Manayunk Magazine - Spring 2019 by Manayunk

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SPRING 2019

Power Couple

How Manayunkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own husband and wife duo are perfecting a work-life balance

2019 Winners Announced | Generations of Innovation Special Delivery Spring 2019 | manayunk.com

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MANAYUNK magazine

LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY

contents SPRING 2019

Mark Your Calendar

What’s happening this spring in Manayunk

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT By Megan Douress

Holidays in Manayunk The cold weather didn’t slow Manayunk down this past winter! Everyone was in the holiday spirit from Small Business Saturday to the Thursday night Tree Lighting Ceremony in Canal View Park, and the annual Rudolph Run with Philadelphia Runner, where runners are decked out in their holiday best! Manayunk was �� eet throughout the season.

Photos courtesy of JPG Photography

Founders Philly Freeze-Out The second annual Founders Philly Freeze-Out was a day to remember! In partnership with Founders Brewing Co, Manayunk turned into a winter wonderland on January 26 with all-day activities ranging from an ice beer garden, to live music, and ice carving demonstrations. Main Street was lined with ice sculptur�� e Union Tap House took home the coveted Chowder Champion trophy.

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Photos courtesy of JPG Photography

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LIVE

Four Generations of Innovation

Manayunk culture meets Muhlenhaupt + Company. By Brian Anderson Photography by Susan Beard Design Photography (susanbearddesign.com)

t Muhlenhaupt + Company, artifacts from four decades of family businesses create a link to the past. But the daily tasks of this modern creative agency — digital marketing campaigns, re-branding brainstorms, and modern designs — help usher in a new future for their clients. So, it’s �tting that Muhlenhaupt + Company’s creed is “Moving Companies Forward.” This creative digital consultancy specializes in a little bit of everything: branding and communications strategy; personal branding for VIPs; B2B (business-to-business) networking and outreach; and digital marketing and lead generation, according to Adam Muhlenhaupt, a principal owner at the �– m. Adam works alongside his father, Rip — the fourth generation of father/son partnerships in the Muhlenhaupt family. Working at Muhlenhaupt + Company means collaborating and using every tool in the toolkit to help their clients grow. “We’re a team of consultants. We’re not necessarily a group of designers or writers,” Adam said. “One thing that makes us unique is we’re not set up with the classic account management style. When we work a project, we design the team in a way that will work best for that client.” Over the past year, Muhlenhaupt + Company has worked with companies who are committed to helping others: Recovery Centers of America,

LifeGuides, and Spartan, just to name a few. Adam said the missions of these companies resonate with many employees at Muhlenhaupt. “It’s great to see the personal connections people have with these businesses we’re working with,” Adam said. “That’s always the most rewarding to me. It’s pretty neat when people get �� up over their work.” “And, when our own team is a customer of a client, that’s pretty cool.” The employees at Muhlenhaupt + Company have become seriously invested in their clients, said Ryan Bonner, one of the company’s content strategists. That’s a mix of the nature of their work — rebrandings don’t just happen in a day, for example — and the fact that no one shies away from hard work. “The way we function, it’s so team based. We’re working on the � . It’s electrifying,” Ryan said. “I’ll come into work and I’ll be �� on all cylinders, and that’s thrilling. We all have this all-in mentality.” Creativity and hard work abound here, and it’s easy to see why once you walk into Muhlenhaupt + Company. This isn’t really an of��H but a creative space. The phrase “sterile workplace environment” isn’t the reality here. Cubicles? Typical of��chairs? “Not here,” Adam said. When you walk through the of��H you’ll experience different textures — wood, metal, and glass in a seamless design. And don’t forget Carson, the world’s most

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adorable Bernedoodle of��H who’s there for pets every day. “What I wanted people to feel is certainly warmth,” Adam said. “And certainly a multigenerational feel.” Inside Muhlenhaupt + Company’s of�� on Station Street is a blend of old and new. It’s a classic red telephone booth and the laptops that connect employees and clients on opposite coasts. It’s the maps of Manayunk dating back decades and a brand-new studio next door. It’s the company’s story in the form of old storage boxes and modern digital marketing and branding materials. The company’s main conference room where they meet for a catchup? It used to be the dyeing room of a wool manufacturer from way back when. Everywhere you look, links to the past help build the foundation for this modern creative agency. In the past year, the company expanded to about 20 employees. Its physical space expanded from 4,000 square feet to 11,000 square feet. Beyond the far wall is MNYK Studios, a brand new full audio/visual studio and event space. “Some level of old and new was really important to me,” Adam said. “It’s like Manayunk. One thing I love about Manayunk is it’s old, but there’s a lot of younger people here.”

“We have a really special team here,” said Jen Farrell, a project manager at Muhlenhaupt + Company. “I think everyone really likes each other, and we all respect each other and respect what everyone brings to the table.” One of the keys to the company’s success, Jen said, is the personal connections that develop between Muhlenhaupt’s designers, content creators and managers, and their clients. Every client offers unique demands, she said, and that helps foster creativity and teamwork. Take a rebranding, for example. The client knows their business inside and out, but recognize they need a new story to tell. Ryan said hearing the client’s passions can help ��that new story — and that’s a lasting impact for their client. “We can explore tons of ideas really quickly,” Ryan said. “That’s the most fun, the most rewarding experience.” Ryan said Muhlenhaupt + Company’s strong leadership is a true difference-maker, too. Adam, Rip, and other leaders put in the work alongside you, he said, and they follow through with their promises. “Culture isn’t a thing you hang on the wall,” Ryan said. “Everything we stand for is real.”

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SHOP

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Gown Say “yes” to the dress at Liberty & Lace Bridal shop. By Caitlin Maloney Kuchemba Photography By Melissa Kelly Photography (melissakellyphotography.com)

uliet Sabella, owner of Liberty & Lace Bridal, has always had a thing for weddings. “I just love weddings, I just love everything about them,” she said. “The build up to the planning with your �� other, getting to have all of your closest family and friends in one spot — it’s just the biggest celebration.” Over the seven years Juliet has also owned The Wall Cycling Studio in Manayunk, she has seen her fair share of her clients get engaged and eventually married. “We see them from the moment they come in and they might be single or just started seeing someone, and we watch it evolve into an engagement to getting married,” Juliet said. Year after year at the studio, Juliet kept watching her clients get engaged and her excitement only grew with each new proposal. It wasn’t until one morning while at the studio — 9:15 a.m. on a Wednesday morning to be exact — when Juliet had her “a ha” moment. One of her engaged instructors had just �� teaching a class that had four other brides-to-be in it. At the end of the class, the group of �e took a picture together to celebrate and that’s when Juliet had an idea. “As they took a picture together, I looked at them and thought, ‘I’m missing out on this,’” she said. “I knew it was a sign from above and I needed to do something in the wedding industry that I’ve always loved.” Though weddings in general have always been a favorite of Juliet’s, it was bridal go�� s always been drawn to.

“I’ve always loved bridal fashion, I just love how beautiful and delicate bridal gowns are,” she said. Once Juliet had the idea to open a bridal store, she quickly immersed herself fully into the world of bridal gown designers. She reached out to a designer she admired, Kelly Faetanini, whose mission and designs Juliet resonated with. Though Juliet hadn’t even opened her boutique yet and was just getting her business plan together, Kelly invited Juliet and her husband, Karl, to New York City Bridal Fashion Week to see her designs in person. Juliet loved Kelly’s one-on-one personal approach and her willingness to w�� wner like Juliet. While at Bridal Fashion Week, Juliet thought, “these are the most gorgeous dresses I’ve ever seen.” “Compared to my own wedding dress, these were light, beautiful, and I had never seen details like this,” Juliet said. “There are really dreamy gowns and some really sophisticated gowns, too.” When it came to �� a location to open her bridal salon, fate drew Juliet right back to a very familiar intersection. Just seven years prior, Juliet had opened the doors to her �� business, The Wall Cycling Studio, at the intersection of Main and Levering streets. In early 2018, a successful Manayunk retailer was closing its doors as the owner uprooted to Boston. Fortunately for Juliet, the newly available space at a familiar corner was the perfect space for her to start a new venture.

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“The intimacy of the space, the natural lighting, the all white �oors and walls, it just screams ‘boutique,’” Juliet said. “It reminded me of the small space I started The Wall in.” As soon as she knew the space was available, she knew she couldn’t pass it up. “I had the lease signed before I knew it was all set in stone,” Juliet said. “I just believed in the store and w�� ” To go along with the intimate feeling of Liberty & Lace, Juliet launched the store with only gowns from designer Kelly Faetanini’s collection. As the exclusive stockist of Kelly’s gowns in Philadelphia, Liberty & Lace is the only boutique in Philadelphia that a bride can purchase a gown by this designer. Though they only carry one designer for now, Kelly’s collection featured a wide variety of gowns with varying silhouettes, necklines, fabrics — including lace, tulle, and crepe — and even a variety of colors like ivory, blush, and even blue. The best part about Kelly’s collection? Every single dress is customizable. You can change the top, the straps, the hemline, and more. So, when Juliet and her team do customizations for brides, they talk directly to Kelly’s team on Facetime to walk through the exact customization each bride desires. “If you fall in love with a skirt on one gown but love the top on another, we can make it happen,” Juliet said. Beyond the dresses themselves, what sets Liberty & Lace apart from

other bridal salons is the intimate shopping experience. Sixty minutes are allocated for each bride to take their time trying on dresses during their private appointments where the shop is solely theirs, giving each bride the attention they deserve. “I always want it to stay as an intimate shop and I want to keep it that way. It’s so important when you are making a decision like this that you aren’t rushed,” Juliet said. “During our appointments, you can stand on the platform and nobody else will be in your way and you’re welcome to come back as many times as you want.” Liberty & Lace currently carries Kelly Faetanini sample gowns and can order any custom size. At this time, they also offer a small collection of consignment wedding gowns, some that have never even been altered, along with accessories like veils, belts, and jewelry. If you’re a bride-to-be and looking to schedule an appointment at Liberty & Lace, you can book an appointment on their website or keep an eye out for last minute openings listed on their Instagram feed. Spring 2019 | manayunk.com 15

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COVER PROFILE

Power Couple Manayunk’s own husband and wife duo perfect the work-life balance.

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

D Korejko of Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex and Su-Shan Lai of Starshine Salon share a unique love story. When they �� met in 2003, Su-Shan had a styling job at her friend’s salon in Collegeville and JD was working at a Barnes & Noble in Montgomeryville while in between graphic design jobs. At the time, they were both in relationships and Su-Shan happened to be dating JD’s friend. “I think we both thought each other was adorable,” Su-Shan said with 18

a laugh as she recollected their �� interaction. “But each of the couples we were in talked about how mismatched the other couple was, never thinking we would ever be a thing.” But over the next �e years, JD and Su-Shan’s lives took some unexpected turns. Su-Shan moved to Los Angeles with her boyfriend, where she opened her own high-end salon. JD found another graphic design gig at a marketing �– m while working part-time at a comic book shop

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in King of Prussia. Eventually, both couples wound up calling it quits and by 2008, JD and Su-Shan started reconnecting despite living on opposite ends of the country. “I’m a night owl, so I would call her in L.A. because I knew I wouldn’t be calling her in the middle of the night,” JD said. “We would chat and I would check in on her to see what was up.” In October 2008, Su-Shan visited Pennsylvania to surprise her grandparents for their 50th anniversary. She asked JD if she could stay at his house as “friends” and casually invited him to the party. After three and a half years in California, Su-Shan decided it was time to move back to Pennsylvania. Those early stages of being a couple are best described as “tumultuous” (their words, not mine), but their love persevered and they eventually moved in together. Just as they did back then, the two still bond over each other’s creativity to this day, with Su-Shan writing songs for JD and JD drawing illustrations for Su-Shan. JD and Su-Shan were living in Lafayette Hill when Su-Shan started searching for a place to open a brand new salon. After looking in Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill, she settled on a storefront in Manayunk and by December 2012, Su-Shan of�� opened Starshine Sa�� “I just liked Manayunk the most,” Su-Shan said. “I thought the rent was reasonable and Spring 2019 | manayunk.com 19

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people naturally gravitate to where good food is, so being located along a great strip of eateries has always been useful to me. Plus I love to eat!” “To this day, man, I love eating in Manayunk,” JD continued. “There’s so much. Too much! We work so late that it’s hard to get home and cook for an hour.” “But we don’t feel too bad about it because we’re supporting other small businesses,” Su-Shan responded. Things seemed to be going well for the couple by the summer of 2015. Su-Shan’s client list had expanded exponentially. JD left the corporate world and was working full-time at the same comic shop. Plus, the newly engaged couple had just started planning their wedding and honeymoon for October of that year. But life threw them a curveball and in an instant, JD was laid off from his job four months prior to their wedding. “I always really enjoyed comics. Working in a comic shop always seemed like a dream gig to me,” JD said. “I had been working on and off at that company since I was 16, but I always had this idea in my head of having my own shop.” Almost simultaneously, Su-Shan considered moving to a larger space. She proposed the idea of JD opening his own shop in her old location and that summer, just one month before their wedding, Su-Shan relocated Starshine Salon to 111 Grape Street and Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex emerged onto Main Street in September 2015. By the spring of 2017, JD and Su-Shan were both punching in ten to 12-hour days in their respective shops. Despite working three blocks away, the only times they’d see each other was when JD would skateboard over to Grape Street to bring Su-Shan lunch. They had also signed 20

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a lease on a garment printer that would serve as an additional creative revenue stream. Although JD was �� the bulk of the orders, the printer needed to be housed at Starshine since the lease was under SuShan’s more established business. The couple contemplated the future of their shops and the idea of merging them under one roof started to make more and more sense. In April 2018, they signed a lease for 4327 Main Street and Manayunk’s �� ver salon/comic shop was born. “There was a moment in the beginning where we were just exhausted,” Su-Shan said. “We moved to Manayunk last January to be closer to our businesses, not knowing this space would be available. Then four months later, we signed the lease for this space. We moved too many things in one year. 2018 was such a blur, but there are really good things in the works.” Sure, having two unrelated businesses under one roof has its challenges. But for JD and Su-Shan, it’s been an incredibly positive experience. For the �� time in six years, Su-Shan can �� schedule regular days off and rely on the support of her two other stylists. JD now has more room to display his collections and other merchandise, including a designated area for the garment printer. They also get to regularly see each other (even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time), which helps them get through those long work days. Now that they live in Manayunk too, they can walk to and from their shop every day. Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the new location is the amount of client crossover they share. “Being in this situation, it’s happening more and more,” JD said. “People come in for me and say ‘There’s a hair salon back there?’ Then some people that go through my comic shop to the salon, who I didn’t even know liked comics, will ask what I’m reading and pick up books on their way out. There’s this nice cross-pollination of customers and friends.” Starshine Salon and JD’s Hero Complex wouldn’t be where they are today if not for their loyal regulars. With more than 1,000 clients, Su-Shan has people that travel from as far as Delaware, Virginia, and even California for a hair appointment. Meanwhile, JD’s shop has become the foundation of a supermassive group of friends that never knew each other prior to opening his store. The couple attributes their success to being welcoming, approachable, and listening to their patrons who walk through the door. “Having a face-to-face conversation with a human being about things you’re passionate about is so gratifying,” JD said. “When people come into my shop, I try to check in with my customers and give them that experience.” When asked how they like to spend their downtime, Su-Shan joked, “There is no downtime.” In addition to operating both businesses and the shirt printing, JD and Su-Shan both serve on the Manayunk Development Corporation’s Board of Directors. Su-Shan also works with North Light Community Center and the Manayunk Theater Company. JD does commission drawings, pet portraits, podcasts, and hosts a variety of weekly and monthly events both in his shop and at Sona Pub & Kitchen including Dungeons and Dragons night, Drink & Draw (with live model �� drawing), Board Game night, and a book club. They’ve even started a recent endeavor where Su-Shan styles a wedding and JD of�� the ceremony. So yeah, downtime is pretty hard to come by, but they’ll occasionally get the chance to catch a movie, read books, or go out for dinner and drinks on Main Street. If you told JD and Su-Shan when they �� met 16 years ago that they’d be married, living in Manayunk with their adorable cats, Durden and Kitto, and operating a salon/comic shop under one roof on Main Street, they would’ve called you “crazy.” But a lot has changed and they have become a true testament of those tired idioms like “hard work pays off” or “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Not only are they masters of their crafts, but they are passionate about what they do. For JD, he wants to tear down the preconceived notions about comic book culture. It’s more than just superheroes. He strongly believes that comics are for everyone and if you tell him what kind of movies or stories you like, he’s sure to �� the right books for you. And for Su-Shan, she wants her clients to know that self-expression does not require self-criticism. She’s always surprised by how styling someone’s hair can totally cheer them up when they’re having a rough day. Even though they still feel like they’re getting settled as they approach their one-year anniversary at 4327 Main Street, they’re looking forward to continuously evolving their businesses and helping the Manayunk community grow whenever they can. “We’re still getting organized here, but I hope this is the year we catch up and �� a better work-life balance,” Su-Shan said. “That’s the �� priority. I think one of the goals for moving in together is being able to help each other out more. We’re not quite there yet, but we’re getting there.” Spring 2019 | manayunk.com 21

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“Where you are treated better than family.”

 5 STA R R AT ED

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168 GAY S TREET PHILAD ELPHIA, PA 19127

215.482.4203 2/26/2019 10:00:59 AM

The votes are in! Best of Manayunk is back to celebrate our diverse businesses and community, and everything our vibrant, historic neighborhood has to offer. From specialty shops to high-end boutiques, from craft beer and �� ecreation and an entir��L With so much diversity, we wanted to put the call out to you, the public, to nominate your favorite Manayunk businesses in more than 30 different categories. On March 14, Manayunk businesses and community members gathered to celebrate the Best of Manayunk with a cocktail party at The Locks at Sona. Guests enjoyed food samples from Manayunk’s winning restaurants, drinks, and live entertainment.

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LIVE

Best Place to Work

Best Community Amenity

Muhlenhaupt & Co is a business management consultant and creative digital agency working to create strategies for your business to grow. This group of professional problem solvers are described by their company as talented, passionate, driven, and downright friendly. 4149 Main Street, (610) 917-3700. [Read more on page 10]

�� een and spacious Pretzel Park with a new playground to be installed this spring! With a weekly farmers market May-November and a Parks on Tap location over the last few summers, Pretzel Park is the perfect area to bring the family and your pups any day of the year.

Honorable mentions: Lucky’s Last Chance The Wall Cycling Studio

Honorable mentions: Manayunk Bridge Manayunk Towpath

Best Place to Live

Best Business For Your Furry Friend

Not many people can say they live on an island in Philadelphia! With a beautiful view over the Schuylkill River, Manayunk’s newest apartment complex has its �� oom, a pet-friendly community, and wonderful modern apartment design. 1 Cotton Street, (484) 403-4396

The Pet Friendly Dog Bakery blends together every dog lover’s favorite things: natural treats for our four-legged friends, beverages for their humans, and a spacious backyard to run and play. Whether you’re stopping in for a treat or socializing with the neighborhood dogs at one of their “pawties,” you are sure to have a tail-waggin’ good time! 4324 Main Street, (215) 483-7387

Muhlenhaupt & Company

The Isle

Honorable mentions: Venice Lofts Canal House 26

Pretzel Park

Pet Friendly Dog Bakery

Honorable mentions: The Animedic Veterinary Hospital Scallywags Dog Daycare

manayunk.com | Spring 2019

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Best Apparel/Clothing

LILA Fashion International

SHOP Best Stylist

Su-Shan Lai (Starshine Salon)

Find all the latest fashion trends at the always stylish LILA Fashion International. This lovely boutique is run by two passionate sisters devoted to sharing their love of fashion and lifestyle with anyone who walks through the door. Each piece of apparel from LILA Fashion International has blends of global inspiration for the fabulous and adventurous spirit. 4339 Main Street, (267) 331-6995

Su-Shan’s decades of experience in styling and cosmetology makes her stand out above the rest. She ensures every experience is super personalized by getting to know each of her 1,000+ customers. Book an appointment and get to see her new space on Main Street. 4327 Main Street, (215) 483-8180. [Read more on page 18]

Honorable mentions: Threads Philadelphia Runner

Honorable mentions: Ty Mascio (Sulimay’s Studio on Main) Amanda Ludwig (Fedora Salon)

Best Accessories

Best Barber

Among endless gift options for every occasion, Latitudes & Longitudes carries an array of handcrafted jewelry and handbags as well. From trendy tassel earrings to gemstone drop necklaces and even Philadelphia-inspired bling, you’ll want to stop at Latitudes & Longitudes for your next special event. 4325 Main Street, (215) 482-0417

John Luftus of Make Your Mark Barbershop began his career at Lehigh Valley Barber School where he learned the art of barbering. John’s skill and passion to provide the best quality work has earned him the title of Manayunk’s best barber for the third year in a row! 4257 Main Street, (267) 335-5400

Latitudes & Longitudes

Honorable mentions: LILA Fashion International Threads

Best Gift Shop

The Little Apple The Little Apple is your one-stop shop for unique homegoods, accessories, cards, and of course the perfect gifts. With unbeatable customer service, you are sure to �� ft for your mom, bestie, spouse, and more! 4361 Main Street, (267) 335-4968

Honorable mentions: Latitudes & Longitudes Pineapple on Main

Best Specialty Shop

Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex is a comic book store that provides a personal experience. JD and his knowledgeable staff are always well-equipped for comic book recommendations, and if they don’t carry what you’re looking for, they’ll gladly order it for you! JD’s Hero Complex also featuring fun games, artwork, custom t-shirt printing, and more. 4327 Main Street, (215) 482-7700. [Read more on page 18]

Honorable mentions: The Spiral Bookcase Main Street Music

Best Salon Salon L

Salon L’s talented team of stylists have one goal in mind: to send their customers home looking and feeling their best! From cuts to colors and their full service spa, head to Salon L for all your pampering needs. 4120 Main Street, (215) 483-2500

John Luftus (Make Your Mark Barbershop)

Honorable mentions: Ty Mascio (Sulimay’s Studio on Main) Bryan Kelly (Make Your Mark Barbershop)

Best Mani/Pedi Cinderella Nails

At Cinderella Nails, you’re truly pampered like a princess! This nail salon is praised for their staff’s excellent customer service and beautiful trendy results. 4363 Main Street, (215) 482-4255

Honorable mentions: Christie’s Nails Echo Salon and Spa

Best Window Displays The Little Apple

The Little Apple catches the eye of anyone strolling along Main Street. Its adorable and colorful window display only showcases a few of their wonderful products, so stop in to admire what the cute boutique has to offer! 4361 Main Street, (267) 335-4968

Honorable mentions: Pineapple on Main Latitudes and Longitudes

Best Customer Service - Retail Pineapple on Main

The ladies of Pineapple on Main work hard to make each customer’s experience personalized and fun! Whether it’s the perfect hostess gift, baby shower present, or something to treat yoursel�� you’re looking for. 4347 Main Street, (267) 437-4014

Honorable mentions: The Little Apple LILA Fashion International

Honorable mentions: Sulimay’s Studio on Main Starshine Salon

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Best Restaurant Scene Taqueria Feliz

DINE

Taqueria Feliz offers a classic and vibrant Mexican-inspired dining experience. With the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, Taqueria Feliz creates some of Philadelphia’s favorite tacos, guacamoles, and margaritas. 4410 Main Street, (267) 331-5874

Best Bar Scene

Lucky’s Last Chance

Honorable mentions: Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar The Goat’s Beard

Lucky’s Last Chance is a lively bar known for their craft beers, over the top burgers, and crazy delicious sides. Lucky’s staff knows their brews and can introduce you to your new favorite beer. Stop by their fun events like Tuesday Tappings and the annual W��n AWS Animal Rescue. 4421 Main Street, (215) 509-6005

Best Outdoor Dining

Honorable mentions: Ryan’s Pub Pitchers Pub

Manayunk Brewing Company Known for one of the largest outdoor decks in Philadelphia, Manayunk Brewing Company invites customers to enjoy a relaxing meal under the sun. Visit this popular spot for fresh food, craft beer, and private or public events all season long! 4150 Main Street, (215) 482-8220

Honorable mentions: Bourbon Blue Taqueria Feliz

Best Date Spot

Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar

Best Happy Hour Taqueria Feliz

The exciting food specials and drink selection at Taqueria Feliz makes it the perfect happy hour location. Grab your coworkers after hours and sit at their colorful bar or get a table for an equally fun experience. Visit Monday through Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for deals on specialty cocktails and Feliz margaritas, as well as tacos, nachos, and more! 4410 Main Street, (267) 331-5874

Honorable mentions: Bayou Bar & Grill Bourbon Blue

Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar creates a luxurious environment ideal for a romantic dinner date. There is something for everyone on their menu. From wine tastings Best Ethnic Cuisine to seafood specials and delicious pizzas, you’ll leave Jake’s and Cooper’�� Chabaa Thai Bistro 4365 Main Street, (215) 483-0444 Moon Krapugthong, Executive Chef and Honorable mentions: The Goat’s Beard Owner of Chabaa Thai Bistro, is well-reSOMO spected for creating authentic Thai cuisine. Experience Thailand’s rich culture through Best Brunch Moon’s delicious menu and artistic decor. Winnie’s Manayunk 4343 Main Street, (215) 483-1979 Visit Winnie’s for the best brunch in Manayunk! Their use of fresh, local ingreHonorable mentions: Yanako Han Dynasty �� you’re looking for the popular Nova Lox Platter or a mouth-watering chicken and waf��u innie’s serves up the best! 4266 Main Street, (215) 487-2663 Best Live Music Scene

Honorable mentions: Greg’s Kitchen Boostin’ Bowls

Best Takeout

The Couch Tomato Looking for a restaurant that can juggle all the skills of a sit down restaurant in addition to a quick and quality takeout service? Look no further! The Couch Tomato serves up fresh gourmet pizzas, salads, and sandwiches for all your dining-in and takeout needs. The Couch T�� ooted in offering locally sourced organic and all-natural products to make sure each dish is healthy and tastes delicious. 102 Rector Street, (215) 483-2233

Honorable mentions: Binto Market & Cafe Boostin’ Bowls

The Grape Room

The Grape Room’s fun atmosphere and wide variety of local talent gives visitors an entertaining experience six nights a week. The venue is just steps away from Main Street with live music, open mics, and comedy nights. 105 Grape Street, (215) 930-0321

Honorable mentions: Bourbon Blue Manayunk Brewing Company

Best Customer Service - Restaurant Lucky’s Last Chance

For the second year in a row, Lucky’s Last Chance has earned the honor of winning Manayunk’s Best Customer Service! The title is well-deserved due to their warm-hearted and exceptionally helpful staff. Their craft beer recommendations and friendly conversation never disappoint. 4421 Main Street, (215) 509-6005

Honorable mentions: Greg’s Kitchen Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar / Boostin’ Bowls 28

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PLAY Best Personal Trainer

Joey Demalavez (Joltin’ Jabs) �� ofessional boxing career in 2007, Joey Demalavez committed his life to pr�� people get into the best shape of their lives. 4303 Main Street, (610) 256-5789

Honorable mentions: Juliet Sabella (The Wall Cycling Studio) Ali Cook-Jackson (Never Give Up Training)

Best Place to Wake Up at Dawn For The Wall Cycling Studio

The Wall Cycling Studio has an uplifting and inspiring spirit as soon as you walk in the door. It is the perfect place to begin your day and get a refreshing workout. The Wall Cycling Studio The owner, Juliet Sabella, and staff have created a community that makes anyone The W��r ake indoor delighted to become a regular at their early morning classes. 107 Cotton Street, cycling and barr�� ning workout. (267) 336-7928 The Wall Cycling Studio’s enthusiastic instructors will inspire you to become the Honorable mentions: Never Give Up Training Joltin’ Jabs best you can be! 107 Cotton Street, (267) 336-7928

Best Fitness Studio

Honorable mentions: Never Give Up Training Joltin’ Jabs

READERS’ CHOICE

Best Event/Party Venue

Manayunk Brewing Company Manayunk Brewing Company is the perfect venue for all occasions! At regular hours, guests can enjoy live entertainment or you can rent out the space for birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, weddings, or corporate events. This beautiful space offers a lovely view of the Manayunk Canal and Schuylkill River on one of Philadelphia’s largest outdoor decks. 4120 Main Street, (215) 482-8220

Honorable mentions: Bourbon Blue Artesano Gallery

Best New Business

Scallywags Dog Daycare / Liberty & Lace Bridal Scallywags Dog Daycare is a place where your pup can play and socialize all day under the watch of trusted care. The dog loving co-owners, Jessica and Lauren, both graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science and worked as veterinary technicians, so you know your pet is in great hands! 4367 Cresson Street, (215) 482-6910

Best Business Owner

Juliet Sabella (The Wall Cycling Studio / Liberty & Lace Bridal) Juliet Sabella has proven hersel�� studio, The Wall Cycling Studio, endlessly inspir�� bridal boutique, Liberty & Lace Bridal, continues to amaze customers with their beautiful gowns for a truly special day. As a personal trainer, bridal shop owner, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Manayunk Development Corporation, Juliet can do it all! The Wall Cycling Studio: 107 Cotton Street, (267) 336-7928; Liberty & Lace Bridal: 4390 Main Street, (215) 221-2273

Honorable mentions: Jenna Cardello (Boostin’ Bowls) Joey Demalavez (Joltin’ Jabs)

Best Family Event/Activity Manayunk Arts Festival

Liberty & Lace Bridal provides a beautiful and customized dress shopping experience. This wedding dress boutique offers beautiful gowns for your special day. �� ess to ‘wow’ all in attendance on your wedding day. 4390 Main Street, (215) 221-2273. [Read more on page 14]

In 2019, the Manayunk Arts Festival will be celebrating its 30th anniversary! This festival is rooted in Manayunk tradition and continues to bring more and more artists and collectors from around the country. Along Main Street, over 300 artists display their best work to showcase to all in attendance. Check out the Mark Your Calendar section for dates.

Honorable mentions: Main Street Pho Safa Persian Teahouse

Honorable mentions: Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival Stroll the Street Spring 2019 | manayunk.com 29

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EDITOR’S CHOICE

Main Street Milestone Award

Mary Dougherty, Nicole Miller Manayunk In March 2019, Mary, private owner and operator of Nicole Miller Manayunk, celebrated 25 years of business on Main Street. Mary has worked with the Nicole Miller brand since 1983 and opened two of her own Philadelphia shops in the 90’s. Mary and her fashion-educated staff provide a customer experience you �� e else, with styling advice for all of life’s events — includ�� e recently, weddings. It’s Mary’s passion for fashion that has led to Nicole Miller’s success throughout the years.

Lifetime Service Award

Bob Swarbrick, RJS Properties Bob has invested in real estate and business development for over 30 years. He owns mixed-use buildings on the lower end of Main Street and has been a strong champion of the district. Bob is a founding member of the Manayunk Development Corporation and the Manayunk Special Services District, and currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Manayunk Special Services District.

District Visionary Award

Pat Breslin, River City Outpost If you’ve ever walked by River City Outpost on a sunny day, you’ll likely run into 30

Pat on the stoop of River City Outpost, his marketplace full of fresh and local products. While his long-time passion has been food, Pat is also dedicated to ensuring Manayunk’s pocket park, Canal View Park, is always ready for visitors. �� e in the success of last summer’s Stroll the Street and serves on the Board of Directors for the Manayunk Development Corporation.

Lifetime Dedication Award

Anne Gallagher, Canteen Works Anne is no stranger to Main Street. In fact, she owned a bakery called Mainly Desserts on the corner of Main and Rector Streets for two decades. Recently, she made her return to the neighborhood as the manager of Canteen Works. Anne has carefully created the cafe’s menu, which includes her famous carrot tomato bisque and homemade Caesar dressing. Manayunk is happy to have her back!

Community Spirit Award

Anna Barron (USPS) and Mike Pewor (UPS) If it weren’t for the hard work and heavy lifting by Anna and Mike, many of Manayunk’s businesses wouldn’t be where they are today. Anna has delivered mail to Manayunk for nearly 20 years while Mike has been delivering packages to Main Street since 1995. On behalf of all of Manayunk, we’re happy to award Anna and Mike the Community Spirit Award for their years of excellent customer service to our district! [Read more about Anna and Mike on page 42]

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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.

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DINE

A Family Craft

The Presta family has been keeping Manayunk ��L By Megan Douress Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

n warm spring and summer days, the corner of Main and Jamestown Streets is buzzing. The tables lining the sidewalk are consistently �� with hungry foodies and beer ��dos, who bring their energy and appreciation for craft food and drinks to Craft Manayunk. It’s a trend that Antonio Presta knew the neighborhood was missing when he was presented with the opportunity to open his own bar and restaurant at 4141 Main Street. After all, Antonio was practically raised in the kitchens of his family’s Manayunk businesses throughout the years. “My dad moved here when he was about 18-years-old from Italy,” Antonio explained. “He didn’t speak a lick of English. I think he tried being a plumber at one point, he tried working at a car wash, and then he eventually got involved in the restaurant industry.” Antonio’s father and uncle owned pizzerias in the area before becoming ��“ edged restauranteurs. In 1989, they saw the potential Manayunk had and opened Bella Trattoria at 4258 Main Street, which was a neighborhood staple for 25 years. Meanwhile, Antonio’s cousin ran a lounge, Sapphire, at the corner of Main and Jamestown Streets. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Antonio said. “We’ve been doing this our whole lives — ever since I was 12-years-old. I would polish silverware for money on weekends. I went from being a busser to a server to a bartender. I washed dishes at one point. I was on the line at one point when I was 17. I pretty much did everything from top to bottom.” After 11 successful years as Sapphire, the lounge scene was phasing out. Antonio’s family came to a crossroads – either sell the property or come up with a new concept. Destined to be an entrepreneur, Antonio jumped in with a rebrand idea, inspired by his summers spent traveling throughout Europe. “I’m a big foodie, so I pulled ideas from everywhere I’ve been,” An-

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tonio explained. “I initially started with the name, Craft Manayunk, and then I developed the concept around the name — craft food, craft beer, everything was craft.” After a few renovations and a total rebrand, 4141 Main Street opened its doors as Craft Manayunk in 2014. While Antonio had extensive experience in the food world, the booming craft beer scene was a different story. He took a quick lesson from one of his beer reps to learn about the new trend, but now looks to his knowledgeable staff to create a beer and cocktail menu that will keep their customers coming back for more. “They’re the ones dealing with and accommodating customers 24/7,” Antonio said about his staff. “We take about two weeks to brainstorm where we discuss what people are looking for and what people are drinking more of, whether it’s more local or barrel-aged beers. Spirits are kept more local as well — there’s been a big trend for that.” Antonio tips his hat to his chef when it comes to the food menu, too. He recently hired a new chef, James Varon, who has been keeping the menu fresh, especially with the changing of the seasons. “In the spring and summer, everything will be fresh, raw ingredients,” James said. “It will be a big change to move from classic bar food that you see on Main Street a lot. It will be a balance between fried and light — balancing those dishes in general.” Menu staples include the grilled �� mignon, topped with jalapeno scallion butter; steamed mussels; and their craft burgers and sandwiches. James recently added scratch tater tots to the menu, which customers have taken a liking to as well. As for the all-time customer favorite? The fried pickles, of course. “It’s kind of scary how many pickles we go through!” Antonio laughed. The seasons won’t only bring new menu items, but a more permanent version of Craft Manayunk’s patio, dubbed The Garden at Craft. For the

last two years, customers were only able to hang out at the quaint beer garden for private events or Manayunk festival days. This summer, customers will be able to dine out back from Thursday to Sunday. “We’ll do live music once a week, a lot of games, and we’re starting to think of ways we can do really cool events back there, like a pig roast,” Antonio said. With a rotating menu and exciting events on the horizon, Craft Manayunk continues to evolve and adapt to the trends as the years go on. “We want to be that neighborhood bar but we also want to give you the best possible food and drink products we can,” Antonio said. That’s one thing I can be extremely proud of — that anyone who comes in here isn’t afraid of change. We’re constantly changing our menu — constantly putting new things on and taking away favorites. The reason we do it is because we feel �� enough in our customer base to do it. They do trust us and as long as they enjoy it, we’re happy.” Spring 2019 | manayunk.com 33

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MNYK_S

4417 Main Street • Manayunk • sonapub.com

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DINE

Satisfyingly Sweet From food truck to brickand-mortar, Sugar Philly has always had a home in Manayunk. By Leksey Maltzman Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

s there anything better than walking into a bakery and taking in the delicious aroma of freshly baked macarons, cakes, and crème brûlée? If you’re craving some sweetness, look no further than Sugar Philly at 4409 Main Street. Originally a food truck, Sugar Philly opened their brick-and-mortar location this past summer in Manayunk led by Head Chef, Dan Tang, who has been with Sugar Philly from their start in 2010. Dan found himself in the food industry essentially by accident. While studying abroad in Rome through Temple University, he taught himself how to bake and cook to save money. His friends realized he was spending way more time cooking and thinking about food than he was with his Political Science courses and pushed him to keep following this passion. “That was a really big turning point for me,” Dan said. “So that summer, I took a job in the restaurant industry.” The experience he had with his �� restaurant job was not what Dan hoped it would be. He found working the kitchen line to be oppressive because of the unfriendly and highly stressful atmosphere with no room for creativity. “I walked away from it thinking I’m never going to work in the restaurant industry again!” Dan remembered. So when his soon-to-be business partners approached him with the opportunity to start the Sugar Philly food truck, Dan was not so sure. “I thought about it very hard,” he shared, “and decided that if I was going to go back to the restaurant industry, then I would do it on terms that were nice and friendly.” Dan and his business partners each attended different universities in Philadelphia, but they were all interested in the Philadelphia food truck scene. 36

“All three of us were familiar with the food trucks on UPenn’s campus and we liked a lot of them,” Dan explained. “But we felt that there was nothing complimentary to the meal, so we wanted to go with dessert.” Once they got Dan on board, it w�� uck. “We bought a truck that was hollow,” he said. “It was a former ice cream truck, and before that it was a post of�� vehicle parked in front of the World Trade Center a long time ago.” Sugar Philly’s menu changed quite a bit over the last nine years. Dan originally served a lot of $5 desserts like slices of cake and peanut panna cotta. The only thing still on the menu is their staple crème brûlée. While running the Sugar Philly truck, Dan participated in the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festivals several years in a row. One year stood out to him in particular because the night before the event, it was snowing while he worked late to prep for the event the next morning. “I was doing ice cream and looking outside feeling like ‘I don’t want to do this’ and ‘this is so stupid,’” Dan remembered expecting a slow day for ice cream because of the weather. He wanted to give up and throw in the towel. To Dan’s surprise and delight, the next morning there was a line of people outside his truck before the event even started. “It was probably one of the best ones we ever did,” Dan laughed. “Everything we loaded on the truck was gone — it was so insane!” Fast forward a couple of years and Sugar Philly was looking to open a brick-and-mortar location now that the food truck craze has somewhat died down. “When this storefront came up, it was kind of like a golden unicorn situation,” Dan remembered.

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“There are some people who come in and are like ‘how many do you have? I’ll take all of them,’” Dan said. One of his business partners called him to ask if he could drop everything he was doing and go see this place in Manayunk. Dan stopped baking and left the community kitchen where he was working to drive across the city to meet the realtor and see the space in person. After months of renovations and delays, Sugar Philly opened their storefront in the summer of 2018. The new kitchen and retail space allowed Dan to expand the menu and experiment with new baking skills he learned over the years, which previously weren’t practical for a food truck operation. “I usually say that if the store is like Taco Bell, than the truck is like Taco Bell Express,” Dan joked. “The truck has the basics like macarons, ice cream, and crème brûlées, but in the store we have all of those things plus we started doing kouign-amanns, donuts, and large format cakes.” Dan did not even hesitate when asked what the most popular menu item is. “The milk and honey macarons by far. A lot of people don’t believe me, especially new customers” Dan explained. “When people come back they tell me they are glad they took my recommendation. The funny thing is some people come in and act like it’s a secret!” One of their newer menus items, kouign-amanns, which Dan describes as “sugary croissants stuffed into a muf�� tin,” are growing in popularity.

“There are some people who come in and are like ‘how many do you have? I’ll take all of them,’” Dan said. Dan is a big fan of the kouign-amanns too, even though he shared that he doesn’t really have a major sweet tooth. “I like the kouign-amanns a lot,” he shared, “I think for me that was a new skill I learned that was pretty unique and there’s really nothing like them.” In addition to having his own kitchen and the ability to expand their menu, Dan also found a lot of other ��ts to opening a storefront, like having a supportive community of customers and other small business owners around him. Lucky’s Last Chance, Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory, and The Eyeglass Works are a few who Dan said went above and beyond to welcome him to the neighborhood. One time in particular, Dan forgot to lock the front door before heading home to Fishtown for the night. A customer ended up messaging him on Instagram to let him know something was wrong and Dan called his friends at Lucky’s Last Chance to help. They were able to get the spare key and lock up. “As I thought about it more, I realized there are a couple of local customers I could have reached out to for help too,” Dan shared. “That night was kind of a sign that we were meant to be here.” Spring 2019 | manayunk.com 37

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MANAYUNK MORNINGS ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES We are now welcoming advertising opportunities to Manayunk Mornings! Now you can take advantage of the 10,000 - 16,000 views we get on each and every episode. All advertising will need to be scheduled accordingly and will be served on a rst come rst serve basis. Each episode has a limited number of spots to advertise, so be sure to schedule your ads today! ad AIR DATES:

VIDEO PRE-ROLL: 15 Seconds Pre-Roll including video production at place of business. Filming for your ad must be done at least two weeks in advance of the air date. 38

Contact Jim Bauer at bauerjim7@gmail.com for openings and selection. manayunk.com | Spring 2019

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DOG WALKING & PET SIT TING Professional, loving and reliable in-home pet care

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NEW SEASONAL MENUS BY CHEF JOEL ROMANO NEW DAILY SPECIALS & HAPPY HOUR IN MANAYUNK $15 LUNCH SPECIAL TUESDAY - FRIDAY IN WAYNE PRIVATE PARTY SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SHOWERS, BIRTHDAYS & REHEARSAL DINNERS MANAYUNK | 4201 MAIN STREET WAYNE | 103 NORTH WAYNE AVE WWW.THEGOATSBEARDPHILLY.COM

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PLAY

Road Rules Everyone is welcome in this cycling community.

By Noel Bartocci Photography by Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com)

pend one weekend morning on Main Street and you’ll become immediately aware that Manayunk is a bicycle-friendly neighborhood. From the tight formation of riders speeding down the road to restaurant tables full of patrons wearing cycling jerseys, it’s apparent that all riders are welcome here. A main staple of cycling in town is Trek Bikes, located on the 4100 block of Main Street and across from the Towpath entrance. I sat down with the manager of the Manayunk store, Steven Pennington, to discuss all things biking and how cycling and our town complement one another perfectly. One of the �� things I asked Steven was in regard to the building. Having been a local for the better part of a decade, I personally recall a different bike shop just a few years ago. But, what I’d learn from him is that where it matters, not much has really changed. “Even though this is a newer store front — since 2017 — we’ve been the same group in this building for the last six years,” Steven explained about the building’s bike shop legacy. “Going back even more, we’ve been the community’s bike shop for decades,” he said. “It’s been Metropolis, Bike Line, Human Zoom, and then when the owner retired, Trek took over the space and a good majority 40

of us stayed.” Trek Bikes is a full-service shop that possesses a deep knowledge and passion for cyclers and their equipment. Steven and his team tune-up and repair everything from recumbent and kid’s bikes to high-end road bikes and daily commuters. You name it; one of the mechanics in the back has worked on it before. In addition to their capabilities in the shop, Stev��– vices they offer. “The bike rentals we offer are a surprise to some,” he said. “If you don’t want to make the commitment, or are unable to, you can rent a bike hourly or daily and take it out on the trails. We can even deliver [the bike] to you.” He added, “One of the big things is our large �eet of demos and rentals – we don’t have a very pushy sales atmosphere and people are encouraged to try before they buy. Being able to try out bikes is one of our biggest services. Nearly every��“ oor can be demoed.” In addition to what they have and how they help, one of the more popular questions �elded at Trek Bikes is simply, “Where should I ride?” As Steven would explain it, there’s no shortage of options for riders living in or passing through the area. “The Schuylkill River Trail is one of the top-recommended areas,” he said. “The Wissahickon for mountain bike trails. The Cynwyd Heritage trail is great for families – it’s on the other side of the Manayunk Bridge… This is truly a bike-friendly area with a lot of options.” The cycling community in this area is something Trek Bikes is intent on cultivating, hosting several weekly rides between the larger events and the seasons with rotating series’. They take part in June’s Philly

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Mountain Bike Festival, which raises money for the Philly Trail Network – particularly the Wissahickon Park System – and Philly Pumptrack, a family-friendly bike park maintained and operated by volunteers. Another major touchpoint in the year for them is April’s Trek Fest, which is a huge annual sale bringing in riders of all levels. Frequent customers might be familiar with the Saturday Donut Ride to Federal Donuts and the Wednesday morning Hump Day Hooky Rides, which are regularly on the schedule. Group rides also take advantage of the seasons with rotating series’ like the Fall Foliage Rides, where they take Forbidden Drive to The Cedars House – trading donuts for coffee. On Saturdays during the summer, they’ll ride to the different locations for Parks on Tap after closing up shop. Trek continually makes the extra effort to be active with their customers, some of which come from all over Pennsylvania. “A lot of people come out from the Phoenixville and Collegeville areas,” Steven told us. “They’ll park out by Oaks, ride all the way down here, say ‘hello,’ and then head back.” For some people, Manayunk is a starting point of their ride with our access to the trail system. But for others, it’s just a pit stop; a place to refuel and decide in which direction to go next – head back to their start or venture further. “Having been here for six years, one of the big things I like about Manayunk is the access to the trail network – location, location, location for a bike shop is huge,” Steven said, adding his own personal affection towards the area’s attraction to bikers. “The outdoor cafes, great atmosphere, a lot of cyclists passing through, and everyone is pretty friendly – kind of like a European area of Philadelphia. I just love the neighborhood. It’s one of the reasons I stayed here after college.” No matter how good the status quo of Manayunk’s bike culture is, Trek

Bikes and its staff are always interested in improving it further. Now, with the infrastructure and resources of Trek, they are looking to be a bigger part of it. “Trek does a lot with People for Bikes, which is an organization that helps create safe bike routes, bike lanes, etc,” he explained. “Trek also does a lot with NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association), so we’re getting involved with a lot of schools in East Falls and Chestnut Hill area. The big thing they want to do is just get people and kids on bikes. It’s a way to change the world. A car gets you from point A to B very quickly and walking is very slow and inef�� but the bike can do it in such a way that you can see the world differently and still get from point A to B ef�� .” The practicality of a bike, juxtaposed with the positive nature of experiencing the world around you, sounds like a �� and healthy way of life. Some might not be able to adopt it outright or for every trip they take, but interspersing rides throughout your weekly grind can make strides towards keeping us grounded and more active in our communities. As our conversation began to wind down, I asked Steven if there’s anything off the top of his head that he’d want to touch on about Trek, or even the next thing in biking, to which he replied with one word: “e-bikes.” “It’s the largest growing category in biking and designed for everybody. They’re making it so you can ditch the car,” he went on to explain. “You can go up to 20mph and get 80-100 miles on a fully charged battery. You hop on, choose an assistance level, and the battery kicks in to help when you need it. E-bikes are great and exactly what we were talking about before.” “You mean, getting from point A to B ef�� , but getting to see the world differently while you’re doing it,” I interjected, to which he �� dently replied, “Exactly.” Spring 2019 | manayunk.com 41

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EDITOR’S CHOICE

SPECIAL DELIVERY

A Q&A with two of Manayunk’s unsung heroes.

By Megan Douress Photography courtesy of Manayunk.com

dictionary �� of “community spirit” is “friendliness and understanding between local people.” It’s no surprise that Best of Manayunk’s two Community Spirit Award winners are Anna Barron and Mike Pewor, who have delivered top-notch customer service to Main Street for decades. Anna has been a mail carrier with the USPS for nearly 20 years – spending her entire career in Manayunk. Mike has been a UPS delivery driver for 33 years and has had the Main Street route since 1995. Neither one of them are locals to the area – both commuting nearly one hour every day. Even still, it’s apparent that they both have love for our neighborhood. What originally interested you in working for USPS/UPS? Anna: My �� instinct was to work inside at a post of��J I didn’t really think I was going to be a mail carrier. After I was hired, I did try to test into work inside, but there aren’t many inside jobs at the post of��J Everything is automated. Once I became a carrier, one of the postmasters said, “Why don’t you try to become a manager?” So, I thought it would be an ideal way to get inside instead of being out in the weather. I was going to do it, but it wasn’t the right setting for me. It was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t become a manager. Mike: I was working inside as an unloader when I was 19 or 20 years old. There was an open position for a driver, so I just thought I would give it a shot. I have an associate’s degree in drafting, but I �� I wasn’t good inside. Everyone would say, “Why don’t you be a ‘brown driver?’” as they

call us. One thing led to another and I’ve been doing it ever since. How did you get your start delivering to the merchants on Main Street? Anna: I started in Manayunk when I started with the post of��J When you �� get the job, you start as a sub, so I did that for about �e years. Originally, my assigned post of�� was in Bustleton. On my �� day, me and another carrier came into the of�� as subs and they were like, “One of you has to go to Manayunk.” They wanted to be fair so they asked what our postal exam scores were and she got a little bit higher. She preferred to stay in Bustleton so I ended up in Manayunk, which was probably about the same distance from my house. I lived in Mayfair at the time. So, I was in Manayunk and it took me a while to become a regular carrier. About three years ago, one of our other carriers, Rose, retired. They made some changes to my route so I could cover some of her blocks. It’s been about four years that I’ve been delivering to the bulk of Main Street. Mike: I started out in North Philly in 1985. I basically got on the Manayunk route because I was tired of walking packages around Germantown. The houses are just so far apart. I love that I can take two steps and be at the next door here. I started my route in Manayunk in 1995, and I’ll never forget my �� day – it was the day of the OJ Simpson verdict. I remember when Ma Jolie was there at 4340 Main Street. I’m walking down the street thinking, “Where the hell is everybody?” The verdict came in. So, I actually

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watched the verdict in the upstairs of Ma Jolie. What’s a typical day on the job like? Anna: I start at 8 a.m. I get my mail and parcels together and put them in sequence order by street. We mostly deliver parcels but we still have our mail that we have to get to customers. I leave between 9:30-10 a.m. I usually load up my truck and my �� street is Levering Street. My route is Main Street and all side streets from Levering Street to Shurs Lane. You stop, you get out, and you carry the street’s mail with any parcels you can carry. If not, the bigger parcels you drop off. Within four hours, you have to take a 10-minute break. You have to take your lunch break within six hours. I usually take it between 2:30-3 p.m. depending on my day. I’m usually done around 4:30 p.m. Mike: Our hub is in South Philly, so I usually spend 15-20 minutes there to talk to my loader and see how everything is. My start time is different every day but I usually leave around 8:30 a.m. and get here by 9 a.m. I get rid of the “furniture packages” �� – the beds, the wall units, the big stuff. I hit the residentials in the mornings and then I only hit Main Street for about an hour. I usually have lunch at my spot, Sorrentino’s. Basically, you get on the route by 9 a.m. and you’re usually done by 4-4:30. What’s your favorite part of delivering in Manayunk? Anna: Talking with people. We help each other out. I live so far away so if we have bad weather in the winter, there are some residents who will let me stay overnight. I’m really blessed that way to have a family here. A lot of people open up their doors to me. Some of them invite me in for coffee like I have all day, and I always have to say, “I’m really sorry!” Some of them have made me things, like when I was pregnant with my last child. A couple ladies on Levering Street made me beautiful blankets. There’s one lady on Levering Street— she’s 86 — she makes me a Christmas ornament every year. I just like that personal connection. I like talking — customer service. You meet a lot of people and you learn from them. Mike: Dealing with “daily” people, I like to say. I got Pat Feeney down at Main Street Music — he’s my bud. The people who are settled here, we talk about our families. Brandy at The Little Apple has her daughter — I hope I’m still here in a few years to see her grow up. I’ve been on this route so long, I used to deliver dolls and diapers to kids and next thing you know, they’re waitressing down on Main Street. I used to bring toy UPS trucks to kids years ago and I’ll have people tell me they still have them today. You have the young college kids and then you have the people who have been here for a long time. So, there’s this fusion of people in the neighborhood. I love the comradery of everyone. What do you do in your free time? Anna: I have three children. My youngest is 15 and my oldest is 30. I have a granddaughter and I have a grandson on the way, so we’re excited about that. I do the usual family activities with my immediate family. I keep busy. I like to shop. Mike: I actually do go to the gym. A lot of people ask me, “How do you go to the gym after work?” Here’s the thing: I honestly think that if I didn’t go, lifting packages would hurt more. I played sports my whole life and you always have to regenerate yourself afterwards. I also enjoy trying new whiskeys and will go to tasting events. I love going down the shore, especially Cape May. My wife thinks I’m an idiot but I love doing Polar Plunges. I was actually the Plunge King last year — the �� one in the water and the last one out!

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NOW OPEN

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Diner @ Manayunk (4371 Main Street) This new colorful, classically-styled diner serves up delicious burgers and breakfast right on Main Street. Enjoy the traditional diner dish of chicken and waf�� der from a range of Greek options!

Three Kingdoms (4229 Main Street) Urbanburb Furniture (4313 Main Street) Three Kingdoms is a family-owned Chinese Find all your vintage or modern-styled furniture r�� and home decor needs at Urbanburb. This unique during the time period when the country was split store offers a selection of high-end consignment into three kingdoms. Later being reunited, these furniture, as well as beautifully designed tables, kingdoms preserved their culinary history. cabinets, desks, rugs, and more! Browse, shop, and Specializing in savory, many dishes from Wei kingdom explor�� appear on this authentic menu. The sweet and sour �� Wu kingdom and the spicy Shu kingdom add to the diverse offerings of this original Chinese restaurant.

Kismet Coworking (4230 Main Street) Self-employed? Working remotely? Kismet Coworking offers workspace where people can come together, share ideas, knowledge, and experience in an organized and spacious of�� Conveniently located right on Main Street, Kismet offers high-speed Wi-Fi, personal workspaces, collaboration tables, printing and copying, and an onsite manager to help with anything you need. After working hard, don’t forget to give your brain a break and grab some coffee, tea, and snacks. Book a tour now at this inspiring workplace!

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LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

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RIGHT ON THE WATER WAY OUT OF THE ORDINARY Life at The Isle brings waterfront living to Manayunk. Life at The Isle brings waterfront living to Manayunk. These brand new apartments feature upscale These brand new apartments feature upscale amenities and offer everything you want to fit amenities and offer everything you want to fit your lifestyle. Enjoy scenic water views from your your lifestyle. Enjoy scenic water views from your apartment or use the private resident pedestrian apartment or use the private resident pedestrian bridge to hop over to Main Street to dine at your bridge to hop over to Main Street to dine at your favorite local restaurant or try one of Manayunk’s own favorite local restaurant or try one of Manayunk’s own brews from the Manayunk Brewing Company. Whether brews from the Manayunk Brewing Company. Whether you want to work up a sweat in the state of the art you want to work a sweat in thethe state of the art fitness center or goupfor a jog along canal, there’s fitness center go for for a jog alongfans. the Located canal, there’s no shortage of or options fitness in the noheart shortage of options for fitness fans. Located in the of Manayunk, you have easy access to nearby heart of Manayunk, you have nearby destinations like Center Cityeasy and access King of to Prussia. destinations like Center City and King of Prussia.

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