West Chester Weekly Roundup: 🐶🐶 Aug. 2, 2024 issue

Restaurant Inspection reports, BK updates and Snoop Dogg sitings

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

The easiest way to be in the know.

It’s Friday, Aug. 2, 2024: Happy Friday, everyone. August is here and so again is the heat. This week we dig into the latest round of Restaurant Inspection reports. It was a rough month for a couple of popular pizza places and Popeye’s struggles early out of the gate. (Sorry, too much Olympic viewing.) Plus, developers share new plans for the apartments at Burger King. I know they are trying to sell the differences but they seem awfully similar to me - and a celebration of you out there living your best life.

Grab something cold and - let’s catch up.

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports: July

Summer is heating up and so, it appears, are the Restaurant Inspection reports. Benny’s Pizza struggled to keep the kitchen clean and the flies out. It was also a rough month for Amore on High Street. Spaz Beverage got hit as did the West Chester Golf & Country Club snack bar, and one month in and Popeye’s is already out.

Here’s your full report:  

Benny’s Classic Pizza, 114 N. Church St., out, 14 violations including employees without proper hair restraints, flies swarming a moldy bus pan of onions in the basement. Also, mold on the ice machine splash guard, several cleaning violations, no soap at the handwash sink, and no toilet paper in the ladies' room.

Wayback Burger, 1107 West Chester Pike, out, 4 violations including unlabeled spray bottles containing chemicals, stickers on the new bain marie, and no water running to the ice cream dipper well.  

Amore Pizza, 316 S. High St., out, 12 violations including foods stored uncovered, Blue cheese and Ranch dressings left out unrefrigerated in the grill area, milk found in the milkshake area beyond its expiration date, ready-to-eat foods stored without date markings, and unlabeled chemical spray bottles.

Spaz Beverage Company, 1015 West Chester Pike, out, 2 violations including a broken slushie tank. This may actually be timely for them, considering they were also directed to “clean the following:” the exterior of the slushie dispenser units and the counter containing the slushie dispenser.

WCG&CC Pool Snack Bar, 811 N. New St., out, 4 violations including a missing splash shield between the fryer and the char-broiler, not enough sanitizer test strips, and sinks and equipment in need of cleaning.

Popeye’s, 829 Paoli Pike, out, 6 violations including open boxes of flour breading stored on the floor below the chicken prep station, fryers not located under the hood canopy, and the toilet in the Men’s Room already out of order.  

On a positive note, it looks like just about everyone from last month’s report is back in compliance including China Palace (no violations), Michi Sushi, Scott Honda’s Sail Away Cafe, Gryphon Cafe (no violations), Rolling Stars, Carly Foglia Nutrition, Radley Run Country Club, and Merrill Gardens at Arbour Square.  

You can find all the restaurant inspection reports here. Search by location for more details.

Help Hearts You Hold Make Dreams Come True One Request at a Time

Hearts You Hold supports migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylees in a concrete material way, by taking the time to ask them what they need or want. HYH, a Vermont-based nonprofit, has many requests from people all over the USA. Please consider funding one (or more!) of these life-changing requests.

You can help by funding critical things like Hotel 1 Night Stay for Vanessa in S. Burlington, VT, School Supplies Kit for Julia in Orange County, CA, or a Baby Carseat for Nancy in Queens, NY. These are examples of requests waiting to be funded on our request page.

Due to the generosity of donors like you, we have funded 2,655 requests since we founded this nonprofit!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!

Eloise Ginty, FounderHearts You Hold

The Warnings.

Start working on an alternate route. PennDOT announced earlier this week that traffic light construction will begin at Route 3 (West Chester Pike) and E. Gay St./Route 3 (Market St.). According to the release, a short-term lane closure is scheduled on Route 3 (West Chester Pike) in both directions at the U.S. 202 South off-ramp on Monday, Aug. 5 to Friday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Also from PennDOT, they are continuing superstructure replacement work at Route 100 (Pottstown Pike ) and US 322 (West Chester Bypass.) This includes a complete street closure next Thursday night. Again according to the release, U.S. 322 (West Chester Bypass) will be closed in both directions between Phoenixville Pike and New Street on Aug. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. During the closure, westbound motorists are directed to use the Paoli Pike Interchange, Gay Street, North High Street, Chestnut Street, Hannum Avenue, and Downingtown Pike. Eastbound motorists should use Business U.S. 322, Hannum Avenue, N. New Street, Market Street, West Chester Pike, and the ramp to U.S. 322/U.S. 202 South.

Finally this fall, East Bradford Township is replacing the culvert on W. Ashbridge St. Ashbridge will be closed from Waldon Dr. to Downingtown Pike throughout the project. More details regarding timing and detours are expected as the start date gets closer.

Speaking of driving through tricky areas…

Please drive carefully. West Chester Police responded to an accident on Sunday involving a pedestrian on the 600 block of Strasburg Road near Bradford Ave. The struck individual was transported to the hospital for treatment.

This is why we can’t have nice things. Warning my pickleballers, East Goshen Park is down a court. According to a post shared this week on social media, a net was broken over the weekend - and not for the first time. This is actually the second time it has happened, the result of people trying to adjust the nets themselves. For the record, you can’t do this without special tools. So, don’t try. And while the Township is getting things off its chest, it would also like to ask that you don’t bring your label maker to the courts and attempt to change the rules. These rules are set by the East Goshen Township Park and Rec - and if the courts are to stay as first-come, first-serve regardless of skill level, you and your label maker cannot change those rules.  

Just because you put on a reflective vest, doesn’t make you official. West Chester Police are investigating a cooking oil theft from a property in the 200 block of E. Market St. Apparently this is a thing, with the used oil sold to biodiesel companies for a quick buck. According to a 2019 Washington Post article, more than $75 million of grease is stolen annually. Images of the incident show a man in a black hat and lime green reflective vest hooking up a hose to a metal receptacle. If you recognize this gentleman or have any information about the incident contact WCPD at 610-696-2700.

Water bills are set to rise. Aqua Pennsylvania is planning to raise water rates by nearly 20 percent but first, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) wants to take the public’s temperature on the idea. Beginning next week, the PUC will hold several public hearings across Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester Counties. Unfortunately, the closest location to West Chester is Landenberg. There is also an option to call in your comments. To do this, you’ll need to pre-register with PUC Legal Assistant Christina Biggica. Email her at [email protected] by Aug. 13 if you are interested.

Did you lose a backpack? West Goshen police may have it. 

The Accolades.

Last week, I shared local Olympians. This week I wanted to celebrate those out there living the dream.

Last fall, former West Chester Police Chief James Morehead announced his retirement from the police force. In January, the 35-year veteran of the force handed in his badge and prepared for some new challenges - on the list, a motorcycle trip to Alaska and hiking in Spain. Last week, he accomplished the first. Earlier this summer he began the 45-day ride that would take him from the Jersey Shore to the top of Alaska - as far north as you can go by land. He took off with three of his best friends (in a true testament to friendship, came back with them too) and covered 12,000 miles, 10 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, a few national parks, and acres upon acres of amber grain.

A trip of a lifetime for sure, but it wasn’t all smooth riding and gorgeous views. There were challenges. Leather riding gear and heat waves aren’t usually compatible companions but, as Jim says in episode 9, “Part of life is about suffering. It’s about the things you overcome.”

Wait, did I forget to mention he captured the whole trip for you in a nine-episode vlog? Well, he did. It’s called Adventures the Long Way and you can watch it here.  

Also, having a pretty good week is Levante Brewmaster Tim Floros. Tim was selected to throw out the first pitch at Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians. An amazing memory and one he should cherish. Phillies lost 4 to 3 so it's not likely he’ll be asked back.

And we can’t forget our Olympic friends, who have also been banking some stories for the grandkids. Kennett Square’s Justin Best is bringing home a gold medal in Men’s Four Rowing, his first and the country’s first in the event in 64 years. Equestrian Boyd Martin had his first career top-ten finish at an Olympic Games, and the Archery Team* met Snoop Dogg. How’s that for living your best life?

*Archery Team and others still competing or waiting to compete. I’ll share updates when they are available.

Also, this week we are cheering:

Future Olympians. High fives to Konstantinos Lambardakis, a recent Stetson graduate and future Golden Knight on his seventh-place shot put finish at the 2024 New Balance Outdoor Nationals. Konstantinos was the highest-place finisher from PA and even more impressive? He just started throwing in March. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of his name in this section.

Clean eating. Ground Provisions is the best around when it comes to “vegan prix fixe,” at least according to Philadelphia Magazine. The Old Wilmington Pike eatery was praised for its ability to turn simple recipes into “the cutting edge of modern cuisine.” Doesn’t hurt that the whole time you're indulging your tastebuds you’re sitting in what feels like a “very well-produced Instagram reel.” They’ve been on my foodie bucket list for a while; need to make a reservation and do it.  

Good company. Niche, a data aggregate for the country’s schools, released its annual “best of” rankings, and while West Chester Area School District will not be headlining any press releasesit is keeping some pretty good company. According to their calculations, WCASD is the third-best district in the county just behind Tredyffrin-Easttown and Unionville-Chadds Ford. With double the students and a similar A+ rating, I would say that isn’t too shabby.

Full disclosure. This little celebration may be mine alone, but cheers to the Vista.Today editors for adding a brief line at the end of an article indicating whether it had previously run and when.

Hello.

Earlier this spring developers came back to the Borough looking to place a new order for the former Burger King property. The original plan which called for 128 apartments to be built at the High St. site has been tied up in litigation since it was approved in late 2023. So in April, developers submitted plans for what they are calling “410 South High Street Development II.” After allowing time for Borough and County experts and engineers to review, the interested parties gathered this week at the Planning Commission Voting Session to discuss.

While developers see their plans as a departure from the original proposal, many of the same hurdles, namely building height and parking, seem to apply.

What we know about the two plans.

Original -

  • 128 residential apartments

  • 122 spaces (plus 27 bonus spaces)/ .95 space/unit not including bonus spaces

  • Two courtyards totaling: 7600 SF

  • Proposed plaza/public space: 2910 SF

New -  

  • 139 residential apartments

  • 139 parking spots (plus 36 bonus spaces)/1 space/unit not including bonus spots

  • Two courtyards totaling: 7600 SF

  • Proposed plaza/public space: 2910 SF

In addition to increasing the available parking slightly, developers also made minor adjustments at the corner of High and Dean St. to better meet set-back requirements, set back upper-level apartments by around 50’ to help disguise the bulk of the building, and added more amenities - trees, planters, and movable seating - to the proposed “plaza public space.”

During the three-hour meeting, Planning Commission members and others reiterated their concerns over the building’s height calculations and its provided parking, which is viewed as insufficient to meet demand. The building’s design was also debated, particularly the decision to provide for a single residential entrance. Located at the corner of High and Dean Sts., the entrance is not exactly convenient for those coming from the south. It also leaves a public plaza with no place to go. It was a point that was raised at Tuesday’s meeting.

After hours of discussion, no decision was made on the plan. Unless developers ask for an extension, the Planning Commission will need to issue a decision next month.

For how many years did West Chester survive without a bookstore? The last one residents can seem to remember had a location out in the West Goshen Shopping Center. Now, the Borough will soon have two. Earlier this year, Bookstore Bakery opened on W. Gay St., and this week, Bookmarks West Chester shared it is getting close to opening on the corner of E. Gay St. and N. Walnut Sts.

Located at 100 E. Gay St. in, what is according to Zillow, a single-family home built in 1860, Bookmarks will certainly have more room than the Bookstore Bakery allowing them to display a larger selection of books and common bookstore add-ons such as cards, stickers, and other gift ideas.

Did you know there are just ten Sundays until the return of the Chili Cook-off? To me, this means two things. One, summer days are rapidly dwindling, and two, we have a date. Yep, earlier this week new organizers Fiorenzo’s Food for Friends shared that the 2024 Chili Cook-off has been scheduled for Oct. 6. As in years past, they will be seeking out the best chili around from the pros to the area’s acclaimed at-home cooks. There will be five divisions including high school, hometown cooks, non-profits, restaurants, and businesses. Registration is $110 a team and includes your tent, table, and chairs. Registration is not open yet but coming soon. Follow WestChesterChiliCookoff_f4 on Insta for the latest.

Olive Tree Greek Grill is now open on Turner Lane next to West Goshen Beverage. This is the third location for the family-owned chain in the Greek diner tradition. As such there is something for everyone from made-to-order breakfast to cheesesteaks and pizza but according to the restaurant, fittingly, “the real highlight is the authentic Greek food and desserts.”

Finally, it will be hello back to school before you know it. Have a kindergartener,  or are new to the district? New student registration is open now.

Goodbye.

So, is this the beginning of the end of our designation as the self-proclaimed Bubble, or if you prefer, Boba, Tea capital of Chester County? According to new signage posted at the corner of High and Gay Sts., it looks as if Kung Fu Tea is closed and could soon(ish) be replaced by Mino Japanese Cuisine.

Here is what the sign on the door says,

Dear Customers,

Thank you so much for your support. We are temporarily closed for renovations. We hope to see you again this fall when we open our doors again.

So far that’s all I know. It sounds and looks like a completely new concept but the sign makes it sound like Kung Fu is returning in some capacity. I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see. FYI, Malvern has a Mino Sushi Restaurant. I have no information whether these two are related (besides a similar-looking logo), but I certainly wouldn’t hate it if they were.    

Finally, some sad news this week. Iron Hill Brewery announced the passing of head brewer Chris LaPierre on Monday. While a longtime Philadelphia resident, Lappy, as he was known to friends, had strong ties to the West Chester community not only through Iron Hill and Belgium Comes to West Chester, but through the West Chester Cycling Club, where he was a founding member.  

“It is with great sadness that we inform everyone of the sudden loss of a member of the Iron Hill Brewery family. Chris LaPierre passed away suddenly this morning in Philadelphia. Surely most people that read this have met Lappy. And if you have met Lappy, you know he has a deep passion for Iron Hill, Philadelphia and Craft Beer, all while riding a bike,” founding partner Mark Edelson shared on Monday. (Read the full post here.)

For friends and fans, there’s a Celebration of Life planned for Saturday, August 10th at noon at Iron Hill in Center City.

Also, a remembrance for Anne Hayes. A lifelong West Chester resident, Anne was born in 1936. She graduated from the West Chester Joint Senior High School and West Chester State Teacher’s College and went on to work as a teacher, and later as the West Goshen Acme Produce Manager. You may have known her from her associations with Roslyn Swim Club, the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 106, or the Calvary Lutheran Church. She is survived by her daughter, six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking contributions be made to The Hickman, where Anne was a resident.

Pay It Forward.

When you think “summer camp” you likely think of swimming, sports, crafts, and campfire songs. What if the camp had all that, and conflict resolution? Well, then you’ve likely found yourself at one of CISV’s highly selective summer camps.

CISV is an international peace organization for kids that was founded in 1950. Each summer chapters host a variety of camp options for students aged 11 to 17. This year, CISV Brandywine Valley hosted a Youth Meeting, a two-week-long camp for middle schoolers from eight different countries.

“Each participating country sends a delegation of four kids and one adult leader,” says CISV Brandywine Board Member Marsha Brofka-Berends. So, what exactly does one do at a peace camp?

“CISV is primarily an educational organization, but it never takes a pedantic approach,” Marsha says. “Instead, we use what we call ‘activities’ to explore CISV's main thematic areas: conflict and resolution, diversity, human rights, and sustainable development. Every activity is followed by a ‘debrief’ or a discussion of the activity.”

The debrief is where, as Marsha puts it, the “CISV magic” happens. As campers share their thoughts and experiences, they learn about each other, their cultures, and their countries. “And,” Marsha says, “realize that even though they are all different, they are also the same.”

While CISV activities form the backbone of the Youth Meeting, this is still camp. There are also crafts, social, and sporting activities. Each morning, the delegation of the day leads everyone in a greeting; at the end of each day, delegates gather to sing songs together.

“No matter what their native languages are,” says Marsha, “CISVers around the world all know the lyrics to ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane,’ ‘Country Roads, Take Me Home,’ and ‘Hey Jude!’”

CSIV chapters take turns hosting camps and in return, they are able to send their members to camps hosted by other chapters. So, while local members did not attend the Brandywine Camp this summer, CISV Brandywine did send delegations to Guadalajara, Mexico, Padova, Italy, and Roskilde, Denmark.

And while those places may sound enticing, these camps are not about the destination, they’re about the journey.

“CISV camps aren’t tourist programs,” says Marsha. “They’re about exploring and building relationships with the other people at the camp.”

Interested in learning more? (I know I am.) CISV Brandywine Valley chapter meetings are held at Fugett Middle School at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month (September through May). Kids aged 10+ are welcome to attend the Junior Branch (youth section) meeting in the cafeteria while parents/guardians attend the adult meeting in a nearby classroom.

Other ways to pay it forward this week:

Volunteer at your favorite park. This specific request came from Marshall Square Park, but I am sure they could all use a hand right about now.  

Donate to the library. Last year, the West Chester Public Library celebrated 150 years by announcing a very ambitious $1.5 million fundraising goal. With the funds raised, they hope to modernize the building, retire the mortgage, and create a financial cushion. So far, the campaign has made steady progress raising around $285,000 or 20 percent of their targeted goal - help them edge a little bit closer with a donation.

Click yes to the grocery store roundup. Roundup funds collected by Acme from Aug. 1 through Aug. 30  will support the West Chester Area School District’s meal distribution programs in the form of grocery store gift cards.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are chilling. At the beginning of the summer, Piper’s teacher gave the kids a bucket list of 100 summery things to do. So far, we’ve been making pretty good progress. This weekend, I am hoping to check off a couple more like, “make lemonade” or “have a water balloon fight.”

If you are around this weekend, there are two more performances left of The Lightning Thief at Uptown. I went last night with the boys and they loved it. A lso, today is First Friday in the Borough. Starting at 5:30 p.m. there will be live music at the Old Courthouse and the 44 West Plaza. Then on Saturday, head over to Goshen Fire Company fairgrounds for the last day of the Goshen Country Fair. There will be a BBQ chicken dinner, tug-of-war finals, and reduced ride prices to keep you busy.

On Tuesday Windish Entertainment welcomes the Grammy-nominated Six One Five Collective.

It’s also the annual National Night Out Against Crime hosted by the West Chester and West Goshen Police Departments at Henderson High School.

Thank you to Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, this week’s Hello West Chester Community Sponsor.  The premier designation for the performing arts in the borough.   Uptown! promotes cultural, economic and civic life experiences through live theater, music, dance, film, and education in the heart of West Chester’s Historic District.

Beauty and the Beast Is Coming to Uptown!

Get ready to experience the magic of the holidays early with Uptown's summer holiday celebration! We are thrilled to announce that six of our spectacular holiday shows are now on sale. Join us for enchanting performances,   the timeless musical, Disney's Beauty and The Beast. Secure your space today!

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. Booking into September and October. Send me an email now if you are interested!

Readers: Get your annual subscription now! If you haven’t yet paid for your annual subscription please do so now - it will make my life a lot easier. Please and thank you!

Mark your calendars:

  • Aug 1 - 3- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackon Musical, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. with 2 p.m. showing on Sat. and Sun. Percy Jackson, the half-blood son of a Greek God, has newly discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. Based on the popular children's series.

  • Aug. 2 - First Friday - Summer Concert Series, Downtown West Chester, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy live performances from the old Courthouse, free street-level parking after 5 p.m., and fun extras like complimentary face painting.

  • Aug. 2 - First Friday Jazz featuring the Gardyn Jazz Orchestra, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 7 p.m. Join Windish Studios for First Friday Jazz. Featuring music from their most recent album, Vinyl Brews, Gardyn Jazz Orchestra delivers hip arrangements, strong musical soloists, and unkempt hard groovin’ swing. Tickets: $10-$15 plus fee.

  • Aug. 3 - West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 pm.

  • Aug. 3 - Make Your Own Terrarium, The Green House, 43 W. Gay St., 6-7 p.m. Make a terrarium while you check out the new space. Class fee: $75

  • Aug. 4 - Author meet and greet: Samantha Mineroff, Bookstore Bakery, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Reading and signing with the Dear Daughter author. Reach out to the Bookstore Bakery for details.

  • Aug. 4 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

  • Aug. 4 - Blue Philly Magic, West Goshen Park, 6:30 p.m. This is a free community event. West Chester Food Cupboard donations encouraged.

  • Aug. 6 - National Night Out Against Crime, Henderson, 6 - 8 p.m. Join the West Chester and West Goshen Police Department for an evening of vehicles, food trucks, moon bounces, rides, and more. Admission and Activities are free, food is extra.

  • Aug. 6 - Jeff Domenick Trio, East Bradford Park, 7 p.m. Concerts are free and open to the public. Preview the band here.

  • Aug. 6 - Six One Five Collective - Good Vibes Tour 2024, 4 West Prescott Alley, 7:30 - 9 p.m., Doors open at 7 p.m. Don't miss Grammy-nominated Six One Five Collective when they make their stop at Windish Studios as part of their Good Vibes Tour! Tickets: $25/adult; $20/student.

  • Aug. 7 - West Chester Taps, Downtown West Chester, 5 - 7 p.m. Join various downtown restaurants each Wednesday for a townwide Happy Hour. Drink and food specials available.

  • Aug. 8 - West Chester Mile and Elementary 400, Henderson High School, 6:30 p.m. $25 for the mile; $10 for the quarter; $5 to watch.

  • Aug. 8 - Theater in the Park: Alice in Wonderland, Marshall Square Park, 8 p.m. Join for a free performance of the Lewis Carroll classic.

  • Aug. 9 - Tour-De-Trike, Gay St. between Church and Darlington, 3:30 - 6 p.m. An adult tricycle relay race tournament.

  • Aug. 9 - Make Your Own Pot, The Green House, 43 W. Gay St., 6-7 p.m. Make a pot while you check out the new space. Class cost: $80

  • Aug. 10 - West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 pm.

  • Aug. 10 - Yoga in the Street, Gay St. in front of the Post Office, 9 - 10 a.m. Take an outdoor yoga class with Triple Threat Fitness. Bring $5 and a mat.

  • Aug. 11 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

Looking for more event ideas? The Spring/Summer Event Guide is now available! 35 events to plan your summer around. View the full calendar here.

Reader tip: I have been deep in the tech trying to upgrade the subscriber experience and I came across this insider tip. If you have trouble with these emails going to spam or promotions, reply to this email. Nothing particular, even a random letter will do, but that should keep them coming to the inbox.

That’s it. Stay safe, stay healthy, and I'll see you next week!

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