A Family That Cooks Together Grows Together
08
Grant helps propel mother-daughter duo to the next level of savory success
Philanthropy Makes it Possible to Live, Work, and Play in Downtown York
19 Historic York: Revolutionizing Baseball
SPRING 2021
Contents
Welcome to Downtown York Photos taken during the COVID-19 pandemic were captured following CDC guidelines and safety protocols.
05 I A Message from Elaine Director of Downtown Inc
06 I Downtown Map, Getting Here and Parking Where to go and where to park
Historically Edgy 12 I Give Local York The story behind York County’s annual 24-hour online giving spree, and a few of the organizations that have benefited.
08
Philanthropy Makes it Possible to Live, Work, and Play in Downtown York Highlighting the companies that generously support Downtown York.
15 I A Family That Cooks Together Grows Together Downtown Bloom Grant helps propel motherdaughter duo to the next level of savory success.
19 I Historic York Revolutionizing baseball
Living Downtown 22 I Downtown Dweller Dwelling downtown in the pursuit of justice
Playing Downtown 24 I Silver Linings: Creative Adaptations of Businesses During the Pandemic The collective creativity, resilience, and adaptability exhibited by the Downtown York community
26 I Downtown Dish Egyptian cuisine provides a taste of home and new flavors
29 I Events What’s happening around Downtown
Shopping Downtown 30 I Downtown Dash Go green in our city: An enjoyable and eco-friendly dash around Downtown York
info@downtownyorkpa.com DowntownYorkPa.com
@DowntownYorkPa PRI MA RY O F F I CE : 144 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 100 York, PA 17401 DOW NTOW N OF F I CE: 2 West Market Street, 5th Floor York, PA 17401
View a digital version of Downtown York online at DowntownYorkPa.com. Opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Advertising Jason McSherry jmcsherry@yceapa.org Copyright © 2021 Downtown Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of Downtown Inc.
A Message from Elaine The light at the end of the tunnel, a new normal, a breath of fresh air…. the words of optimism and collective hope we’re exchanging now, compared to a year ago when the future was uncertain and, let’s face it, quite bleak. This time last year, our businesses were faltering in the face of the pandemic, with many still diligently working to recover. And, sadly, we’ve lost many friends and family in our community to the pandemic. We continue to reflect and remember them. Yet, as Yorkers, we do what we’ve always done - we lean into our resilience and press on. While this pandemic has shaped us – made us bend and yield – it will not define us, or our future. In this issue, I hope you’ll be inspired by stories chronicling the heart and soul of people motivated by their passion for this city. From philanthropists who dig deep, their giving inspired by hope during these uncertain times, to business owners whose dreams are bigger than their fears. We continue to innovate, create and inspire – from moving to al fresco dining during the pandemic to socially distanced movies under the stars, thanks to The Appell Center for the Performing Arts. Realizing that it’s okay to reimagine what the future looks like, while preserving the integrity of who we are.
Speaking of the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel,” that light comes in many welcomed forms, including the return of some of our favorite pastimes, like Go Green on the City, an event dedicated to green and healthy living; and the return of our hometown team, the York Revolution, gearing up for a full season this year! The future is bright, my friends. As poet laureate Amanda Gorman eloquently said, “If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” This is what will define us.
Director of Downtown Inc
Downtown Inc Team
Board Of Directors
ELAINE BONNEAU Director of Downtown Inc
Chair:
JULIAN TOLBERT Community Investor
MANDY ARNOLD Gavin Advertising
JONATHAN DESMARAIS Marketing & Communications Manager
Vice Chair:
KATE HYNES Stock & Leader
CARLOS DÍAZ Pineapple Home Gallery
Secretary:
JOANNE WILMORE Grace Manor B&B
JOHN KLINEDINST C.S. Davidson, Inc
Treasurer:
ANEURY PEREZ Fulton Bank
ERIC MENZER The York Revolution
HANNAH BEARD
Community Engagement Manager
CINDY STEELE Central Market House BRIAN STRONG KBG Injury Law ALLISON WITHEROW O.N.E. Hospitality Group
Downtown Map With its imaginative arts community, stunning architecture and restaurants that push the limits of flavor, DOWNTOWN YORK is the creative core of York County. It’s where the word revolutionary isn’t just a nod to the city’s past, but an indicator of its future. We invite you to visit today and soak in rich history, charming boutiques and a growing craft beer scene. You’ll find that Downtown York is HISTORICALLY EDGY, inside and out. This map will get you started!
N W
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CRE
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NORTH ST DUKE ST
BEAVER ST
PERSHING AVE
GEORGE ST
S
YORK REVOLUTION
GAS AVE PHILADELPHIA ST
MARKET DISTRICT WeCo
CLARK AVE
(WEST of CODORUS)
MARKET ST MASON AVE KING ST NEWBERRY ST
PRINCESS ST
KEY:
QUEEN ST
CO D O
RUS
CREE
K
PENN ST
ROYAL SQUARE
Bike Parking
Bar
Shopping
Dining
Park
Police
Museum
Courthouse
Parking
@DowntownYorkPa 06 | Downtown York | Welcome to Downtown York
Getting Here DOWNTOWN YORK is easily accessible from all points north, south, east and west. Main arteries you want to look for? George Street and Queen Street from the north and south; Market Street and Philadelphia Street from the east and west.
FROM LANCASTER:
FROM GETTYSBURG:
• Take Route 30 West to North George Street • Turn left onto North George Street • Follow straight
• Take Route 30 East to North George Street • Turn right onto North George Street • Follow straight
FROM HARRISBURG AND ALL POINTS NORTH:
FROM SOUTH/BALTIMORE:
• Take I-83 South to Route 30 West, Exit 22 (North George Street) • Stay in the middle lane and turn right at the light onto North George Street • Follow straight
• Take I-83 North to South George Street Exit • Follow Business I-83/South George Street
Parking Parking is plentiful in York City, with 350 on-street meters and 1,260 garage spaces in three garages conveniently located within walking distance to downtown attractions.
Parking just got a whole lot easier with the ParkMobile App! No more scrambling to find loose change, returning to your car to feed the meter, or difficulty finding a spot. Download it to your mobile device before your next trip to Downtown York for an easy, contactless payment option.
GARAGE LOCATIONS • • • •
Market Street Garage (41 E. Market St.) Philadelphia Street Garage (25 W. Philadelphia St.) King Street Garage (15 W. King St.) Central Market Parking Deck (W. Philadelphia & N. Beaver St.)
PARKING METERS Metered, on-street parking is available. Enforcement hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (Free on Sundays and holidays observed by the City of York), and Saturday from 9am - 3pm for parking meters located in the "Retail Zone." Meters are marked with the hours of operation and enforcement.
SMART METERS Park with one easy swipe: SmartMeters in the City of York. Over 200 SmartMeters in the Retail Zone/Core of downtown York allow for payment with both credit cards and coins.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Please direct all parking questions, concerns and comments to: YORK CITY PARKING BUREAU: 717.815.0517 Welcome to Downtown York | SPRING 2021 | 07
Philanthropy makes it possible to live, work, and play in Downtown York
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic at First Friday by WellSpan.
FROM FIRST FRIDAY SOCIAL EVENTS, TO CELEBRATING THE 4 TH OF JULY, HALLOWEEN, AND MORE, THE COMPANIES THAT GENEROUSLY SUPPORT DOWNTOWN YORK FESTIVITIES ARE WHAT MAKE IT AN IDYLLIC PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY.
08 | Downtown York | Historically Edgy
PHOTO CREDIT: Catherine Roque
York County Solid Waste Authority ycswa.com
THE YORK COUNTY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY partners with Downtown Inc as a sponsor of their Litter Clean-up Crew, and the street festival Go Green in the City, focused on clean & green living. Additionally, they partner with the York Revolution as a sponsor of “Go Green Night” and also hold an annual high school recycled art contest which has been held in various locations throughout Downtown York. “We believe that by supporting these activities in the City of York, we are contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of York County as a whole,” shares Ellen O’Connor, Manager, Community Services Division. “Staff get directly involved with attending Go Green Night at the York Revolution and the Recycled Art Contest reception and awards ceremony is also popular. It’s always great to see what high school artists create with materials they have harvested from discarded trash.”
KBG Law
resultsyoudeserve.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo submitted by KBG Law
KBG 10 for 10 initiative where each attorney donated $1,000 to an organization of the attorney’s choice. This took place in summer 2020, during the height of the pandemic to show support for the community during a time of unprecedented need.
Since its founding in 1983, KBG INJURY LAW has been located in Downtown York and has a longstanding tradition of supporting the community. In 2014, KBG established the KBG Community Fund with the York County Community Foundation. Since its inception, the KBG Community Fund has issued grants totaling $120,930 to 56 different organizations throughout Central Pennsylvania. Many of these organizations are based in Downtown York, including The Appell Center, Downtown Inc., The Cultural Alliance, The York County History Center, York County Libraries and more. “It is an important part of our firm culture to be part of the community and to do our part to make it a better place. In 2014, when we moved our York office, we made the commitment to stay in Downtown and as a result bought our current building at 110 North George Street where we will be for years to come,” shares Brian Strong, personal injury attorney with KBG Law. “Our crew of 25 plus employees loves being in downtown and it is an added benefit of working here with so many food, shopping and cultural options just steps from our office.” Historically Edgy | SPRING 2021 | 09
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo submitted by York Academy, taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women’s Giving Circle
York Academy is a key anchor at the northern gateway to Downtown York, hosting over 900 students with a new makerspace and technology equipment.
The WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE makes targeted investments in Downtown York because they appreciate that downtown is the heart of our community and want its rich history, vital and diverse culture, and commercial offerings to remain accessible and appealing to all. The two current investment focus areas are Urban Revitalization and Education.
An example of such is York Academy Regional Charter School. The school opened in 2011, serving K-2 and now has two school buildings serving over 900 K-11 students, with K-12 starting this Fall. It’s the only school in York County, and one of just two in the Commonwealth, authorized to educate students through the International Baccalaureate Continuum.
yorkwgc.org
The group has been a part of projects including the Codorus Creek revitalization, Keystone Kidspace, the York Academy, and the local artists project at the Yorktowne Hotel. They have invested nearly a million dollars in the York community and have leveraged millions more in community investments. 10 | Downtown York | Historically Edgy
Recent WGC grants provided for a new makerspace and technology equipment for the 65,000 square-foot school which is a key anchor at the northern gateway to Downtown York.
York Traditions Bank yorktraditionsbank.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo courtesy of York Revolution, taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A tradition of community – that is one of the things we are built on; because we live here too. This is not just a place where we do business. This is a place where our family, our friends, and neighbors live and work. The place we call home. That is why we believe investing in the community is the best investment we can all make. We believe community banking is nothing without community,” shares Kristen Dempwolf of York Traditions.
YORK TRADITIONS BANK’s support creates the opportunity for events like Give Local York's Big Give Day, Downtown Inc's Downtown Updates, and the Rainbow Rose Center's Equality Fest. For the last seven years, they've partnered with Eventive and the York Revolution to create family-friendly traditions in the City of York through events like the York Halloween Parade, FestivICE, and July4York. All of this taking place right in the heart of Downtown York.
WellSpan Health wellspan.org
“WELLSPAN HEALTH’s mission is working as one to improve health through exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness and healthy communities. Since Downtown York is where we live, work and play, it’s extremely important that we invest in downtown, putting our mission into action for the benefit of all in our community,” shares Vicky Diamond, Senior VP-Central Region & President- WellSpan York Hospital.
WELLSPAN’s community support has made possible events including First Friday, hosted by Downtown Inc, as well as the YWCA Walk-a-Mile in Her Shoes, and YMCA Turkey Trot. This is only the beginning, with their contributions also supporting York Revolution, Lifepath Ministries, York County Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, City of York, and various Arts organizations including Cultural Alliance, Appell Center, York Symphony Orchestra, and more.
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic at First Friday by WellSpan Health.
“With hundreds of employees who live and/or work in the City of York, it’s extremely tough to pick just a few favorites. For the same reason First Fridays are so wonderful, we enjoy the diversity of offerings York City provides for dining, arts, recreation and culture. The welcoming spirit of those around the city certainly stands out as something endearing that I hear from many,” adds Diamond.
Historically Edgy | SPRING 2021 | 11
YF F
may
7
givelocalyork.org
8 million dollars from 15,000 donors for more than 300 nonprofits in just 72 hours of giving.
BY: JJ SHEFFER
Director, Community Programs
Photos were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any photos taken during the pandemic were captured following CDC guidelines and safety protocols.
The stats on GIVE LOCAL YORK – York County’s annual 24-hour online giving spree – are impressive. But the numbers tell only part of the story. Give Local York is also a celebration of community and connection. It’s a way to tell the stories and honor the work of York’s nonprofit organizations, as well as the stories of those who benefit from their services and those who support their services. “All of these organizations benefit someone you are connected to in some way or another,” says Meagan Given, Executive Director of White Rose Leadership Institute, the organization behind Give Local York. “So while you may not be receiving services from an organization, I guarantee someone you work with is, or a kid that your kid goes to school with, or a family member. We are all interconnected in this county, and I think this year especially has shown that it’s up to us to take care of each other.”
The event takes place on the first Friday of May each year, piggybacking on Downtown York’s existing First Friday series, which aligns well with Give Local York’s objectives. “First Friday is really an example of the best of us,” Given says. “Everyone is celebrating each other, and it’s a night where downtown shines and folks from all over come out and celebrate that.”
While the first two years of the event featured a lot of in-person events concentrated in Downtown York, Give Local York, from its inception, was meant to be an online give day.
Given says that last year, when COVID-19 made it impossible for the in-person events to go on as scheduled, they were able to easily pivot to running the day completely online. The mechanics of the event exist without giving participants an opportunity to gather together physically, but the feeling of connection is a critical component to its success. “At the heart of it is making everyone feel connected and reminding them that we’re connected,” says Given.
The fourth annual Give Local York will take place on Friday, May 7, and will once again forego most in-person gathering, offering more livestream and online components and a strong, real-time social media presence. Those who wish to give will be able to designate their contributions to their choice of more than 300 York County nonprofit organizations (searchable by name or cause), or to Give Local York’s stretch pool, which gets divided among participating organizations. This year’s goal is to have 13,500 donors make contributions. “We made the very intentional purpose of focusing on donors as opposed to dollars raised, because that’s what it’s all about.” Given says, “The dollars raised are amazing, of course, and so needed and appreciated, but for us, it’s the number of people who are joining in giving those dollars.” Historically Edgy | SPRING 2021 | 13
APPEL L C EN T ER FOR T HE PERFORMI N G ARTS The Appell Center for the Performing Arts brings arts education to 10,000 students across the county, maintains two gorgeous theaters in the heart of York City, and presents the best in live comedy, dance, Broadway, and music.
PAL’ S PARK Opening in spring 2021, this dog recreation area is on the Rail Trail (at a parcel already home to a statue of Pal, a York German Shepherd who served in the Marines during WWII.) The park is the vision of Holden Feeser, a second grader, who wanted to build a place to play with her Great Dane. 14 | Downtown York | Historically Edgy
YF
M OR E T H A N 3 0 0 O F YO R K CO UN TY ’ S N O N PR O F I T OR G A N IZ AT IO N S PART IC IPAT E I N G I VE LO C A L YO R K. H E R E AR E A F E W O F T H E M W H OS E WO R K IN C LU D E S V IS ITO R AN D C U LT U RA L O F F E R IN G S IN D OW N TOW N YO R K .
F
C RE AT IVE YO R K Creative York is a nonprofit arts center, featuring galleries, ceramics studios, classes for all ages, and community outreach programs. Creative York inspires the community through the arts, with a vision of an inclusive, imaginative, and thriving community.
KA BLE HOU S E P RESENTS Kable House Presents is an independent concert series hosted at York’s historic Central Market House. Kable House Presents features up-and-coming national touring acts in intimate evening performances.
grows together
A Family That Cooks Together
Downtown Bloom Grant helps propel motherdaughter duo to the next level of savory success BY: ELAINE BONNEAU
Director of Downtown Inc
It’s a Tuesday in Downtown York, unseasonably warm for a late winter day, evidence that spring is near. It’s market day, and CENTRAL MARKET HOUSE is bustling with activity. The warm temps have unleashed a pinned-up desire to get out, breathe fresh air and recapture some sense of normalcy lost a year ago, albeit still socially distanced and masked. As you move through the market, there’s a bounty of options to tempt your palate – from gourmet coffee and fresh pressed juice to fresh produce and the most decadent desserts. The market is a local’s favorite spot to grab lunch or dinner to-go – with options from southern comfort food to authentic Italian, you’re sure to find something to satisfy any appetite.
Photos taken during the COVID-19 pandemic were captured following CDC guidelines and safety protocols.
Historically Edgy | SPRING 2021 | 15
“We were happy to be able to offer a constant in these unpredictable times, in the form of comfort food.”
Tucked in the corner near Mudhook Brewing Company you’ll find a particular buzz and often a line of loyal customers at GLOBAL CAFÉ, a family-owned carry out restaurant specializing in Afro-Caribbean and Latin style cuisine. When you approach, you’re greeted by the aroma of Caribbean Jerk seasoning. Behind the counter you’ll be welcomed by Assen and Amaa Achu, the mother and daughter team behind the amazingly delicious cuisine. Originally from Cameroon, they aspire to introduce Afro-Caribbean flavors to a wider audience and inspire love of diverse cultures and flavors. And the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. The loyal customer base and positive reviews are testament to the authentic flavor. While COVID-19 presented challenges, Global Café’s take-out style model lends well to a socially distant reality, which helped the restaurant weather the periods of quarantine and closure. “We are primarily a take-out business, so we could still be available to our customers during the COVID-19 mitigations. We were happy to be able to offer a constant in these unpredictable times, in the form of comfort food,” says owner Assen Achu.
The challenge the business faced is that they didn’t have a website offering ecommerce and online ordering, critical to sustain the growing take-out and delivery service demand. They’d heard about the Downtown Bloom Grant program to support local businesses during COVID-19 and decided to apply. They were elated when they received notice that they were selected for a grant. 16 | Downtown York | Historically Edgy
“Creating a website was a major improvement. We wanted to avoid having our customers stand in line, and the website provides a user-friendly and convenient platform where they can order ahead. It also provided funding to invest in new refrigeration equipment necessary to maintain inventory and meet demand.”
Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 and thanks to support from the Bloom Grant, the family business continues to grow. So much so, the mother-daughter duo will be opening a second location in East York this spring. Customers can expect the same well-seasoned, slow-simmered, deliciously inspired menu. As Assen says, her mom creates the magic behind the amazing flavors customers have come to know and love, and that won’t change. Initially the new location will be primarily take-out, with eat-in seating planned once COVID restrictions are lifted. For more information, visit globalcafemarket.com.
With support of our philanthropic community, and fundraising efforts during Give Local York, $180,000 was raised to award small business grants to 50 small businesses primarily in Downtown York. The majority of these funds were awarded to businesses owned by persons of color, including a majority of women-owned businesses.
HISTORIC YORK
REVOLUTIONIZING BY: JASON MCSHER RY I
Manager, Events & Programs
Historically Edgy | SPRING 2021 | 19
s e c o n d
TO NONE. On a warm summer day in June 1955, Brooks Robinson had two hits and scored a pair of runs for the York White Roses in a victory over the Baltimore Orioles. At a glance, it may seem odd that the legendary third baseman was playing against the Orioles, but at the time, the White Roses were a minor league affiliate of Baltimore and Robinson played for the team before going on to his Hall of Fame career with the parent club. While the exhibition game was a memorable moment in York sports history, York has been synonymous with baseball almost since the creation of the game. The earliest known professional team to call York home did so in 1884, and in the 135 years since, teams affiliated with various major league teams and independent leagues. Presently, York is home to the three-time Atlantic League champion YORK REVOLUTION Professional Baseball team. As the future of baseball continues to evolve, the Atlantic League is primed to play an even larger role in the game as the first official Partner League of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2021 – a new status in the revamped system of minor league baseball. Technology is taking on a larger role in the sport, not just with rules, but with developing players to prepare them more quickly to play for major league teams. “Recognition as the first Partner League really cements the way the Atlantic League’s stature has risen in the last 10 years,” said York Revolution President Eric Menzer.
20 | Downtown York | Historically Edgy
“We’ve always known that our fan experience and level of baseball was second to none. This recognition means that everyone else knows it, too.” Before entering the stadium to take in a game, you will pass by a bronze statue of Brooks Robinson on the plaza. Take a moment to reflect on the rich history of baseball in York, and prepare yourself to take in the future of MLB. You just might see the next legendary player launch a home run over the wall, or a new rule that will make the next World Series the best ever! Even off of the field, taking in a game at the York Revolution’s PeoplesBank Park is always the perfect way to spend a day with your family and friends. Fans can enjoy delicious food, local craft beer, the fun-filled Kids Zone, a ‘high-five’ from the Revs’ mascot “Downtown”, and lively between-inning entertainment. Of course, you also cannot miss Cannonball Charlie kicking off every game with a booming blast from his Revolutionary War-style cannon! Reserve your seats for a home Revs game by visiting YorkRevolution.com.
Baseball’s popularity in the first quarter of the 20th Century led the American Caramel Company to produce ‘baseball caramels’ at its factory, just a few blocks from PeoplesBank Park. Customers who purchased these caramels received a baseball card featuring stars of the game. The American Caramel Company offered illustrated player cards beginning in 1909, eventually featured player photographs. The cards were included with ‘baseball caramels’ until the company closed in 1928. Across town, the York Caramel Company also offered a set of player photograph cards in 1927. These promotional baseball cards remain some of the earliest created, and to this day, are extremely sought after by sports card collectors.
Dwelling Downtown in the Pursuit of Justice
DOWNTOWN DWELLER BY: JONATHAN DESMARAIS
Marketing & Communications Manager
For empty-nesters Chuck and Nancy Snyder, the choice to live in Downtown York is not just about affordability, accessibility, and community. The choice is about justice.
Photos taken during the COVID-19 pandemic were captured following CDC guidelines and safety protocols.
After raising their four boys in the Avenues Neighborhood of York City in the 1990s and early 2000s, Chuck and Nancy wanted to downsize without sacrificing the sense of community that they found in their first city home. When they purchased an historic rowhome on Newberry Street in the WECO DISTRICT of Downtown York in 2010, community is just what they found. Whether it was a neighbor lending them a plunger, helping 22 | Downtown York | Living Downtown
them with snow removal, or an impromptu backyard anti-racist book discussion, Chuck and Nancy couldn’t have found better neighbors. Not only were the neighbors friendly, but so was the price. With a purchase price of less than $50,000, Chuck and Nancy were able to add their own personal touches of modern-day convenience while preserving the historic charm of their early 20th century home.
Whether it’s walking to the Holy Hound for trivia night, swimming at the YMCA, biking on the rail trail, sampling the diverse culinary delights of Penn and Central Markets, mentoring students at nearby Logos Academy, enjoying arts and culture festivals, walking to the library, or exploring the city’s many playgrounds with their energetic grandson, they have it all, right outside their front door. In addition to the vibrant cultural life that city life provides them, Chuck and Nancy appreciate the growing business community. “I love seeing highly-skilled professionals, whose work could thrive anywhere, purposefully root their businesses in the city to contribute to its prosperity,” says Nancy.
While Chuck and Nancy certainly enjoy the affordability and accessibility of city life, ultimately their decision to put down roots in the city is all about equity. “We could have bought a smaller house in the suburbs, for a much higher price, and paid less in taxes. Then the bank, rather than the city, would be getting our money. I’d rather invest in the city,” explains Nancy. She goes on to share that by choosing to live and pay taxes in York City, “I’m going to help the 1,260 English language learners in the York City School District. My taxes will help more than 1,300 students with special needs. I’m making a difference, for decades to come.”
“I LOVE SEEING HIGHLY-SKILLED PROFESSIONALS, WHOSE WORK COULD THRIVE ANYWHERE, PURPOSEFULLY ROOT THEIR BUSINESSES IN THE CITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO ITS PROSPERITY.”
Living Downtown | SPRING 2021 | 23
Creative Adaptations of Businesses During the Pandemic
The collective creativity, resilience, and adaptability exhibited by the Downtown York community throughout one of the most challenging times in our collective history, the COVID-19 pandemic, has demonstrated why we love our White Rose City.
Photos taken during the COVID-19 pandemic were captured following CDC guidelines and safety protocols.
24 | Downtown York | Playing Downtown
Whether it was the adaptive ways our small businesses found to safely meet the needs of the downtown community or creating collaborations with other businesses for the benefit of all;
DOWNTOWN YORK PULLED TOGETHER
AL FRESCO DINING When COVID-19 safety guidelines limited indoor gatherings, restaurants took to the streets creating outdoor dining at its best. Dining under the stars or enjoying café-style sidewalk lunch provides a whole new perspective on the city (and great people watching, too!) Now that the warm weather is here, restaurants are gearing up for another season of outdoor dining, drinks and entertainment. A welcome addition to the new normal. Visit DowntownYorkPA.com for a list of outdoor dining options.
Coming Soon... THE ROYAL SQUARE GARDENS PROJECT The Royal Square District’s indoor venue, The Bond, was unable to host events for the majority of 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. In an effort to pivot while bringing a welcomed outdoor space to the downtown area, The Bond will be opening a combined indoor and outdoor venue this summer. The Royal Square Gardens project, overseen by The JDK Group and Royal Square Construction & Development, will be nestled in the heart of the Royal Square District beside Artemis Vintage and across from Collusion Tap Works.
VIRTUAL RETAIL THERAPY Virtual shopping experiences were more than just retail therapy for those of us stuck at home in sweatpants, they were a way for clothing boutiques to stay afloat during the COVID-19 shutdown. Shops like Revolt Style Studio and My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe in the Market District of Downtown York reported record breaking sales from their creative methods of adaptation, like vintage clothing bundle boxes, Instagram live shopping experiences, and Facebook live lunch break virtual shopping trips.
Playing Downtown | SPRING 2021 | 25
DOWNTOWN DISH
Egyptian Cuisine Brings a Taste of Home and New Flavors to the City BY: HANNAH BEARD I
Community Engagement Manager
“COOKING IS MY PURPOSE. IT GIVES ME HOPE,” SHARES NEAMA KHALIL, OWNER OF NEAMA’S EGYPTIAN FOODS. “WHEN I COOK, I FEEL FREE.” Neama and her husband, Youssef, create fresh Egyptian dishes to serve customers at Central Market. The inspiration for Neama’s signature plates comes from traditional foods served to celebrate Egyptian holidays. Neama was taught how to cook these dishes from her mother and Aunt back in Egypt where she lived until she moved to the United States three years ago. “The first time my husband and I came to Cherry Lane, we read the stories about the people painted on the buildings,” shares Neama. As she reflects on the historic murals lining buildings along the walkway that surrounds Cherry Lane, she adds, “I like the history of Downtown York.” The region’s Egyptian food scene was bare before NEAMA’S EGYPTIAN FOODS arrived 26 | Downtown York | Playing Downtown
at the end of 2020 in Downtown York, and it quickly became a favorite at Central Market. Customers have traveled from out of town, expressing their excitement for local Egyptian cuisine – from bechamel, their most popular item, to traditional butter cookies. Neama shared the nostalgia of an Egyptian family who recently visited, “The wife said the butter cookies reminded her of the ones her grandma used to make, and her husband liked the rice pudding. It was like the rice pudding his mom used to make.” “I cook what I know and what I am good at,” adds Neama. And she does not disappoint! She and Yousseff offer vegetarian and vegan friendly options too, like vegetable soup, lentil soup, and Koshary, a dish with rice, lentils, crisped onions, and sauce.
Photos taken during the COVID-19 pandemic were captured following CDC guidelines and safety protocols.
DISHES TO TRY KOFTA: Beef with Egyptian spices is cooked on kebabs then served with a cool tomato salad and creamy tehena sauce. (Top left) MAKRONA BECHAMEL: Neama’s most popular menu item. This pasta dish layers noodles, ground beef seasoned with an Egyptian spice blend, topped with a creamy Bechamel sauce. It is warm and comforting. (Circle above) FTEER: Flakey, buttery, flat bread made by thinly rolling out dough and sculpting it into a layered ball then letting it slightly rise before it bakes. It can accompany your meal or pair with Egyptian spicy cheese and honey. Veganfriendly Fteer is made with oil. (Above, right) Playing Downtown | SPRING 2021 | 27
DISHES TO TRY SHISH TAWOOK: Slow cooked Shish Tawook alternates colorful peppers and purple onion on a skewer with large pieces of chicken that are generously seasoned with vibrant Egyptian spices. (Top right) DON’T FORGET DESSERT: After a meal of flavorful Egyptian cuisine, classic cookies topped with powdered sugar relax your pallet with mild flavors and soft textures. (Bottom right)
NEAMA’S EGYPTIAN FOOD Located in Central Market House 34 W Philadelphia St, York, PA 17401 neamasegyptianfood.com
Events DowntownYorkPA.com
SPRING 2021
enrootyork.org
FRIDAY, MAY 7
TUESDAY, APRIL 20
Give Local York, All day
York Story Slam:
First Friday, 5-9pm
Win, Lose, or Draw Zoom, 7-9pm
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19
TUESDAY, MAY 18
Business Series Workshop:
York Story Slam:
Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses
Zoom, 8:30-9:30am
Don’t Tell Mom Zoom, 7-9pm
TUESDAY, JUNE 15 York Story Slam:
FRIDAY, JUNE 4 First Friday, 5-9 pm
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 Business Series Workshop:
Happy Days Zoom, 7-9pm
6.4
First Friday in Downtown York
EVERYONE is invited to attend Downtown York's First Friday, presented by WellSpan Health. In celebration of Downtown York, shops and restaurants host special events, offer refreshments and promotions, and sponsor live entertainment.
TUESDAY, JULY 20 York Story Slam:
@DowntownYorkPa
Great Escapes Zoom, 7-9pm
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS! #ffyork
Marketing Your Small Business
Zoom, 8:30-9:30am
FRIDAY , JULY 2 First Friday, 5-9 pm
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 Business Series Workshop: Trademarks and Copywriting
Zoom, 8:30-9:30am
Photos were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Playing Downtown | SPRING 2021 | 29
DOWNTOWN DASH
Go Green In Our City AN ECO-FRIENDLY DASH AROUND DOWNTOWN YORK
First Stop: SHOPPING FOR UPCYCLED ART AT HIVE ARTSPACE 126 E. King St. HIVE ARTSPACE is a woman-owned art gallery in the heart of Royal Square that highlights works from 30-50 artists to represent their interpretation of the theme for HIVE’s monthly exhibits. It is a great place to find unique wall-art, eclectic pottery, or a new piece of jewelry. With its impressive display of creative and inspiring upcycled art all made by local artists, HIVE artspace is living up to its mission of cultivating and nourishing the creative spirit in Downtown York.
30 | Downtown York | Shopping Downtown
DOWNTOWN DASH
Second Stop: HAVING FUN AT ESCAPE GAMES LIVE 237 W. Market St. ESCAPE GAMES LIVE challenges friends to work together to find clues and solve puzzles in order to escape from a themed room. With its ever-changing variety of hands-on challenges, Escape Games Live is committed to creating themed rooms with upcycled materials, secondhand furniture, and restored antiques. With themes like ‘The 80’s’ and a jungleinspired room, Escape Games Live is the perfect place to enjoy some eco-friendly fun! r
Last Stop: AFTERNOON BOOST WITH FRESH PRESSED JUICE BAR 21 S. Beaver St. FRESH PRESSED JUICE BAR will make you want to eat your vegetables, or drink them rather. Each juice is cold pressed with a combination of premium quality fruits, vegetables, and herbs, providing your body with nutrients
ingredients. The Gorilla Green Juice with celery, apple, kale, spinach, broccoli, cucumber and parsley is a delicious and nutritious afternoon pick-me-up. Shopping ShoppingDowntown Downtown| |SPRING SPRING2021 2021| | 3131
144 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 100 York, PA 17401
HOPE is on the way.
STAY STRONG. For more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, eligibility, and registration, visit:
www.VaccinateYorkPA.org
