Hard to believe we’re already halfway through January. The continued frustration of COVID, hanging over our heads, impacting every part of our lives, has carried into 2022. There’s still so much uncertainty, especially in the restaurant industry and food business. There’s no rhyme or reason, and I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. But, let’s face it, these crazy times are not ending anytime soon, sadly. There are going to be more losses. Luckily, there are some successes, too. I figured I’d just round them up for you because there are a lot of stories and perhaps you’ve missed them. Please support however you comfortably can.

The Bad News

First, the most recent permanent losses:

❌ Stephen Starr’s Jones has closed after nearly 20 years.

❌ Center City brunch spot Day by Day has closed after nearly 41 years.

❌ Lost Bread Cafe closed abruptly.

❌ Fond ends its 12 year run in East Passyunk.

The Good News

There have been some resurrections, reopenings, openings, and expansions, with more to come.

✅ Cosi is back at 11th & Chestnut.

✅ Guiseppe & Sons has reopened.

✅ Will’s & Bill’s Brewery in Berwyn is open.

✅ Honeygrow’s new location in Wynnewood is now open.

✅ Crumbl Cookies in Wynnewood is now open.

✅ Fishtown Seafood opens a retail shop in Fishtown.

✅ Wing it Forward opens in Medford.

Coming Soon:

New things coming that we can get excited about.

⌚ Riverwards Produce will be opening a second location in Old City.

⌚ Brooklyn Dumpling Shop will be opening in Philly.

⌚ Jose Garces to open two new Buena Onda taquerias, one in Rittenhouse and one on the Main Line.

⌚ Maria’s Bread Sandwiches opening in Collingswood.

⌚ Bomba Taco & Bar to open in Newtown.

⌚ Zachary’s BBQ & Soul is opening in the Downtown Allentown Market.

⌚ Bardea Steak in Wilmington named among the Most Anticipated Restaurant openings in America by Vogue Magazine.

⌚ Legendary Mastoris Diner of Bordentown to become an Italian steakhouse.

Moving & Shaking:

Just some interesting stories that can make us feel better about the state of things.

🏃 Gaul & Co. Malt House is moving to a new location in Port Richmond. 

🏃 Fox & Son Fair Foods food truck will finally be hitting the road this Spring & Summer.

🏃 Black-owned catering company owner Tanesha Trippett featured in Travel Noire.

🏃 Local seed activist Jeff Quattrone featured in The Smithsonian.

Virtual Food Halls are HOT! HOT! HOT!

Virtual food halls – delivery-only ghost kitchens that offer more than one cuisine/concept – are hot and getting hotter!

🥡 Pure Roots Provisions now open in King of Prussia

🥡 Foodie Hall to open in Cherry Hill in February

🥡 Everybody Eats Food Hall to open in Chester in February

Town Spotlight: Upper Darby

Recently, I learned more about the Upper Darby food scene and its multicultural restaurants.

🥣 The Multicultural Restaurants of Upper Darby

🥣 Upper Darby Food Scene

Do you like round-up style articles like this? Let me know, and I will keep doing them, probably every month. Also, let me know how I can improve. I had been doing them on my Substack, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to sunset the newsletter. It’s just too much to keep up the blog and a newsletter, especially since I still work full-time and freelance on the side. 

What information are you seeking? Did I miss anything? I’m sure I did. Please let me know, and I’ll try to include it in the next round-up article.

Last but not least, if you’re not already, please follow me on NewsBreak for more stories and if you’re so inclined, please make a donation to this website to keep it going. I do not live a lavish lifestyle. Any money made from this site goes towards the upkeep and supporting small businesses. Also, sharing this article on your social media would be a great big help, too. Tag me and I will shout you out!

Anyways, stay safe out there, friends.