Uptown is at the heart of it all, bringing the community together through the arts.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. There are only three spots an issue so each one gets a lot of attention, and from what I hear, responses. Placements are filled first come- first served. Send me an email if you are interested.

Mark Your Calendars:

• SOLD OUT! Mar. 14 – Turks Head X Eclat, wine and chocolate class, Turks Head Wines, 6 – 8 p.m. Enjoy a curated tasting with stories of travel and chocolate making with certified master chocolatier Christopher Curtin. Tickets: $75

• Mar. 14 – East HS Calvacade Jazz Competion, East, tbd

• Mar. 15 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon

• Mar. 15 – No Green Beer Party, Levante Brewing, 12 – 7 p.m. Enjoy Irish live music, Philly Hots food truck, and SPCA onsite. Make a $10 donation, get a free pour.

• Mar. 15 – Chester County Ancient Order of Hibernians 47th annual Irish program, ELK’s Lodge, W. Washington and N. Wayne Streets, 1 – 5 p.m. Enjoy Live Irish entertainment with the Mullin Family, and the Do’Cairde and McDade-Cara Schools of Irish dance. Plus, face painting.  Admission: $15.00 per person, children free.

• Mar. 15 – Concert in the Cupboard, Act in Faith, 10 W. Barnard St., 6:30 – 9 p.m. Join for good food and good music in support of a great cause. Tickets: $50/person; $150 for a table of four.

• Mar. 16 – Whiskey Rovers, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 4 p.m. Immerse yourself in the authentic sounds of Ireland with the Whiskey Rovers. Tickets: $25

• Mar. 17 – Celtic Psalms Concert, Sanctuary, Westminster Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Saint Patty’s Day with the Irish. Celtic Psalms sing Psalms set to traditional Irish and Scottish melodies. This is a free concert although donations accepted to support the music program.

• Mar. 19 – 22 – West Chester University’s 35th Annual Jazz Festival, WCU Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 12 – 7:30 p.m. Wed- Sat; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sun. WCU Jazz Festival delivers world-class entertainment the the West Chester Community. Most performances are free and open to the public. This year’s highlight is the world premiere of new work by Grammy Award- winning composer Billy Childs. Visit the Jazz Fest website for more details and a complete list of performances.

• Mar. 19 – Third Wednesday Book Club, West Chester Public Library, 1 p.m. This month they’ll be discussing Dead Wake by Erick Larson. Light refreshments available. Registration required.

• Mar. 20 – 15th Annual Slice & Ice Event, America’s Pie, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Stop by for a free slice of pizza and complimentary water ice.

• Mar. 21 – Blood Drive, Oscar Lasko YMCA, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration required.

• Mar. 21 – Trivia Night, West Chester Public Library, 6 – 8 p.m. Meet and compete at the Public Library’s monthly trivia not. $5/admission includes free snacks and quiz questions. Cash bar also available. Registration recommended.

• Mar. 21, 22 – Spring 2025: Spotlight Performance performed by Brandywine Ballet and Brandywine Contemporary, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Spotlight Performance will include Repertoire Highlights from Brandywine Ballet: Voices, Now We Are Free, and Colour Brillante, along with Rhythm Room,  a Company Premiere of Brandywine Contemporary. Tickets: $40

• Mar. 23 – The Beat Goes On, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 4 p.m. A vibrant tribute to Cher’s legacy, blending iconic music with empowering stories of resilience and hope. Tickets: $40

• Mar. 23 – Jack & Jill Designer Bingo, Tilted Axes at T19 Hagerty Blvd, 3 p.m. Come out for a fun afternoon of Bingo. $40 gets you ten games and ten chances to win great prizes like YETI products, Omaha Steaks, Kate Spade accessories and more. Plus, raffles, door prizes, and a cash bar. This is an 18+ event. All proceeds fund Westtown-Goshen Rotary Club. Get your tickets here. ($45 at the door).

Looking for more event ideas? View the full calendar here.

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That’s it. Stay safe, stay happy, and thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. I’ll see you next week!

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors