Manayunk Magazine | Fall 2018 Edition

MANAYUNK LIVE|SHOP|DINE|PLAY

FALL 2018

The Luckiest

Chris Barnes reflects on the last seven years at Lucky’s Last Chance

Behind the Register | A Cut Above the Rest Keeping it in the Family

Now serving Brunch everyday until 3pm!

Catering - Gift Cards - Take Out 4266 Main Street Philadelphia, PA 19127 215.487.2663 www.winniesmanayunk.com

VOTED BEST PLACE TO LIVE – MNYK 2017

4312 MAIN STREET MANAYUNK, PA 19127

215.483.9990

WWW.CANALHOUSE.COM

MANAYUNK magazine

LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY

contents FALL 2018

06

Mark Your Calendar

What’s happening this fall in Manayunk.

08

In Case You Missed It

A recap of the 29th annual Manayunk Arts Festival.

26

Cover Profile

Seven “lucky” years on Main Street.

50

Now Open

Step inside Manayunk’s newest businesses.

LIVE.

10 Around Town Behind the register of your favorite businesses.

16

Meet Our Photographers

The art of “unobtrusive documentation.”

Editorial + Production

SHOP. 20

Things We Love

Expect Lace and so much more.

24 Glitz & Glam A cut above the rest.

DINE.

34

Taste This

The “perfect” recipe.

40

Conversation with the Chef

Keeping it in the family.

PLAY. 46

Get Physical

Creating community, one stroke at a time.

Manayunk Magazine

is published by the Editors Manayunk Development Corp.

Jane Lipton, Meg Douress, Leo Dillinger, Manayunk Development Corporation Caitlin Maloney Kuchemba, 4312 Main Street and Leksey Maltzman.

Philadelphia, PA 19127 Design 215.482.9565 | info@manayunk.org Cantor Design, cantordesign.com Sales M7 Media • 610.417.9261; bauerjim7@gmail.com Photography JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com) COVER Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com) Photographed by Alexa Nahas Photography alexanahas.com Melissa Kelly Photography (melissakellyphotography.com) 4

manayunk.com | Fall 2018

WATER ON BOTH SIDES,

LIFE IN THE CENTER.

Wake up to shimmering water views of the Schuylkill River and Manayunk Canal just outside your windows.

Then, stroll across the bridge to Main Street’s specialty shops and delicious array of restaurants and bars.

Take in a music festival or art gallery before inviting friends back to your rooftop terrace to watch the sun set over the river. The Locks offers one-of-a-kind townhomes for a new lifestyle in Manayunk.

Riverfront Townhomes in Manayunk Now Selling | From the $600s to the $800s 267-606-3595 | TheLocksPhilly.com Rendering is for illustrative purposes only. Subject to change without notice. See a Sales Manager for details.

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com

5

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

sept 17 - 28 Restaurant Week

During the last two weeks of September, Manayunk’s finest restaurants will highlight exclusive three course menus, which will be offered at $15, $25, and $35 price ranges! Reservations are not required for this event, but they are recommended because tables will fill up fast. Head to Manayunk.com to see the full list of participating restaurants.

oct 18 - 21 Houghton Carnival For the first time ever, Manayunk will host the Houghton Carnival this fall!

Customers of all ages are encouraged to ride the carousel, enjoy cotton candy and funnel cake, or win a teddy bear. This is a family-friendly event you don’t want to miss!

Cocktail Week

Celebrate the fall season with us at the Manayunk Harvest Fest! Bring your family to enjoy live music, seasonal activities, food vendors, and all things fall in Pretzel Park and all along Main Street. Be sure to also check out the specials happening down on Main Street from Manayunk restaurants and retailers!

nov 12 - 18

Small Business Saturday saturday nov 24 6

manayunk.com | Fall 2018

Shop small and shop local at over 50 small businesses to find something for everyone on your list as the neighborhood kicks off the holidays season with Small Business Saturday! This day is dedicated to supporting local, independently owned shops in the district. The night will end with the annual tree lighting at Canal View Park at sundown. Stick around for performances and be sure to keep an eye out for a big man in a red suit!

Photography Photography by

by JPG JPG Photography Photography (jpgphotography.com) (jpgphotography.com), Houghton Carnival.

saturday sept 29 Manayunk Harvest Festival

Enjoy a week-long celebration of the craft of the cocktail! Visit your favorite participating Manayunk bars and restaurants and take part in a variety of tastings, dinner pairings, parties, cocktail competitions, and happy hours.

Visit manayunk.com for the schedule of events. Must be 21 or older to participate.

4324 Main Street • Manayunk, PA 19127 215.483.7387

4330 Main Street, Manayunk, PA 19127 | 920 Montgomery Ave. Narberth, PA 19072 WWW.THEJUICEMERCHANT.COM 4330 Main Street Manayunk, PA 19127 | 920 Montgomery Ave. Narberth, Pa. 19072 W W W.T H EJ U IC E M ERC H A N T.C O M

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

By Alexis Proctor

A little bit of rain didn’t keep visitors away from the 29th annual Manayunk Arts Festival on June 23 and 24! The tri-state area’s largest outdoor, juried arts festival brought more than 300 artists to Main Street — ranging in mediums from fiber to glass, mixed media to painting and drawing. Grape Street was filled with young and local talent in the Emerging Artist Tent where up-and-coming artists were able to vend for the weekend-long festival.

Many of Manayunk’s restaurants came out to the street for visitors to indulge in local eats, such as Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar’s famous crab cakes.

Among various other sponsors, Hendrick’s Gin set up their tasting bar full of photo opportunities and cocktail recipes.

The rain held out and it was a beautiful weekend celebrating artists of all kinds with over 150,000 people coming out to attend!

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Carefree Living Around Manayunk

• Garden Style Apartments

• 24 Hour Fitness Center

• Private Entrances

• 1 mile to SEPTA train

• Patios/Balconies

• 2 miles to Main Street

• Free Off-Street Parking

• Across from Umbria

• Dog Park & Canine Trail

Golf Range

www.theglenapartments.net | 215.482.4889

LIVE: AROUND TOWN

Behind the Register

By Madeline Correll & Alexis Proctor Photos by Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com) and JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

From baristas to bartenders and the friendly faces behind the counter of your favorite shop, meet Manayunk’s movers and shakers who are behind the scenes helping Manayunk businesses thrive!

Meet Andres Maldonado from Volo Coffeehouse Even though he was born in Chicago, Andres Maldonado did not grow up in the Windy City. He spent his childhood in Ecuador, returning to the states when he turned 17. After completing his last year of high school in New Jersey, Andres went on to Rutgers University.

He graduated from Rutgers in 2006, but it was not until 2014 when Andres found himself in Manayunk looking for work.

“I literally was just walking up and down Main Street trying to find something, and that’s how I ended up at Volo,” he said.

“I kind of just landed here,” is what Andres said when asked what initially drew him to Manayunk. He never expected to be here this long, but it is the close-knit community that makes it so hard for him to leave. Andres realizes that the allure of Manayunk is not captivating to him and him alone — it is this infectious charm, which led him to his own venture of listing Manayunk properties on Airbnb. He now has six listings, some of which he has completely furnished himself.

Andres makes it “a point to remember people’s names and what they drink” and believes this is why he has developed such good relationships with customers who frequent Volo. Volo is a unique environment for anyone who walks through the door. For the entrepreneur, it provides a perfect place to focus and get a much needed caffeine boost and for others, it is a part of their daily routine. As for those behind the counter, it is an incredibly unique work environment. According to Andres, “a lot of people have been there for a long time,” so naturally at some point, coworkers turn from fellow employees to friends.

When Andres has friends and family come visit him, he shows them Manayunk — the impression of Philadelphia they take with them.

Though Andres grew up in South America and spent a great deal of his life there, Manayunk is his home. Andres feels that, “it’s the community really; the people who work here, the people who spend time here, and the people you just get to see.”

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Meet Brittany Emmanuel from Salon L You may recognize Brittany Emmanuel if you’ve ever stepped into Salon L. While living on Main Street nine years ago, a neighbor set her up with a job at the salon’s previous location. Brittany, who is now the salon manager, started off by working the front desk. Nowadays, she does a little bit of everything — booking appointments, checking clients in and out, helping with inventory orders, and making sure the salon is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

When Brittany’s not working at Salon L, chances are you might spot her walking her dog Stormy on the towpath or across the street enjoying drinks with friends at Craft.

“The bars and restaurants are great here,” Brittany said. “I love Craft. We go there pretty much every day and we have very good relationship with everybody who works there. They come to us and we go to them.”

Her days at the salon are busy and sometimes very long, but always worthwhile because of the people who surround her.

“I love the staff. I work with my best friends,” Brittany said. “My boss is one of my best friends and I love the clients.”

She loves coming to work every day in a space that is so beautiful, warm, and inviting, much like Manayunk itself.

She attributes the welcoming environment to the staff relationships that have developed.

“Clients respond to the way we interact with each other,” Brittany added, emphasizing how down to earth all of her coworkers are.

In certain ways, Salon L is a reflection of Manayunk at large. You may be intimidated by the beauty of it all at first, but once you stop to talk with the locals and immerse yourself in the community, you see why so many are happy to call Manayunk home.

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 11

LIVE: AROUND TOWN Meet Kellie Strain from The Wall Cycling Studio, Liberty and Lace, and Clover Event Co. The golden rule suggesting to not mix business with pleasure does not apply to Kellie Strain. In fact, it was breaking this rule that lead her to the place she is in today. Kellie currently works for not one, not two, but three businesses on Main Street. She first moved to Manayunk in the spring of 2012, but has been familiar with the area since her college days at Cabrini University. If she seems familiar to you, it may be because she frequents Volo Coffeehouse and works out in the neighborhood, too.

“One of my all-time favorite things to do is work out at The Wall,” Kellie said. “I love it there. I feel like it’s a good reflection of the Manayunk community at large.”

Not only is Kellie a client of The Wall, but also an employee. She started off working at the front desk during nights and weekends in 2016. Then, during March of 2017, she started working for Manayunk based wedding planning business, Clover Event Co. This was all while Kellie was still working full-time in finance.

“For six to eight months, I was working seven days a week,” Kellie explained. “I knew I was pushing myself towards something that was going to make me happy, that was my passion, and that was going to make me feel good.”

Now, Kellie is the operations manager at The Wall, an associate event planner for Clover Event Co. and and is one of the co-owners of newly opened Liberty and Lace.

While Kellie had great experiences and learned a lot working in finance, she is beyond excited to open Liberty and Lace along with Julie Sabella, her colleague and owner of The Wall.

“It’s different when it’s yours,” she said about having high hopes for the bridal store.

Kellie has developed close personal relationships with not only both owners of The Wall and Clover Event Co., but also with clients of both businesses. Before she started working for the businesses, Kellie was a Clover bride and was a personal training client of Julie’s, and believes that this perspective helps her relate to customers.

“The funny thing is that it used to be me and in a way, it still is me,” Kellie laughed. “So, I know exactly what it’s like to be a Clover bride or a client at The Wall.”

She insists that open communication is crucial for building trust with customers, and while opening a bridal store is definitely new territory, Kellie feels that she is well-equipped with the skills necessary to run a successful business.

Manayunk has always held a special place in Kellie’s heart.

“It’s where my husband and I lived together for the first time. It’s where we got our dog. I’ve always loved Manayunk—it’s just so welcoming and it still feels small and manageable.”

She has made countless memories here and is excited to make more.

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Meet Darnell James from Winnie’s Manayunk When he’s not recruiting for The Dublin Group or working out at SWEAT Fitness, you can catch Darnell James bartending brunch at Winnie’s Manayunk on Sundays. Darnell grew up right outside of Philadelphia and attended Pennsylvania State University. During college, he had a close friend who worked at Winnie’s.

“He got me a job interview with Winnie,” Darnell said. “She was just managing then, but she hired me on the spot and I started as a busser. After a few years, I became a server, and then a bartender. I then became a manger, but now I’m just bartending because of my other job,” Darnell shared.

Darnell truly appreciates his returning customers from over the years.

“The customers and employees are wonderful — they’re very loyal to me,” Darnell said. “You know, it’s a bond that’s been built over time; it’s a long-term friendship. My relationships with them are something I truly respect and honor.”

Darnell loves the relationships he has made and enjoys his strong bond with owner, Winnie Clowry.

“It’s like a mother/son relationship. We’re really close,” Darnell said of Winnie “She hired me. She loves me like her own — it’s family. We have our ups and

downs, but I have known her for a very long time.”

He enjoys making people laugh and ensuring that they are having a great dining experience. Darnell was taught by his mother to treat people as though they were a guest in his own home. He loves bringing a smile to someone’s face and the fact that when customers see him, “they’re going to have one of the best experiences at Winnie’s.”

While Darnell is no longer a manager, he still plays a pivotal role in the success of Winnie’s by ensuring consistent customer satisfaction at the bar.

He wants everyone to know that the food not only tastes really good, but fits every demographic out there.

“What I like about it is that, I like to watch my health and what I eat, and Winnie’s has everything from healthy fresh food to comfort food,” he shared.

From an outsider’s perspective, Manayunk may seem like any other town or a nice place to visit, but for Darnell, this is home.

“Everyone knows me here. It’s a great community; it’s like a big family. It’s very active and everyone wants to see the best for one another.”

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 13

LIVE: AROUND TOWN

Meet Samantha Sciolla Mykulak from Nicole Miller It was the summer before Samantha Sciolla Mykulak’s senior year at Philadelphia University when she moved to Main Street, Manayunk. She passed by the Nicole Miller boutique, walked in, and immediately asked if they were looking to hire fall interns. At the time, Samantha was studying fashion industry management and found that everything she was learning in the classroom at Philadelphia University was brought to life through her experiences at Nicole Miller.

Samantha began her six month internship in August of 2009 and continued working part-time at Nicole Miller Manayunk until the following May. When she graduated from Philadelphia University in 2010, Samantha signed her contract with Nicole Miller Philadelphia and started working as a full-time Fashion Consultant. After nine years, Samantha has grown through many roles within the company, but her favorite is being Store Manager of Nicole Miller Manayunk.

Samantha speaks of Mary K. Dougherty, the store owner, in the highest regard. “When I walked in as an intern, I had no idea what to expect,” Samantha shared. “Mary’s entrepreneurial spirit has always inspired me to be creative, and spread my passion for fashion, service, and experience. That’s why I love what I do.”

“You can look for a lot of jobs in this world, but there isn’t one where you get to do it all,” Samantha said as she spoke about the philanthropy Nicole Miller does.

She explained how she was raised in a family that is very philanthropic, and she greatly appreciates the opportunities she has been given to give back to local charities because of Mary and Nicole Miller Philadelphia. Samantha has always thrived through her ability to make women of all ages, shapes, and sizes feel and look their best in Nicole Miller clothing.

“Nicole Miller designs encompass a woman’s figure so eloquently, whether it’s an outfit for work or a bridal gown.”

It’s clear that Samantha has many passions, not only for Nicole Miller clothing, but also for the fellow small businesses on Main Street and for Manayunk as a whole.

“Manayunk is a second home to me. It’s a huge part of my life,” Samantha said. “Manayunk is a community that is friendly, safe, and inviting. I am so fortunate to be part of something special here among so many talented and passionate people on Main Street.”

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Meet Tim Vogel from The Goat’s Beard Initially, it was Tim Vogel’s roommate’s idea to move to Manayunk.

“We got a house on East Street,” he said. “It was a fun time.”

Originally from the outskirts of Trenton, Tim went to Temple University and moved to Manayunk during his junior year when he got a job as a busboy and barback at Bourbon Blue.

“At the time, I was traveling back to Jersey every weekend to work, so I wanted something closer,” Tim said.

Over the past few years, Tim has lived in different neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, but remained working Manayunk. In 2008, Sean Coyle, the former owner of Bourbon Blue, sold the restaurant and opened The Goat’s Beard in 2013. At the time, Tim was looking for work, and was an easy shoo-in for a job as a bartender at Sean’s new establishment. With it came a sense of community, and a move back to Manayunk.

Working at The Goat’s Beard has given Tim the opportunity to make great connections with locals and visitors.

“A lot of people know me,” Tim said. You could say that I’m there to facilitate them having fun. I like to make sure people are having a good time, get what they came for, and if I can jump in to brighten their experience, then I try to do so.”

Tim tries his best to make people feel welcome at The Goat’s Beard. Some of the locals have turned into his lifelong friends.

When Tim isn’t working, you can catch him on Main Street enjoying what Manayunk has to offer.

“The farmers market at Pretzel Park on Saturdays is a cool thing to do,” Tim said. “Really, just all the stuff that MDC does from Stroll the Street to the StrEAT Food Festival, and even the Manayunk Arts Festival. There’s always something to do to get people out of the house. Most nights on Main Street, you can find me at Lucky’s or Pitchers...or The Goat’s Beard,” Tim laughed.

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 15

LIVE: MEET OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Behind the Lens: Meet Alexa of Alexa Nahas Photography

By Leksey Maltzman • Photos by Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com)

I

t’s probably hard to count how many dozens of times Alexa Nahas’ name has been in the Manayunk Magazine over the past few years. Three years ago, her neighbor, Chris Barnes, owner of Lucky’s Last Chance, recommended she do some photo work for us, and now she is one of our go-to photographers.

“I was here all the time anyway,” Alexa said, “so it was nice to feel like I was in the cool kids club getting backstage with the small businesses in Manayunk.”

Long before starting her own small business, Alexa Nahas Photography, Alexa was gifted a 35mm film camera from her grandfather when she was eight-yearsold, and began documenting her family and surroundings.

“I grew up in New York City, so when I was 11, I saw 9/11 first hand,” Alexa remembered. “That’s when it really set in for me — how important documentation can be for both personal and historical reasons.”

Unfortunately, without an emphasis on arts education at her all-girls Catholic school, Alexa’s passion for documentation with photography was put on hold until she transferred to a public high school.

“I had purple hair and a nose ring, so my school decided to kick me out. It was actually the greatest decision that was ever made for me because I was able to take a photo class,” Alexa said.

After high school, Alexa studied photography at Drexel University with the intention of becoming a photojournalist until she unexpectedly switched gears.

“I gave up on the whole photographing wars thing,” she said, “and kind of fell into wedding and family photography.”

The two might seem like complete opposites, but Alexa found them to be comparable.

“In both situations, you’re documenting your surroundings and you never know what to expect,” Alexa explained. “Obviously, it’s different from a warzone, but sometimes with a two-year-old, it can feel like a warzone.”

After graduation, Alexa worked two part-time photography jobs while building her own business.

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“They were both wedding and family photographers, but they approached things differently,” she said. “It was nice to get a different taste of things and find my own happy medium.”

After three years of juggling her two part-time jobs and getting her own business off the ground, she pulled away from her two mentors and focused on her own company full-time in 2015.

“I started doing weddings first,” Alexa explained, “and then my clients were having babies, so I started doing family stuff.”

After adopting her dog and enjoying photographing him as well, Alexa decided to add pet photography as a secondary specialty.

Alexa’s photography style is all about capturing real moments, or as she likes to call it, “unobtrusive documentation.”

“I would like to be as much of a fly on the wall as possible,” Alexa explained. “I want my clients to see the photos I take 20 years from now and have it be exactly how they remember that moment.”

“Clients” might not be the right term for Alexa, though. She prefers to get to know them as personal friends when capturing their special day.

“I tell people they should like their wedding photographer as a person, not just as a photographer,” she shared. “You want to feel comfortable with this person who is providing you with the one thing that is going to last you forever.”

That’s why when you hire Alexa for your wedding, the first step in the process is simply getting to know each other.

“We just hangout and then schedule an engagement session where we really get to spend time together and I get to know them as a couple,” Alexa said. “The more I know you on your wedding day, the more comfortable you’ll feel and the better the photos will be.”

Just like for weddings, the photos and experience are better for family shoots when the kids are comfortable with the photographer, too.

“For family or newborn sessions when there is a child who is two or three, I tell Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 17

LIVE: MEET OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

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the parents to say that our new friend Alexa is coming to hangout,” she explained, “and sometimes, I play with them for a couple minutes before I can even put my camera on just so they feel comfortable with a new person.”

Anyone can tell Alexa’s process is pretty relaxed, which is why she describes her ideal client as “laid-back, natural, enjoys finer things, but also embraces imperfection.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever taken a perfect photo and I don’t think I ever want to,” she shared. “I don’t think that exists.”

That might be why one of her most memorable shoots was a destination wedding in Vermont that involved embracing the mud and rain.

“It was perfect because there was so much love that it didn’t matter that nothing went perfectly.”

Emotions are the other key to capturing a memorable moment for Alexa.

“I really like when people let their guard down and let their emotions flow,” she said.

“I almost always cry at weddings and I think that’s okay because I’m really experiencing it, so it allows me to do my job.”

Newborn shoots can also be emotional for both the parents and Alexa.

“I’ve had some newborn sessions where the parents had struggled to get pregnant and it’s finally here and the three of us are just staring at this baby,” Alexa described. “It’s a really cool moment I get to be a part of.”

Alexa has been operating her business by herself for five years. She does all of her own photographing, editing, scheduling, blogging, and so much more.

“I’ve never actually counted how many hours a week that I work,” she said, “but it’s definitely way over 40.”

Despite a sometimes overwhelming schedule, Alexa has kept her business small for a reason.

“I would like to stay as small as possible because I think that gives a more personal experience,” Alexa said, “but as I’ve become more busy, I do need to have someone in the office soon.”

Alexa’s interest in capturing history to pass on to future generations still applies to her work today. Her goal is to make her photos feel timeless, which is why she places a huge emphasis on printing photos.

“Our generation is not remembering to print photos,” Alexa said, “so I would encourage everyone to print their photos because it should never require electricity to see a photo of someone you love.”

CANAL LOUNGE AT

BOURBON BLUE 2 Rector Street

»

www.bourbonblue.com

The Canal Lounge is Manayunk’s premier event space. We can accomidate groups of up to 125 people, for any and every event. For more information, contact our event coordinator, Melissa, at mgregory@bourbonblue.com.

SHOP: SHOP THINGS WE LOVE

Expect Lace And A Whole Lot More

Manayunk’s new lingerie store offers everything you need when it comes to your intimate apparel.

By Caitlin Maloney Kuchemba • Photos by Melissa Kelly Photography (melissakellyphotography.com)

S

haw Lewis, owner of Expect Lace, has always worked in high-end retail management for brands like Kate Spade, French Connection, Nordstrom and Tommy John. But it was eleven years ago, when Shaw was introduced to lingerie after she accepted a position as a store manager at Fredericks of Hollywood.

“Working at Frederick’s is where I noticed that their brand and many other well known lingerie retailers measured for their specific brand or product,” Shaw said.

While at Fredericks, Shaw’s interest in the perfect fitting bra began and after moving on to work for Nordstrom lingerie, she spent hours training to become an expert bra fitter and worked with several different brands so she could learn how to measure a customer properly for all brands and styles.

After her time at Nordstrom, Shaw went on to work for Tommy John, but always had a dream of having her own intimates store.

Every day on her way to work, Shaw would drive down Main Street, always admiring the quaint boutiques along the shopping corridor. In February of this year on a normal drive into work, she noticed the newly empty storefront at 4403 Main Street. Shaw immediately knew it was the perfect location for her to finally open a store of her own.

“I thought the space was too big for what I wanted at first, but I fell in love with it,” Shaw said. “I always pictured my store having a very chic look — modern, clean, and more of an open concept — and that’s how I felt when I walked in.”

It was February 17 when Shaw first saw the building was available and by February 24, she had keys to the store in her hand. That same day, she went in to work and told her supervisor that she would be leaving to start her own venture.

“I always thought if I didn’t find the right location, I’m just not going to do it,” Shaw recalled of always wanting her own lingerie store.

Four days after signing the lease, Shaw found herself in New York City at Curve, the bi-annual trade show for the lingerie industry. Since Shaw had previ20

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ous experience in the lingerie industry, she was familiar with many of the brands that were displayed at the show.

“Starting off, I wanted to work with styles I was more familiar with — everything we have in our store right now are brands I have carried in the past and have absolutely loved,” she said.

“One of my favorites is Natori — it’s great quality and no other lingerie store in the city carries it,” Shaw said.

Other brands you can find in Expect Lace include Chantelle, Wacoal, Addiction, Hanky Panky, Only Hearts, and Simone Perele.

“These are classic brands that everyone knows, but I’m also excited to start gradually introducing our customers to new brands,” she said.

For Shaw, the most important thing is to carry a variety of sizes for all different woman. Right now, she carries sizes 30A to 42J and is hoping to continue to expand even more.

“There are women out there who need a band larger than a 42, and there are really pretty pieces out there for them,” Shaw said. “I’m not going to be able to carry all items in all sizes, but I want to carry a little something for everyone.”

And why is a properly fitted bra so important? Shaw believes, “It’s because many women have issues with their posture and bruises that they’ve dealt with in their lives, all due to the wrong size bra. Having the right support is important.

Even if you don’t have a large cup, it affects your breast tissue,” she explained.

Since she started working in the lingerie industry nearly a decade ago, Shaw has definitely noticed a shift in the industry.

“At one point, the bras were all padded and now more people are moving toward non-molded cups — they last longer, are easier to wash, and they can be worn alone as part of an outfit,” Shaw said. “Bras aren’t just for support — they are essential and have become a fashionable layer of a woman’s wardrobe.”

Shaw uses her previous experience at Nordstrom to train her own team on the proper measuring techniques. The measurements are important, Shaw said, but you also need to take a woman’s breast shape into consideration, too.

“It’s all about being able to eyeball it — I have experience working with so many different types of women that I can walk down the street and know someone’s bra size just by looking at them,” Shaw said with a laugh.

Her most important rule of thumb is that you can change the style of your bra, but never change your size.

“If you’re a 32G, stick with a 32G. If the style doesn’t work for you, just change the style, don’t change the size,” she said.

Though there are what are called “sister sizes” — where you go up in the band size and down in the cup size, Shaw said the fit is never going to be quite right.

“If you stick to your size, it’s always going to work,” she explained.”If you’re measuring a 32 band, you can’t wear a 34 — so I would say stay away from sister cups,” she said.

When asked what her all time favorite bra is, Shaw said without hesitation, “Natori Feathers.”

“I love the price point,” she said. “It’s around $65-70. It’s my favorite because it has more of a plunge, but it’s a t-shirt bra with lace. You won’t see it through a t-shirt and it has a lace overlay so if you’re more shallow on top you are not able to see the difference,” she explained. “That’s a big issue for a lot of women — they are fuller on one side than the other so the Natori Feather helps mask that with the lace.”

The typical price point for bras in Expect Lace is about $70-80, which is similar to the price range in a department store. What you’re getting at that price point, though, is quality.

“If you buy a quality bra, you can wear it for a long time,” Shaw said.

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 21

SHOP: THINGS WE LOVE

Besides classic bras and underwear, Expect Lace also carries lingerie pieces.

“When you have a stressful day at work and you drink a glass of wine — there’s nothing like getting out of the shower and throwing on a nice lingerie piece, whether you’re single or married,” Shaw said.

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SHOP GLITZ AND GLAM

A Cut Above the Rest

Sulimay’s Studio on Main offers high-end services with a family-friendly atmosphere.

By Megan Douress • Photos by Melissa Kelly Photography (melissakellyphotography.com) Since 2014, Sulimay’s Studio on Main has been welcoming clients and families of all ages into their quaint salon. Upon entering 4233 Main Street, you’re guaranteed to be greeted with a warm smile, a cold beverage, and sometimes, even a hug — similar to walking into a family member’s home. For owner Tara Sulimay Acosta, treating customers like family has always been part of her business plan.

“My great-grandfather was a barber, my grandfather was a barber, my father was a barber, and I chimed in with my dad about 22 years ago,” Tara explained of her family history in the industry.

Tara’s grandfather opened Tony’s Barbershop at 29th and Lehigh Streets long before Tara was even born. Tara’s father followed in his dad’s footsteps when he opened Jimmy Sulimay’s Barber Shop at 24th and Brown Streets in 1962.

Thirty-five years later, Tara attended cosmetology school at Jean Madeline Aveda Institute and joined the family business.

“I wasn’t always interested in the industry — I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Tara laughed. “I would’ve loved to get into fashion design — it’s definitely a love of mine.

Instead of attending college, Tara’s father influenced her to go to cosmetology school with the hope that Tara would take over one day. At the age of 75, nearly 20 years later, he was ready to retire. It’s been 22 years since Tara took over her dad’s barber shop in Fairmount, but the transition from a one-chair barbershop into a salon wasn’t easy.

24

manayunk.com | Fall 2018

“It was a barbershop for all these years and women were like, ‘We can’t go there.

It’s a barbershop!’ while the men were saying, ‘What are they doing here?’” Tara laughed. “My friends would brave it and come in.”

Tara isn’t the only one who took the family business and evolved it into what it is today. She has a handful of cousins who took the same career path, with Sulimay family-owned salons in Fishtown, Huntington Valley, and Chalfont. Tara’s daughter, Cianna, is also a graduate of Jean Madeline and works at both the Manayunk and Fairmount locations. So, how does she make her Manayunk location, now in its fourth year of operation, stand out upon her family-friendly competition?

“We try to make it a fun experience but also a comfortable experience,” Tara explained. “We’re therapists — absolutely. If someone’s having a bad day, we try to promote a positive outlook or a positive attitude. When clients leave, they have their hair done and that’s a great feeling as it is. It’s a boost — when you look better, you feel better. We’re a safe space that people find mentally enlightening.”

Tara credits the extra personal experience of her clients to her staff, who she said she found by “pure luck.”

“I have a great team,” Tara said. “That’s key. They’re all passionate, professional, talented, and fun!”

Tara has high standards for the stylists she brings in, most of which are also graduates of Jean Madeline. They are certified in Sassoon, MAC Makeup, Mas-

ter Colorist, Brazilian Blowout, Hot Heads & Hair Talk Extensions, and Lavish Lashes, while the colorists specialize in balayage, blonding, grey coverage, and multi-dimensional color. However, high-end services don’t imply a high-end salon for Sulimay’s Studio on Main — Tara and her team like to keep the salon a comfortable place for clients of all ages to enjoy.

“Men and women feel very comfortable coming in,” Tara said. “It’s not just the boys club and we’re not a pink, frilly place. It’s a cool environment. Families of all ages are welcome.”

Tara and her team keep a loyal customer base by being consistent. For example, they keep all of their clients’ color formulas on file, which is especially important for those who get grey coverage every three to four weeks.

“You don’t want to mess with that,” Tara said. “You want it to look seamless and match their natural color.”

“We’re trained to listen and hear what our customers want, and even provide a spin on what they want if they’re open to it so we can customize to that person,” Tara continued. “We don’t want everyone to have the same hair color or cut.”

Tara provides her team with a monthly educational program from September through June in order to stay up to date with the latest styles and trends. For those looking to update their look this fall, expect darker tones and bangs.

“We’ll link with one of our product lines and they bring us the newest trends before they come out,” Tara said. “Some are amazing and some we roll our eyes at like, ‘Who’s going to get that!?’ But we have the tools in case anyone comes in and asks for it. It does happen and we get really excited when they do!”

It’s that kind of excitement that makes the staff at Sulimay’s Studio on Main stand out above the rest. Tara’s team of stylists is willing to do anything for their customers if it means they go home happy, from trying out the latest styles, to sharing inspirational quotes over wine, and even bonding over their favorite artist

that plays over the speaker while your color settles in. Sound like your kind of salon? Sulimay’s Studio on Main is always welcoming new clients.

“This industry can be really competitive and I don’t think it’s necessary,” Tara said. “I really stress teamwork. My staff is down to earth and love what they do — and they’re good at it.”

“We try to make it a fun experience but also a comfortable experience,” Tara explained.

“We’re therapists — absolutely.”

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 25

COVER PROFILE

The Luckiest Chris Barnes reflects on his last seven years at Lucky’s Last Chance.

By Leo Dillinger Photos by Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com)

26

manayunk.com | Fall 2018

“It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact.

Then when luck comes you are ready.”

Ernest Hemingway,

The Old Man & The Sea

W

hen Chris Barnes was a kid, his parents took him on road trips to visit his grandparents in Florida. Driving south from his hometown of Cheshire, Connecticut, they’d stop at gas stations along the way and ask the attendants where to find the best local food.

Whether they were searching for the best burger or hot dog, the family would go out of their way to hunt those places down.

To this day, those memories still resonate with Chris and continue to play a major role in his life. Tell him the world’s greatest hot dog can be found in some greasy spoon two hours away on a back road off some major highway and he’ll gladly take the trip. It’s this wanderlust, destination-dining mentality that drove Chris and his business partners to craft the concept behind one of Manayunk’s most iconic restaurants.

“Lucky’s Last Chance really blossomed out of the idea of a vintage road trip-inspired beer and burger bar with a little bit of punk rock attitude,” Chris said.

“I grew up in Connecticut not far from the shoreline. Where there are cheesesteak places here, up there it was hot dogs, burgers, fried clams, and lobster rolls. That was something I missed being a New Englander in Philadelphia. I missed those creature comforts and a little taste of home.”

Chris moved to the area to attend college at the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 1993. After graduation, he moved to Manayunk and immediately fell in love with the neighborhood. He noted the long-standing small businesses like Marchiano’s Bakery and Main Street Music kept him coming back for years no matter how far away he moved.

Following a series of corporate jobs in marketing, Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 27

COVER PROFILE

radio, and event promotions, Chris wound up at a hotel company that oversaw the property at 4421 Main Street, where Lucky’s Last Chance would eventually take its roots. Although the bar had a much different concept back then, he still admired the layout and overall feel of the space.

In 2010, the company prepared to sell the bar. With a brand new concept and business model in mind, Chris and his soon-to-be partners, Mike Gartner and Sandra Barnes, took a leap of faith that would change their lives.

“When the opportunity came up to buy the business, we jumped on it,” Chris said. “The bones of that building were always great, but it was very masked before. It had big red velvet curtains upstairs and felt like a completely different space. We just opened it up and returned it back to its raw form.”

The Lucky’s Last Chance equation is brilliantly simple: craft beer and comfort food. Prior to starting the business, the three partners along with day-one staffers Anthony Imperiale and Chris Pelusi enjoyed “nerding out” over craft beers and learned a lot from the city’s niche beer scene at the time. But Chris likes to joke that you couldn’t just get a craft beer and a burger without having upscale ingredients on it like foie gras or sea urchin. The industry didn’t need to be so overcomplicated.

“Our question was, ‘How do we take simple comfort food, get the best product available to us, and step that up?’ as opposed to using higher-end ingredients,” Chris said. “Instead of the frozen burger that so many places use, use a fresh product, make sure the roll-to-meat ratio is right, the structural integrity is there, and that this thing is something people will talk about. We wanted our customers to walk away saying ‘Holy s***. This thing was crazy. This thing was amazing.’”

Lucky’s Last Chance quietly opened its doors in late August of 2011 without a grand opening. As a first time ownership group, the partners were grateful for 28

manayunk.com | Fall 2018

anybody walking through the door. Although the team saw a slow-growing clientele base as well as a number of positive blog reviews, there still weren’t enough customers coming through the door. Chris described their first year as “chaotic, exhausting, stressful, and scary,” fearing they would become another statistic among new restaurants that failed to make the cut.

Fortunately enough, a lucky break came their way at the 2013 Philly Burger Brawl when they took home the People’s Choice Award for their infamous PB & Bacon Burger.

The idea of peanut butter on a bacon cheeseburger served with a side of jelly has always raised eyebrows. But what started out as a joke among the staff soon made its way onto the original menu alongside seven other fairly conservative burgers. The 2013 People’s Choice Award put Lucky’s Last Chance on the map as more patrons came through the door, more rave reviews were written, and they became a must-try destination in the Philly area. To this day, the PB & Bacon Burger has won Lucky’s three People’s Choice Awards at the Burger Brawl (2013, 2016, and 2018.)

“That burger is one of my favorite things in the world because it was so dumb at the time, but now it’s such a big piece of our history,” Chris said, as he couldn’t help but laugh. “Somehow, it just worked for what we were doing.”

Although the PB & Bacon Burger might be their boldest menu staple, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Chris says the only requirements for their menu are that it has to taste delicious and be executed properly and consistently. From the Scorpion Dog (a hot dog topped with Mak & Cheese and jalapenos) to Junkyard Tots (with bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream and chives), you’d think Willy Wonka opened up a savory second business endeavor.

Perhaps the most entertaining feature for the bar’s regulars is the Burger of Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 29

COVER PROFILE

theyanako.com

4255 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127 (267) 297-8151

The Month. Throughout the year, the team crafts a new burger to showcase each month. At the start of the New Year, they host the “Burger Battle Royale,” where the burgers face off against each other and the best seller gets permanently added to the menu. It’s practically March Madness for burger lovers. Previous winners that have made it onto Lucky’s permanent menu include the Incomparable Bacon Cheddar Burger, the Buffalo Wing Burger, and the Big Fat Greek Burger.

Food plays a vital role in the business’s success, but so does their craft beer selection. While Lucky’s Last Chance has a fairly extensive selection of cans and bottles, there are only six beers on tap. The limited number of taps allows the team to serve the freshest beer to the customers and consistently update their tap list. It also gives them the opportunity to host different breweries and showcase different beer styles.

“Early on, craft beer was still really scary for a lot of people,” Chris said. “It was intimidating and they didn’t know what they liked so part of our job was helping them figure that out. We had to cultivate a market for that. But that was the fun part because we were learning with other people. We were still learning about beer, but we were just a little further ahead because we got to taste so often.”

Chris and his partners wouldn’t be where they are today without the team of rock stars that work alongside them. In Manayunk, Lucky’s Last Chance employs nearly 30 full-time and part-time staffers, some who have worked there for years.

Chris and the team set the bar early on and his staff has been raising it ever since.

They understand the importance of quality service that keeps customers coming back for more. In an industry with high turnover rates, it’s hard to believe Chris has held onto so many people for so long. Then again, they get the perk of taste-testing new menu items so it’s really no surprise.

“We’ve got to be doing something right. It’s been a trend that follows us,” Chris said. “Part of it is hiring the right people and part of it is putting people in a great environment where they feel that they’re a part of something and they have a voice.”

Over the last seven years of business, Lucky’s Last Chance has embraced the 30

manayunk.com | Fall 2018

community that surrounds it. They’ve worked on fundraisers and projects for North Light Community Center and the Friends of Pretzel Park. They host “Lucky’s Great Weiner Race” benefitting PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) every year, where attendees watch dachshunds dressed in hot dog costumes race on a track. They’ve partnered with local businesses on numerous occasions and have donated staff time to Manayunk Meals & More, where Manayunk restaurants come together to cook meals for those less fortunate in the community. Chris also spent six years on the board of the Manayunk Development Corporation to help shape the community into what it is today.

“Manayunk feels like home,” Chris said. “My favorite thing about this neighborhood is the people here: The customers, the business owners. It’s the people that make this neighborhood so fascinating to me. This place has its own heartbeat. It has its own soul. It’s just a small town feel within a big city. It’s one of my favorite places in the world.”

For Chris Barnes and the folks of Lucky’s Last Chance, the past seven years have been one hell of a journey: winning three Philly Burger Brawls, opening a second Lucky’s location in Queen Village in 2016, working with hundreds of craft breweries, growing their annual events exponentially, receiving a myriad of rave reviews from local and national publications, serving thousands of satisfied customers, and giving back to Manayunk.

When I asked Chris if there was one message he wanted to convey to the readers of this story, it was simply, “Thank you.”

“I’m so grateful every day for the opportunity to do what we do, to have the team I get to work with in the neighborhood we get to do it in,” Chris said. “I’m grateful for the amazing people I’ve had the opportunity to meet along the way that make up the business and social community that is Manayunk. I will never stop being grateful for all of the support and how amazing everyone’s been to us. I will never stop saying thank you. It’s been such a gift to be here seven years already and we’re certainly looking forward to a lot more. I feel like we won the lottery to be in the position we are in today.”

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DINE: TASTE THIS

The “Perfect” Recipe

Manayunk’s newest restaurant finds food inspiration from around the world to their own customers.

By Megan Douress Photos by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

C

anh Ho’s love of food started at a young age. Originally from Vietnam, the owner of Main Street Pho moved to America at the age of 12. His adoptive dad didn’t cook much, so he took it upon himself to learn the ins and outs of the kitchen, but this was long before the days of Pinterest and YouTube.

“I loved watching The Food Network — every chef, even Martha Stewart,” Canh said. “There was a show called ‘Yan Can Cook’ with Chinese-American chef Martin Yan, and I also watched Anthony Bourdain.

I love how he traveled around the world and experienced every culture.”

Canh earned a degree in international business finance from Philadelphia University and worked in the field for 15 years before transitioning to pursue his passion. Canh, with the help of his wife, Bernice; sister-inlaw, Nhan; and nephew, Jonny; opened Main Street Pho at 4307 Main Street on April 10.

The success of his business started with a training session in Orange County, California where he took classes for a week.

“I learned how to make pho there,” Canh explained. “I went to every restaurant and would bring home broth to taste it and see what I liked best — what ingredients they used. That’s why we have pho today.”

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manayunk.com | Fall 2018

After a week on the west coast, Canh took a four-hour course on specialty drinks in Brooklyn where he learned how to make his signature smoothies, Vietnamese coffee, and more. But when it came to learning how to run a business, he didn’t have to travel very far for training. His sister-in-law, Nhan, owns a Vietnamese restaurant in Deptford Township, New Jersey, where he shadowed her for two weeks before opening Main Street Pho. “It’s part of why I’m in the food industry today,” Canh said. “I see the passion in what she has and I learned from it. I take my passion a little differently than what she has, though. She likes traditional Vietnamese whereas I like American-Asian — more modernized rather than just Asian food, which is especially relevant in this area.”

Taking a cue from the modernized Asian food he found on the west coast, Canh spent three months perfecting the broth he creates for his pho. For those who don’t know, broth preparation is a very complicated process consisting of boiling, resting, and many ingredients.

“I’ll tell you my process…except for a few steps because otherwise, you’ll use it!” Canh laughed. “Whether it’s chicken or beef broth, we let the bones boil and then let them settle down. Once it’s cooled down, you add the ingredients, like ginger — we use a lot of ginger. Then, you let it rest for 10 hours because it’s very hot — over 200 degrees. Last, you add more ingredients to the broth and let it rest for three to four days before serving.”

If that doesn’t sound complicated enough, Main Street Pho’s vegetable broth is even more complex, consisting of seven different vegetables. But Canh and his head chef love to make their vegetarian and vegan customers happy. They even have a separate cooking area just for their vegetarian dishes.

“It took many days, many hours, and many people telling me what they like best,” Canh added about creating the perfect broth recipe. “How did I know when I got the best recipe? Two main things: time and dedication between me and my two chefs.”

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 35

DINE: TASTE THIS

Canh’s “best” recipe is always evolving, thanks to the feedback of his customers. He’s always willing to listen to their advice, whether it’s because the broth is too salty or whether they feel like they need more noodles in their pho.

“I watch my customers,” Canh said. “When they eat everything off their plate, that means they’re enjoying it! If they don’t eat everything, then I always ask them what we could do differently. I keep track of how they like their pho so I can remember for the next time they’re in.”

Main Street Pho’s customers have influenced some of their menu items as well.

While the menu is extensive — offering everything from crispy spring rolls as appetizers to shrimp spicy lemongrass as an entrée — Canh and his team are looking to expand the menu by three items every season. This fall, he’s hoping to add beef stew, cubed beef, and Bun bo Hue per his customers’ requests.

“Lately, people have also been asking for banh mi — Vietnamese hoagies,” Canh said. “It’s very hard to make but as long as I have enough customers who want it, I’ll make it.”

The signature Beef Pho Special is by far his most popular menu item, which he sells hundreds of bowls most days. Even so, his customers recently suggested adding a grilled chicken pho to the menu.

“It’s not traditional but a few customers came in asking for it,” Canh said. “I tried it, I loved it, and now it’s on our specials menu. It’s actually our second most popular pho.”

“Our fresh summer rolls and crispy spring rolls are very popular as well,” Canh added. “We don’t fry too much. Everything is grilled, steamed, boiled, and a lot of sautéing. It’s healthier, it’s tasty, and it’s fresh. I’m proud for not using MSG as well. I’ve done research on it and people are allergic to it, so I go with the customers and what they want.”

His customers are what keeps Canh going from day to day. He lives to please them, from the second they walk into the cozy pho spot to the second they leave with a fully belly.

“The customers, the people, excite me about coming into work every day,” Canh said. “I always tell them, ‘Try it and if you don’t like it, tell me!’”

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manayunk.com | Fall 2018

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DINE; CONVERSATION WITH THE CHEF

Keeping it in the Family The century-long story of the Ryan family business.

By Brian Anderson • Photos by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

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W

hen you walk into Ryan’s Pub, you might think to yourself, “This place seems like it’s been here forever.” In some ways, it has. Being behind the bar is a tradition for the family behind Ryan’s Pub. It all began 110 years ago when the patriarch of this bar-owning family, Joe Ryan, opened his first bar in 1908. Of course, Prohibition was a hiccup in the family business, but the Ryan family found its way back and continued success over six decades — starting with the the second family-owned bar, Smokey Joe’s, opened by Joe’s son, Paul, in 1952. The bar remains on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, now operating as Pennstitution.

A few generations and a handful of successful restaurants later, Paul, along with his nephew, Sean, lead the opening of Ryan’s Pub in the heart of Main Street in 2017.

“It’s a family heritage,” Sean said. “It’s passed down from generation to generation. It’s in our blood. We’re the next step in the linage.”

Inside Ryan’s Pub, you’ll notice everything about this bar is quintessentially classic. It’s long, mahogany bar invites you in for a drink. The menu has all of the standards of whatever you’re in the mood for, from burgers to sandwiches, salads and snacks. And of course, you can get any drink you desire from the extensive craft beer list to the traditional cocktails. When the large, folding windows are open, Ryan’s Pub is a siren for thirsty visitors.

“You can sit outside, enjoy the nice weather and still catch the Eagles game,” Sean said.

The Ryan family owns multiple bars, including sister pubs in West Chester

and Phoenixville. Sean has been in the family business his entire career and has worked nearly every job in the bar, from an unassuming bus boy to general manager with his cousin, Paul Ryan Jr., at Manayunk’s location. He still bartends there once a week.

So, why the expansion to Manayunk? Sean explained that Manayunk is synonymous with a thriving nightlife with plenty of foot traffic on Main Street almost every night. In other words, Manayunk is a destination throughout the year.

“It’s not just a college town,” Sean said. “There are families and businesses — it’s a really nice dynamic.”

Ryan’s Pub offers everything from daily happy hour specials, to quizzo and live music throughout the week, and Sunday brunch. Chef Pat O’Donnell keeps the menu fresh with daily specials and late-night food options.

Prior to opening Manayunk’s newest pub, Paul Jr. learned that the building at 4301 Main Street has a storied history of serving residents and guests of Manayunk. Like his own family, the building has a legacy of housing a bar. He explained the treasures he discovered after demolishing a dividing wall — some of which include old moonshine bottles and copies of The Inquirer from the 1920s.

That history has inspired the decor inside of Ryan’s Pub. For new or returning customers, be sure to keep an eye out for the old-school cash machine, the bare brick backing, and the vintage art along the walls.

Despite the vintage look, “We did a lot of work to make it our own,” Paul Jr. said.

One of the small details that truly signifies the sweat and elbow grease Paul Jr.

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 41

DINE; CONVERSATION WITH THE CHEF

and Sean have poured into Ryan’s Pub hangs on the rafters. It’s a small, wooden sign with GPS coordinators that point right to Ryan’s Pub: 40° 1’ 33.6036” N 75° 13’ 23.1996” W. But certainly, pay attention to the long, wood bar. It’s what caught the attention of another seasoned member of the family, Sean’s father, Pat Ryan — calling it, “timeless.”

“It’s a long bar, everyone can see everyone,” Pat Ryan said. “And it has a good flow to it. That’s important, because you can walk in the front door and see the whole bar.”

But change is constant, too, and the Ryan family has seen tastes and habits change throughout the years. No one uses cash anymore, Paul Sr. said with a laugh, “and everyone’s looking at their phone.” For Sean, the seismic shift in the industry is summed up in three words: “craft beer revolution.” It’s apparent that the family has adapted as the extensive beer menu has a style for every palate.

“I remember when Blue Moon was the craft beer,” Sean said. “As a bartender or server, you have to be a lot more knowledgeable. The whole game has changed in the past 10 years.”

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Today, Ryan’s Pub has a handful of craft beers on draft at all times and an extensive bottle list. Beers rotate in and out — often depending on the season — and according to Sean, many guests come in expecting a new selection every few weeks.

Paul Sr., one of the veterans who helps run the family’s Manayunk business, said the location of the pub can really help draw a crowd.

“I love the corner location and I love to be in the center of town, where people are out and walking,” Paul Sr. said of their location at Main Street and Roxborough Avenue. “It feels like a welcoming spot.”

His son, Paul Jr., echoed the sentiments.

“We want it to be the neighborhood bar,” Paul Jr. said. “We wanted that great mix of people. Anyone can come in and feel comfortable. It’s everyone’s bar.”

What’s the key to success for the Ryans? It all goes back to family and the staffs at each Ryan’s Pub, Sean said.

“The staff all becomes like family,” Sean said. “We’re extending the family through our staff.”

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Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 43

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PLAY: GET PHYSICAL

Row Out of Your Comfort Zone A glimpse into the RowZone experience.

By Noel Bartocci • Photos by Melissa Kelly Photography (melissakellyphotography.com)

I

nstantly noticeable upon entering RowZone, located at the corner of Main and Levering, are two rows of ergometers (rowing machines), strategically placed equidistant from one another. Directly across from the entrance are racks of free weights, potentially previewing the type of hour you’re about to have. Despite every inch of the space being used, it’s intimately laid out to where the instructor and front desk are within speaking distance, primed to greet you immediately.

This kind of hands-on, “hello” approach is the kind of welcome needed for someone like myself who suffers from the “gym willies:” a cocktail of preconceived notions, misunderstandings, a dash of social anxiety, and good old-fashioned lack of self-confidence. Shamefully, my “gym willies” have won too many battles when faced with trying something new.

Tuned in to my apprehension, co-owner and that morning’s instructor, Eric Shoyer, introduced himself and immediately sought out clarification on my name, which was a quick way of easing me out of an uncomfortable mindset. His energy was aspirational, but realistic. There’s a real earnestness and excitement coming from him that you can’t fake — so much so that you want to contribute to it, which is the best way to empower another person in a gym — you dare them to match it.

It took me a good three seconds before I realized that there is no back row in this class. I can’t hide — you lose again, gym willies. Displayed on the monitor above is the day’s workout. It’s a series of lines with numbers, which I later learned are strokes per minute goals, separated by timed sets of two, three, and four minutes each. Between the sets are a series of exercises to be performed off the machines. The class laid bare like this seemed surprisingly achievable. All I have to do is push and survive for two to four minutes at a time? I can do that.

There are multiple classes at RowZone, including Row & Flow, Bootcamp, RZExtreme, and more. I participated in RZ Core, which is a half on/half off the machine, full body workout for 45 minutes. We focused on lower body, but Eric explained there is a rotating focus throughout the week; upper body, lower body, 46

manayunk.com | Fall 2018

and core. This kind of flexibility ensures that whether you have a set day you visit, or if you pick up classes whenever you can, it’s always a variety of efforts.

Eric has been instructing at RowZone since 2013 and co-owning with his partner Anthony Fittipaldi since 2014. Since then, they’ve actively worked at creating an environment of safety and motivation, both here in Manayunk and their sister location in Rittenhouse. This is a mentality that extends to their staff and the members they attract. They’ve curated an atmosphere that works incredibly well as a fitness regimen – one that’s simultaneously challenging but devoid of intimidation.

“Ninety-nine percent of our members never rowed. No experience is necessary and it really is for everyone,” Eric explained. “Anyone can do it. We don’t judge here — we will never make any of our members feel left behind. We’re all moving together at the same time no matter what your level.”

Any unbalanced physical display of exertion isn’t noticeable during the class, especially while on the machines. There’s no turning over to the person beside or in front of you and feeling inadequate, because you’re all going through the same motions.

I really started to feel the fatigue throughout my body midway through. The rowing and exercises were getting harder, even though they weren’t changing. I could feel the precise consistency activating muscles I rarely use — ones I had no idea were even associated with rowing. It was exhilarating! Eric explained why I was feeling this way.

“The class is designed to get quicker and stronger as it goes, and that’s how you’re going to get that workout,” he said. “Don’t kill it in the beginning [with speed] because I promise you at the end [with the right pace], you’ll get stronger and feel it.”

In some form or another, RowZone has been a constant on Main Street for nearly a decade, but Eric and Anthony are continuing to evolve and grow within the community.

“At the Rittenhouse location, we have a lot of people come by after work who

live in the city,” Eric said. “They get in, work out, and go home, which is great.

But the really cool thing about Manayunk is a lot of people live here. It’s a community. Some of our best friends, we met here at the gym.”

Eric even met his wife at RowZone, playfully admitting that she was a member for nearly a year before he gathered the courage to ask her out.

“We have a rule here: you’re not allowed to date clients unless you marry them,” he declared with a laugh.

RowZone’s investment in Manayunk and the surrounding community doesn’t end at group meet-ups and friendships. For example, every year they participate in Meters for May, in which they record all the meters cumulatively rowed by their members during the month of May. For every million on the ergs, they will donate to two local charities — both of which are decided upon by the gym members. This kind of interactive and positive competition brings out the best of their clients. RowZone fosters that kind of energy every opportunity they get.

They also conduct Rower Development Programs, designed to help train students towards potential scholarship opportunities. According to a study conducted by College Finder in 2011, male rowing athletes are nearly 18 percent more likely to receive athletic financial aid than any other sport and female athletes are a whopping 55 percent more likely to earn a scholarship with rowing. Those are some serious motivators for developing young athletes on ergometers. Eric, Anthony, and their team are dedicated to providing those kinds of opportunities.

You can clearly hear it in his voice as he spouts off some of the colleges their students have been accepted to – including UCLA, George Washington, Drexel, Princeton, and Cornell.

RowZone has earned the right to call itself more than just a specialty gym. It can be more accurately described as a welcoming community of instructors, athletes, and members just as concerned with propping one another up as much as they are with reaching their individual goals.

So next time you find yourself walking by RowZone and thinking, “What’s it like in there?”

Stop wondering, just walk in.

“Ninety-nine percent of our members never rowed. No experience is necessary and it really is for everyone,” Eric explained.

Fall 2018 | manayunk.com 47

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Safa Persian Teahouse (4165 Main Street) Safa Teahouse was inspired by the tea culture of Iran, where gathering around a pot of fresh tea brings friends, families, and communities together. Amin Shirazi and his mother, Behnaz, designed their teahouse as a third place between work and home where people can come to meet their neighbors, study, work, and enjoy a cup of tea. Stop by to try out their wide array of specialty teas, authentic Persian pastries, and delicious small plates.

One Nickel Coworking & Canteen Works (4323 Main Street) With 6,000 square-feet of work space located in the heart of Main Street, The Nickels Building is conveniently located and well equipped. There are five conference rooms, 100 desk spaces, a media lounge, a lecture/performance area, and an 80-foot long wall for curated gallery exhibitions inside the coworking space.

In addition, there is a full service cafe called Canteen Works, that is available for members and the public to grab a quick caffeine boost and snack when needed.

The Locks at Sona (4417 Main Street) There’s a new music venue in town! Point Entertainment is partnering with the founders of Tin Angel for a new listening experience on the top floor of Sona Pub and Kitchen. The second story venue will hold 125 guests with acts such as Jim Boggia, Pat McGee with Chris Trapper, and Jim Lauderdale slated to take the stage this fall.

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manayunk.com | Fall 2018

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