Manayunk Magazine | Winter 2019 by Manayunk

MANAYUNK LIVE|SHOP|DINE|PLAY

WINTER 2019

Greatest Hits Main Street Music has survived and thrived for 28 years.

Say “I Do” to Your New BFFs | Resolution Shopping Guide Little Studio, Big Mission Spring 2019 | manayunk.com

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MANAYUNK magazine

LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY

contents WINTER 2019

Mark Your Calendar

What’s happening this winter in Manayunk

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT By Renin Broadnax

Out & About in MNYK Manayunk celebrated National Coming Out Day with a new event, Out & About in MNYK, from October 18-20! This weekend-long event featured fun events including Drag Queen Bingo at Winnie’s Manayunk, Drag Queen Pride Ride at The Wall Fitness Studio, and a Drag Show at Kismet Cowork. There were also fun activities for kids including Drag Storytime and face painting in Canal View Park. Main Street was lined with pride flags welcoming everyone into shops and restaurants for special promotions and a chance to donate to the William Way LGBTQ Community Center with a donation rainbow.

Halloween in Manayunk We would be remiss if we did not highlight our Halloween activities on October 26! The official kick-off to a family-friendly day of fun was the kids and pets costume parade, which made its way to Main Street from Pretzel Park. Goblins, ghouls, and princesses of all ages filled the streets of Manayunk on a hunt for the best and biggest candy bars. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Halloween in Manayunk and to next year’s costumes!

Photography by TERRYLEAHYFILMS

MANAfest Manayunk’s fall event, MANAfest: a homegrown festival in the heart of Manayunk, ushered in the autumn season with a new, revived energy. On September 21, families and friends took part in a slew of activities — pumpkin carving, food trucks, live music, and much more. With all the opportunities for entertainment, guests were engaged from start to finish. It’s a sure thing to say that our new event MANAFest was a huge success thanks to everyone who was involved — what a great way to ring the fall season!

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Photos courtesy JPG Photography Photography byofTERRYLEAHYFILMS

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LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

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Say, “I Do” To Your New Best Friends Clover Event Co. wedding planners help couples every step of the way, from saying, “Yes!” to cutting the cake.

By Megan Douress Photography by Haley Richter Photography (haleyrichterphoto.com), One Night Cereus (onenightcereus.com), Justin Johnson Photography (justinjohnsonphotography.com), Emily Wren Photography (emilywrenweddings.com), Love Me Do Photography (lovemedophotography.com), and Redfield Photography (redfieldphoto.com) 10

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aitlin Maloney Kuchemba started her career in weddings at a very young age. When she was about six years old, she played the role of “flower girl.” “It was the early 90s so I wore one of those big, poofy dresses,” Caitlin, owner of Clover Event Co., said. “I can picture it very vividly in my head. There’s a photo of it on Facebook somewhere!” she laughed. Approximately 25 years later, Caitlin plays a much bigger role in weddings as the owner of Clover Event Co., which she launched in 2015. She assisted in the planning of Joe Biden’s daughter’s wedding and even planned the wedding of Sarah Zlotnick, the editor of Philadelphia Wedding Magazine, in 2018. While being the flower girl may have introduced her to the idea of weddings, it’s not necessarily what lead her to a successful career as a planner. “When I was in high school, I was the class secretary,” Caitlin said. “I had to plan all of our school dances so I always handled the ticket sales, the décor, the food — all of the things that went into prom and other dances. In college, I planned fashion shows and I also ran our field hockey events. I was always the one who was put in the position of party planning.” After graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in Mass Communications, Caitlin, who quickly realized she was a natural-born planner, dove into the Wedding Planning & Consulting certificate program at Temple University. Three months later, she began assisting weddings on the side while working full-time in marketing and event planning at the Manayunk Development Corporation. So, why weddings? “Although I love events — I thrived off of the Manayunk Arts Festival

and StrEAT Food Festivals — I find that when you do weddings, you’re a part of this really amazing day for people,” Caitlin explained. “It’s a very emotional thing and I like to connect with people on that level. We get to know our clients so well and we see them at their highs and lows. By the time the wedding is over, everyone is just so happy. It’s really humbling to be a part of it.” Since Clover Event Co.’s beginnings, the wedding planning company has offered services to couples ranging from day-of coordination, which includes assistance with confirming vendors and running the wedding day timeline; to full service planning and styling, which includes everything from budget management to planning the entire wedding weekend. On top of bringing additional services to her couples, Caitlin also recently expanded her full-time staff with the addition of lead planners Jesse Lucas and Kellie Strain, two former clients of Clover Event Co. In fact, Kellie was Clover Event Co.’s first client. Since becoming full-time employees of Clover Event Co., Kellie has brought her operational and budgeting skills from her former life in financial services, and Jesse has found wedding planning to be the creative outlet she craved while working behind the scenes in the music industry. One might question why three brides who are natural-born planners may have hired day-of coordinators for their own wedding days. If you ask any one of them, it’s because there is a serious misconception when it comes to their typical clients. “Clients who are more Type A need a planner or day-of coordinator because they’re the ones who want their day to go in a very specific Winter 2019 | manayunk.com 11

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LIVE

way,” Caitlin explained. “Clients that are not so much like that can sometimes get away without having a day-of coordinator because they’re fine with things going not exactly to plan.” This rings especially true for Clover Event Co. couples, who tend to host more modern weddings in less traditional settings such as industrial spaces, greenhouses, gardens, and even some of Philadelphia’s historical buildings and museums. “Certainly, our clients like to include some traditional elements, but our clients are more untraditional so we really work with them to make the wedding be specific to them,” Caitlin said. “We talk them through what they want versus what they don’t want, what’s going to work for their family dynamic, what their personal style is, etc.” “We have our own approach to weddings but every wedding is different,” she continued. “That’s kind of what we pride ourselves in — creating and designing weddings that when people get to the wedding, it doesn’t just feel like another wedding they’ve been to. It’s that couple’s wedding.” The perfect example of the Clover Event Co. couple is Philadelphia Wedding Magazine editor, Sarah Zlotnick, and her husband, Zach. Caitlin, Jesse, and Kellie worked a double-header the weekend of this oneof-a-kind wedding day held at La Peg, a former pump house turned restaurant and performance space tucked under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Sarah and Zach chose red, pink, black, and white for a super modern look to their day, which also included neon signs, a balloon display, and a ping pong table. Their wedding invitations stated “come hungry and dressed to kill” – and that’s just what their guests did. 12

“That wedding was just so fun – a lot of dancing, a lot of love, good times, and it ran so smoothly,” Kellie remembered of the summer 2018 wedding. The Clover Event Co. team all agree that the best part of their jobs is all of the love they get to witness and be a part of during their couples’ wedding days. “I love love,” Kellie laughed, noting that she cries at every wedding. “I just think about the feeling I had on my own day and how I was so happy to have all of those people under one roof together. It’s amazing. We don’t have enough things we can celebrate like that.” “You hit all of your bases,” Jesse added. “It’s physical work, it’s emotional work, it’s intellectual work – you get all of it. It’s really wonderful. It keeps us engaged. Because of that emotional aspect, because the work that we do is so personal – for lack of a better term, there is an ‘emotional high’ we get from a job well done. There’s nothing quite like it.” Clover Event Co.’s weddings have been featured locally in Philadelphia Magazine and Modern Luxury Magazine, and in the national media such as The Knot magazine and blogs like Green Wedding Shoes, Ruffled, 100 Layer Cake, and more. Though the Clover Event Co. team calls a small room in the back of Pineapple on Main “home,” they have big plans for 2020 including expanding their market to include more weddings outside of the tri-state area. They also recently launched a wedding podcast, so if you’re a recently engaged couple, follow along and take a word of advice from a professional. “It’s never too early to bring a wedding planner on board!” Caitlin said.

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, e n i d , p o h

holidays in

manayunk thursday, november 21 s m a l l b u s i n e s s s a t u r d a y | saturday, november 30 s a n t a p a w s | sunday, december 1 p h o t o s w i t h s a n t a | thursday, december 5 p r o m e n a d e o f t r e e s | thursday, december 12 r u d o l p h r u n | saturday, december 14 m e n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s n i g h t | thursday, december 19 d a s h i n g t h r o u g h t h e s t o r e s | december 19-24 Tree lighting ceremony |

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The Ultimate Turn-Key

The Locks townhomes have it all, from waterfront views to parking on the premises.

By Samantha Costa Photography by Melissa Kelly (melissakellyphotography.com) and Jonathan Arena Digital Media

he towpath landscape has changed between Green Lane and Leverington Avenue. The overgrown brush was cleared out, and piles of dirt were seen atop a leveled 4.5-acre plot of land last spring. By summer, everyone in Manayunk got a glimpse of The Locks riverfront townhomes, and they started selling fast. “We chose this site because of the uniqueness of the tranquil water location that’s not found anywhere else [in the city],” said Andrea Piertrinferno, sales manager at The Locks. The namesake, The Locks, is a callback to 19th-century Philadelphia during the industrial revolution. A lock is a device used for raising and lowering the level of water between each lock gate so that boats and ships can pass between two locations. Locks 69 and 70 along the Manayunk Canal were designed to create improved routes to bring coal from the then Schuylkill County to Philadelphia. This innovative use of the canal jump-started the crucial role Manayunk played during the manufacturing industrial boom in Philadelphia. The community of 60 townhomes sits on Venice Island between the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal. The exterior facade is inspired by our area’s rich industrial heritage, but one step inside paints an entirely different story. The newly developed homes boast personalized touches, from the tile floor to the countertops and light fixtures. Each home has two-car garages, five floors, the option for an elevator, open 16

floor plans, a private wrap-around rooftop terrace, and views that will make you ask, “Where am I?”...really! “We are giving residents the best opportunity to really enjoy their life here,” Andrea said. The Locks offers two floor plans — The Seine and The Loire — drawing inspiration from France’s equally important waterways from a historical standpoint. Both models are contemporary from floor to ceiling. The Seine is a four-bedroom, 3.5-bath model, starting at $689,900. The Loire model is also a four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home beginning at $1,024,900, with an elevator. Both layouts offer everything that’s missing from most homes in Philadelphia: parking, ample closet space, floor-toceiling windows, and a view you just can’t get anywhere else. Did we mention parking?! Manayunk’s newest residents of The Locks have plenty to look forward to. The townhomes provide a quiet property surrounded by trees and water, overlooking both Main Street and the Schuylkill River. One thing new residents won’t find themselves doing is staring at traffic on I-76. The location is in just the right vantage point to provide a taste of tranquility perfectly placed next to the walkability of Main Street. “We chose Manayunk because it gave us the perfect backdrop to a lively vibrant community where people want to live,” Andrea said. There were a few desirable elements that drew new townhome res-

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ident, Beth Gombala, here — the waterfront views, the proximity to Center City, and Manayunk’s walkability. “You can’t find this kind of property (size, space, convenience) downtown. The design of the homes, with the super-large windows, accentuates this feature,” Beth said, adding that it’s easy to get into Center City whether it’s by car, Uber, or SEPTA. “...but still close enough to a walkable neighborhood like Manayunk where there are shops, restaurants, and activities.” Newcomers can look forward to all of the events on Main Street without searching for parking or walking too far. For instance, the Manayunk Arts Festival every June offers a one-stop shop for local art for five floors of empty wall space. Our independent shops have something for every kind of homeowner, from the record collector and avid comic book reader, to the fashionista or those with an eye for interior design. Every block is home to some of the area’s best fitness studios, restaurants, bars, and more. A quick bike ride will get you to Wissahickon Trail for a hike or to a nearby park with the kids. It’s easy to feel like you’re part of the Manayunk community here. “This property combines the access to downtown Center City while still being part of a vibrant, smaller community. Having walking trails and parks so close is a huge bonus,” Beth said. Although Manayunk has been the notorious home for college students and recent grads since the 1990s, our little nook of Northwest Philly is becoming a place where young professionals and empty nesters settle down and make a home. With nearby conveniences like the SEPTA Regional Rail and bus routes; trails for cycling, running and dog-walking, The Locks has the potential to be next-level living for residents looking to make an investment and stay for awhile. Welcome to the neighborhood!

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Come relax and enjoy our wellness sanctuary. We want to be a part of your wellness routine offering a full suite of massage, body, skin, hair and nail care treatments -

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2020

GOALS: Meet Your Resolutions With the Help of Manayunk Shops By Renin Broadnax, Meghan Sack and Mike Zocco Photography by TERRYLEAHYFILMS (terryleahyfilms.com)

Once the holiday dust settles at the end of December, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to look forward to 2020. Do you have your resolutions set? Let Manayunk business owners help you navigate the new year with a few product suggestions from their very own shops!

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RESOLUTION #1:

TREAT YOURSELF

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: Buy yourself a bodysuit or robe from Expect Lace (4403 Main Street) Owner of Expect Lace, Shaw Lewis, believes lingerie is one of those things that makes you feel good about yourself. “At the end of the night, to put on a nice bodysuit or a gorgeous robe really helps set the tone for tomorrow,” Shaw said. Shaw prides herself on understanding three things: women, self-care, and lingerie. At her store you will find all that and more! Shaw has been in the lingerie business for 15 years and brings with her all that knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect bodysuit or robe to make you feel on top of the world. Not only does she sell quality products but the fit of her designer garments cater to men and women of all shapes and sizes. Go confidently into Expect Lace knowing you’ll find something lovely for yourself that will fit you just right. “I think in today’s day and age, self care is really important so I feel like lingerie is something that women should incorporate into their personal self care regimen,” Shaw added. “We just want women to feel comfortable knowing that we carry their size. I know for me personally if I walk passed a store, it’s discouraging to know that they will not have my size.” OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: An all-natural sunless tan skin care treatment at Vacay Beauty (4450 Main Street) Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia brand Ingrown Hair Serum at Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia (4370 Main Street)

RESOLUTION #2:

LEARN A NEW SKILL

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: Take a class at Hidden River Yarns (4358 Main Street) Learning something new can provide a healthy start to the new year! This winter, set aside some time to learn how to knit or crochet — a skill that will come in handy with the cold weather! “It’s good for relaxation!” said Lisa Johnson, owner of Hidden River Yarns. “There are also health benefits to knitting and crocheting due to the small repetitive movements. There are studies that show that it prevents Alzheirmers and dementia when you are an adult.” Hidden River Yarns offers private lessons at $25/hour. On select Saturdays, you can sign up for a “Stitch Fix” and get two hours of help with your project from a professional for $10. “Some people look at knitting and crocheting as an expensive hobby because of the supplies but if you weigh it out over the time and the enjoyment you are having, it’s worth it!” Lisa said. “Then, when you are done you have sweater, a hat, or gloves that you will have for a very long time. Plus, when you are walking down the street, you will never see someone wearing the same clothes as you!” OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Adult Ballet Class at Merge Dance Studio (4047 Main Street) Free Trial Class in Beginner Aerials at Awakenings Pole Dance Fitness (4151 Main Street)

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RESOLUTION #3:

REFRESH YOUR LOOK HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: Browse the racks at Nicole Miller (4249 Main Street)

Still wearing that pea coat from college? Head to Nicole Miller to refresh your look this upcoming year! They have a fantastic selection of brand new real and faux fur jackets and vests for this holiday season. Nicole Miller is also the place to get the perfect new bomber jacket you’ve been searching for, or keep extra warm with their fur lined denim jacket and style it with a modern, hip scarf. “We have a wide range of customers aging from 13 to 80, so there is something here at Nicole Miller for everybody,” said store manager, Samantha Sciolla. “Refreshing your wardrobe is a form of self care, especially in a time where we are all motivated to do better for ourselves.” The Nicole Miller brand emphasizes the importance of loving the way you look. It is of great importance to the designer line that you want to invest in clothing of high quality that makes you feel great because style is important. “Nicole Miller can and will fulfill that need,” Samantha added. The store offers “closet cleanouts” to customers giving you the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe without any stress. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Hi-rise jeans from brands Agolde and Citizens of Humanity at Threads (4353 Main Street) Collection of cozy knit sweaters from Greek designers Karavan Clothing and Moutaki, in colors like dusty mint, sapphire blue, petrol and mustard at LILA Fashion International (4339 Main Street)

RESOLUTION #4:

START HEALTHY HABITS

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: Shop at Philadelphia Runner for new athletic wear (4358 Main Street) Philadelphia Runner is a staple store for all Philadelphians in the exercising community. The athletic supplier carries everything from cycling shoes and new sneakers, to yoga shorts that will help anyone who is interested in starting or continuing a healthy lifestyle. “We at Philadelphia Runner believe our products can help people reach their goals no matter what they may be,” said Neil Townsend, store manager of Philadelphia Runner in Manayunk. “It does not have to be someone who runs a ton of miles every week. It could be the people who want to get fit and have fun with whatever they are doing.” The biggest factor that separates Philadelphia Runner from other stores is that they pride themselves on providing excellent customer service. Neil and his crew are friendly and will be the ones to help you find the tools to achieve your goals in the new year! “You can find a lot of the products we have in a lot of sporting good stores,” Neil stated. “Some products we have are a little bit different but I think what we do to separate ourselves is provide a very unique and personal experience.” OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: CSA Program at River City Outpost (4412 Main Street) Electra Townie Go! Bicycle at Trek Bicycle (4159 Main Street) Winter 2019 | manayunk.com 21

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RESOLUTION #5:

GET ORGANIZED

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: 2020 Rifle Paper Co Planners from Pineapple on Main (4347 Main Street) For the person who is always on the go, Pineapple on Main’s planners from Rifle Paper Co. are the best way to get organized in the new year. “You can take it with you wherever you go -- your purse, your work bag, or when you travel,” said Pineapple on Main owner, Kathy Piccari. “They’re pretty with a purpose.” The patterns and floral designs will lift your moods and keep you focused on your plans and tasks. In the age of smartphones, one might ask why a paper planner might be needed. If you ask Kathy, there’s no harm in making plans the old school way — physically writing everything down. “They’re easy, affordable and they make it easier to map out your day, your week or your year — you can see it all,” Kathy said. “They help you focus and plan more extensively rather than throwing a meeting on your phone calendar. However it is best for you to stay organized, this planner will truly give you the resources to do so.” Get ready to receive tons of compliments on your new planner in meetings, at lunch, and in passing as they travel well and work for you on the go! OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Executive Desk from Whole House Furniture (4119 Main Street) Julie Mollo! clutch bags from Latitudes & Longitudes (4331 Main Street)

RESOLUTION #6:

SHOP SUSTAINABLY

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: Give life to yesterday’s classics at Remix on Main (4355 Main Street) Customers can expect nothing less than the best at Remix on Main. With their sustainable mindset driving their mission, co-owner Ljupka Malinovska combines saving the planet with fabulous designer clothes. “Our mission is all about sustainability,” Ljupka said. “There is no need to recreate the wheel — there is very little new under the sun. Remix is all about giving new life to yesterday’s classics. Brands and styles constantly come in and out of style. What was popular 20 or 30 years ago will eventually be tomorrow’s greatest trend.” Remix on Main is a designer consignment shop with all your favorite brands available. In addition to their mission of sustainability, Remix puts an emphasis on its customer service. This shop carries the best of all the high end brands without the guilt of hurting the environment. In today’s world, you just can’t beat that level of care. “No one will work harder for the benefit of our dedicated collector’s curators and stylists,” Ljupka added. “It is not just about what we do, it is about what we stand for. Above all else, we are committed to provide excellence service and customer satisfaction to all.” OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Consignment dining sets and sofas at Urbanburb Furniture (4313 Main Street) Pre-loved vinyl records and CDs at Main Street Music (4444 Main Street)

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RESOLUTION #7:

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: Get book recommendations from the staff at The Spiral Bookcase (112 Cotton St.) Nothing says cozy like finding a good book in the winter time. The wonderful space at The Spiral Bookcase is the perfect hideaway to find comfort in this year’s resolutions. This quiet nook carries genres ranging from strange sci-fi tales to groundbreaking narratives in contemporary fiction, from occult histories to a page-turning mystery novel. No matter what kind of story you like, they have the book for you. Their booksellers are always happy to make personal recommendations based off your literary preferences. “Lots of stores sell books but few places offer the same experience that we do,” said shop manager, Victoria Mier. From their customer experience, personalized recommendations, and careful curation of the books they offer, The Spiral Bookcase is a welcoming small shop for avid readers or those just jumping back into the joy of reading again! “There’s nothing like the excitement of picking up a new book,” Victoria added. The Spiral Bookcase offers some of the best books available, from mainstay classics to incredible new releases, all alongside tailored recommendations. From local authors to famous publishers, the curation of their little bookshop is unmatched. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: The Watchman Series at Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex (4327 Main Street) Unique and independent brands of glasses such as SALT and Anne Valentine Eyewear at The Eyeglass Works (4407 Main Street)

RESOLUTION #8:

MAKE SOMEONE SMILE

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: Flour Sack Hang Tight Towel® from The Little Apple (4361 Main Street) As you roam The Little Apple, there are plenty of reasons to “Ooh” and “Ahh” — and their collection of dish towels are no exception. “Our dish towels are made to be an everyday item that you should be able to look at throughout your day and make you smile,” said Brandy Deieso, owner of The Little Apple. “It is as simple as a dish towel hanging over your oven, and you walk past it and hopefully it will make you laugh.” Their comedic dish towels are one of those simple things in life that help you step back and appreciate the little things. With phrases like, “I love you because we hate the same things” and “Shut up liver, you’re fine,” the towels are sure to bring out your inner sarcastic thoughts. These are a great gift for your funny friend or a fabulous pick-me up for those stuck inside a winter lull. Brandy said she would describe their dish towels as snarky with a light-hearted tone to them. Pick one up for a loved one to make the dreaded dish duty fun again! OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Essential Hydro Facial at 1859 Wellness Spa & Salon (4259 Main Street) 14k yellow gold, green Amethyst and diamond ring at Bendi Jewelers (4333 Main Street)

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Manayunk 4421 Main St, Phila 19127 (215) 509-6005

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COVER PROFILE

c i s Mu t e e

THE BEST OF

Str in Ma

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c Manayunk’s independent record store defies the odds in an ever-evolving industry.

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

at Feeney sits at his office desk in the backroom of Main Street Music, reflecting on 28 years selling records in Manayunk. In mid-conversation, he turns to his computer to look up the sales numbers of Ruston Kelly’s 2018 album Dying Star, one of his favorite albums in the past five years. “I guarantee you no other store in the country sold more than 20 or 25 of that, even the stores in Nashville where he’s from,” Pat said as he strikes the ‘Enter’ key and reads the numbers on the screen. “I sold 63 copies of a record that nobody knows. Out of those 63, I guarantee 59 of them were me recommending it to people. And I wasn’t giving them the hard sell. I knew what they liked… That’s the joy I get out of the store. That is still the most satisfying thing.” Pat opened Main Street Music on October 24, 1991 just six doors down from its current location. Working seven days a week and relying on his wife Joanne’s teaching salary to get by, Pat took the revenue of every CD he sold and reinvested back into his inventory. He had just two employees in those early years, Dave McElroy and Ken Buono, who played in the band Buzz Zeemer that Pat had managed prior to opening the shop. He originally stocked up on CDs from Poison, Testament, Metallica, and other popular bands of the time. Pat soon realized his customers were more interested in the artists that WXPN was playing like Shawn Colvin, k.d. lang, and the Indigo Girls. He noticed the influence the radio station had on his clientele and immediately started advertising with them. Within his first year, he signed on as the exclusive partner for their “Album of The Week” series and became known as “the XPN store” around the greater Philadelphia area. As his inventory kept expanding, his shop felt smaller and smaller. His

landlord, Dan Neducsin, told him about a larger vacant property located at 4444 Main Street. Though he was apprehensive to moving to the end of Main Street, Pat grew excited by the idea of a bigger space. On January 6, 1997, Pat relocated his business and has remained there ever since. “People would come in and go ‘Man, I was hoping they would open a CD store around here. It’s about time you guys opened,’” Pat said with a laugh. “And I would say, ‘We’ve been here for about five and a half years just six doors up.’ It used to happen every day.” Pat refers to the late 1990s as “The Heyday of Main Street Music.” The record industry was booming and the extra visibility of a bigger storefront helped attract more foot traffic. With a reputable selection of music and customers frequenting the shop every minute of the day, he watched his numbers rise a couple thousand dollars every week. But with the turn of the new millennium came a series of troubles for the independent record store. Changes in technology and music accessibility led to a rise in illegal downloading and burning copies of CDs. Business had dropped off significantly as the 2008 recession rolled in and it seemed like the days of Main Street Music were numbered. No matter how tough things got, Pat persevered. In 2009, his store manager of 18 years, Dave McElroy, announced he was moving away. With a bit of luck and convenient timing, Pat managed to find the perfect replacement. Jamie Blood had just been laid off from her job as a label representative for Universal Music Group and was looking for something new. Oddly enough, Jamie knew Pat for nearly ten years through her job and her boyfriend (now husband) Mark Ertter was already working at the shop for close to a year before she started. “Before Jamie, I was kind of a control freak,” Pat said. “I ordered every unit Winter 2019 | manayunk.com 27

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COVER PROFILE

that came into the store. She was really ambitious so I just gave her more and more responsibility. I’ve been on cruise control for a few years now because she can handle it. She’s definitely a big part of why we’re still open.” Around the same time, the resurgence in demand for vinyl records practically saved Main Street Music. While 2019 now marks the first year vinyl has outsold CDs nationwide since 1986, Pat was slow to believe the trend ten years ago. Vinyl was more expensive than CDs and it was non-returnable, which meant if a record didn’t sell, Pat would end up sitting on “dead stock.” He also had a personal bias – he had switched most of his own collection to CDs back in the 1980s. “At first, I was hesitant,” Pat said. “I had owned 5,000 records and I was a music nut since I was 12. I used to think like myself on the other side of the counter. I had trouble getting it through my head that it doesn’t matter what I think. It’s what the public thinks.” “We still sell CDs, but it has definitely declined and vinyl has picked up tremendously,” Jamie said. “We used to hardly see any used vinyl come in and now we’ll get three people in the same day bringing in used vinyl.” Above everything else, it’s Main Street Music’s passionate customer base that helped them survive all these years. The shop is a destination for music fans of all ages and backgrounds. Teens and 20-somethings venture in to pick up the newest releases or rummage through the dollar bins. Empty nesters with disposable income won’t hesitate to purchase the latest box sets and reissues from their favorite bands. Most importantly, the shop acts as a resource for music discovery. “You can ask any questions about music,” said Charlie Wellock, a regular at the shop since the first week it opened. “That hasn’t changed the whole time the store has been here. If people come in and they don’t know what they like, you can get a recommendation or they’ll play something for you. It’s like an education center instead of just a store.” 28

“Once you’re a regular customer of theirs and you get under their guidance, they’re going to point you in a direction of music you might have never heard of,” said Bob Aquilino, another customer who has shopped there since the beginning. “Because of their experience and they know what you like, you can take their recommendations to heart and listen to that music. Nine times out of 10, they’re going to be right on. You’re not going to get that from a box store or Amazon or any other website. It’s just that human relationship that’s hard to define and hard to find.” Pat wouldn’t be where he is today if not for his passionate and knowledgeable staff. He credits much of his success to his two store managers Dave (for the first 18 years) and Jamie (for the last 10 years) who have supported him through his highs and lows and made his job look easy. From their frequent buyer cards and discounts for WXPN members to a brand new website for pre-ordering and in-store events like Record Store Day in April and Black Friday in November, the Main Street Music staff give their customers plenty of reasons to keep coming back. “The prices here are insane,” said Edwin Perez, an employee for the last five years. “If you go to any other store, you’ll realize Main Street had it cheaper, whether it’s new or used. That’s what caught me as a customer before I even worked here. If you dig in the dollar bins, you will find gems.” “I see people come in all the time who want to know what Pat is listening to,” Jamie said. “It’s really exciting being able to turn someone on to new music. If somebody comes in and buys this record, I can say ‘Oh well if you like this, you’re really going to like this.’ Then having them come back and say ‘Yeah, that was awesome. What else can I get?’” “Pat’s been here for 28 years now. That’s some pretty insane experience and knowledge,” Mark Ertter said. “This is a good place to come if you

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want to find anything out about music. Pat knows a lot and has developed this customer base for years. There’s something to be said for that. It’s not just a record store.” “The in-store performances are amazing,” said Tyler Asay, who was hired two years ago. “You never know who’s coming in here to play and hang out. It’s just a great community and everyone is here for the music.” Main Street Music has hosted roughly 130 in-store performances from both local and nationally touring acts since the shop opened. These shows have provided some of the most intimate musical experiences among customers and employees alike. Some of the staff’s personal favorites include Tommy Stinson (of the Replacements), Billy Bragg, Rhett Miller, Ben Kweller, Baroness, Fitz & The Tantrums, Jesse Malin, Strand of Oaks, and Dave Hause. Out of all the bands that have played at Main Street Music, some of the most memorable moments have come from California folk-rock band Dawes, who has played five shows at Main Street Music including the band’s first-ever in-store performance. “They’re the nicest people in the world,” Pat said. “We had so many people outside that couldn’t get in. I asked Taylor [Goldsmith] if he would go to the door and sing a song for the people outside and he did it twice at two different in-stores. There are photos of them singing three-part harmonies in the doorway. That’s the kind of stuff that gives you goosebumps.” While there are far too many stories over the last 28 years to fit to print, the one story that stuck out was the store’s 25th anniversary celebration at Lucky’s Last Chance. Jamie organized a surprise party for Pat, inviting family, friends, customers and former employees from all over, some who flew into town just for the occasion. It remains one of Pat’s favorite memories in the entire history of his shop, validating everything he has

done to keep Main Street Music alive. “He doesn’t give himself enough credit for the business that he’s built and for how long he’s stayed here and endured,” Jamie said. “Sometimes this street hasn’t been the easiest to be on, but he really has killed it keeping it open. We have people that come in and say, ‘Oh my God. I’m so glad to see you’re still here!’ and I’ll say, ‘So am I!’” This last year has been particularly rough on Pat and the Main Street Music family. Last November, they lost “Big Tom” Lorman, one of Pat’s closest friends in the world, at just 56 years old. Tom used to work Saturday nights at the shop for roughly 22 years and would always call to check in and see how business was going. The team continues to feel a noticeable void since his passing. There are also newer threats to the industry. Streaming services have made music more convenient than ever. Amazon has not only been crushing record stores, but brick and mortar businesses as a whole. And now, the three major labels (Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner-Elektra-Atlantic) have consolidated their distribution to one single company, causing industry-wide delays for new releases to independent shops all over. But Pat and the staff continue to provide a service that can’t be found elsewhere. In a world with so many musical options, Main Street Music’s customers trust the staff’s opinions on what to listen to. It’s not an algorithm deciding for you. It’s a human being catering to your musical needs, creating a priceless experience that so many music fans search for. “I still believe Main Street Music has a name and a reputation and a history,” Pat said. “It does have a legacy and I’m proud of it. I always looked at it like it was my second kid. That’s probably why I still care about this store so much.” Winter 2019 | manayunk.com 29

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DINE

A Neighborhood Staple Although Union Tap House has changed with the times, the neighborhood bar — known for its craft beer and wings — has never lost its identity.

By Brian Anderson Photography by JPG Photo & Video (jpgphotography.com)

ill Newman says Union Tap House is an extension of his living room, and that’s an apt description of the place. The space feels lived in. You’re always welcomed here. Grab a drink, order some food, and then just relax. Bill, all-things expert of Union Tap House, has a long history with this place, which was previously known as Union Jacks. He once sat on the other end of the bar as a patron — when the burgers were the best thing on the menu — and he wasn’t a craft beer drinker. He became a parttime cook and saw the wings and craft beers gain acclaim. More than a decade later, Bill decided to buy the place, changing the name to Union Tap House. Though the name may have changed and the menu may have been updated, the bones remain the same — beer, burgers, and wings. “Union Jacks was always a craft beer bar,” Bill said. “They were doing craft when only a few other bars in the city were. Union Tap House’s extensive beer list changes often. There are always seasonal brews and beers that represent the latest trends in brewing. As tastes evolve, so does the draft list. “I try to make sure there’s something for everyone on there,” Bill said. 30

“There are so many great local breweries. There’s so much great beer that it’s tough to carry everything and make everyone happy.” It’s why the draft list has seasonal beers, old classics, and more exotic, high-end beers. For good measure, the tap list won Best of Manayunk in that category back in 2017. Union Jacks was a beer-and-a-shot kind of bar, and now Bill and the bartenders aren’t afraid to try something new. Union Tap House, at the corner of Umbria and Fountain streets, now features an expanded cocktail list and wine program, and its bourbon collection rivals any bar in the neighborhood. The classic cocktails (you’ll find them as “drinks that don’t suck” on the menu) all have a twist. “I wanted to change it to have our own identity, but I didn’t want to stray too far from what it was,” he said. “I didn’t want people to think, ‘The name changed, so everything is different.’ We wanted to keep a piece of our history.” Everything on the menu — wings, appetizers, fries, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and wraps — is a collaboration between Bill, his wife Steph, and Union Tap House’s kitchen manager, John Smith. Now, let’s talk about the famous wings. After all, they’re also a Best

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of Manayunk winner — and trust me, they are out-of-this-world, come-back-just-for-them delicious. “That’s what I have the most fun with because we get to be creative,” Bill said. Union Tap House sells a lot wings, which makes one wonder, “Why do we like wings so much? What draws us to them? And how can you be creative with chicken wings?” “For us, it’s the sauces,” Bill said. “The sauces are what makes it fun.” Today, the menu boasts more than 20 sauces for the wings (and there’s always a few more in the works). There’s a spice level and flavor profile for everyone. Let’s name just a few flavors: cajun, apple honey barbecue, bourbon molasses, honey Caribbean, Sicilian killers, Mexi-jalapeño, Tex-Mex, Southern country, Thai hot, and lemon pepper. The next sauce you might see on the menu is a habanero pomegranate barbecue. But developing a wing sauce is a unique challenge — it’s the right balance of flavor and wing-stickiness, Bill explained. “It’s gonna work,” he said with a smile. “It’s definitely going to work.” Winter 2019 | manayunk.com 31

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DINE

“

“We know we’re the corner neighborhood bar. Our goal is to be the best corner neighborhood bar we can be. It’s the food, it’s the beer, it’s the ‘everyone is welcome here.”

Bill isn’t afraid to change what’s happening in the kitchen, either. This isn’t just a wing and burger bar, after all. Bill said last year, the kitchen made homemade pastrami for sandwiches. “That was a big hit,” he said, and it might make a return to the special menu. “Every time a special works, we keep it around until the next menu revision,” Bill said. But don’t worry — the wings are still the same. The menu and beer list are the perfect representation of the history and future of Union Tap House. Bill said you can find record of a bar at that corner as far back as 1875. And the history is etched into the building, too. Look up, and you’ll see street names on the corner of the building from more than 100 years ago before Washington Lane became Umbria Street. Of course, times and tastes are changing, so Union Tap House is changing, too. Every year, Bill asks his staff for their list of recommendations for the bar — they know the place and the regulars more than anyone. From those lists came the bar’s wine program and expanded cocktail menu. Union Tap House isn’t afraid of change. It’s why the bar features different breweries every month with tap takeovers, and just one of the reasons why the bourbon menu has grown so much in recent years. This place still feels lived in and has a friendly atmosphere, though. The sign outside Union Tap House reads “United We Drink.” It’s hard to come up with better description the place — it truly is a quintessential neighborhood bar. “It’s a big melting pot, every walk of life comes through this door. It doesn’t matter who you are,” Bill said. “We know we’re the corner neighborhood bar. Our goal is to be the best corner neighborhood bar we can be. It’s the food, it’s the beer, it’s the ‘everyone is welcome here.’” 32

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DINE

For the Love of It

After nearly 30 years of ups and downs on Main Street, Zestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is here to stay. By Noel Bartocci Photography by JPG Photo & Video (jpgphotography.com)

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here are two things you need to know when you sit down to have a conversation with Athanasios Konidaris, owner and chef of gourmet Greek, Italian, and Mediterranean food at Zesty’s restaurant. First, he goes by the name “Tom.” “I said call me, ‘Tom’ a long time ago and it kind of stuck,” he explained. “I said it to make it easier for my customers – I don’t know if that was good or bad.” He ended the anecdote with a very aware laugh — the kind of knowing chuckle which originates from the perspective of experience, which brings me to the second thing. The conversation you have with him will not be linear. Tom’s enterprising spirit led him into the food service industry, opening up a pizza shop in North Philadelphia, over four decades ago. He was partially motivated at the time by the desire to offer help and a product to people directly, as opposed to his time as a contractor where too often he would work diligently only to be shorted or cheated in labor costs. He explained this new freedom and opportunity as a restaurant owner. “No matter what it is — a pizza shop, a sandwich shop — if I see a person who needs food, I will give it to them. I will open up my door,” Tom said. “The situation I was in before, they would take from me and I don’t want that [for anyone else.]” Tom’s pizza shop spawned two more locations and by 1976, he would tap into his familial roots and open a small Greek spot at 17th and Ludlow – one of the first of its kind in Philadelphia. “We had trouble with the health department, they had not seen this before,” he said referencing an upright gyro rotisserie. “This wasn’t New York where they had these kinds of restaurants already. They didn’t have the rules here yet.” In true fashion, he persevered through the intricacies and opened up the small shop, eventually outgrowing that spot and re-opening to a larger location on Sansom Street. “Back in the 90’s, when [Zesty’s] first started, Manayunk was the place to be,” Tom explained when I asked what finally brought him to the neighborhood. At the time, this area was known for offering unique experiences for both businesses and consumers. Tom thought, what better place to introduce a menu that featured his fresh and inspired blend of Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisines? So began the first iteration of Zesty’s, 27 years ago. “On any given day, we’d serve 200 dinners — weekends as much as 350 — and it was lots of families,” he said. “It was a good run up to 2005-2006 and then it started declining,” referring to the lead up to the 2008 economic crisis. “[All restaurants] had valets and used to do 40-50 cars each. Then, after the crash, many went down. A lot of good restaurants downgraded or left. A lot of bars, and the crowds changed. More drinks and less family dinners.” Tom disregarded his reluctance to change along with the community and remodeled Zesty’s to be more bar-patron friendly, removing multiple tables from the space and installing a large, circular bar right in the restaurant’s center. “I was convinced, so to speak, that I should do more business in liquor,” he remembered. “You know what? It was the wrong thing for me to do. I could not compete with dollar beer up the street. [Zesty’s] wasn’t me anymore.” He found himself making a decision that was farther away from his original vision for the restaurant – to serve quality crafted dishes that fused the finest food from multiple regions. It was a pivot he owned and from which he ultimately learned. So began the slow progress necessary to restore Zesty’s into the celebrated restaurant it is today. Winter 2019 | manayunk.com 37

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DINE

“

“You have to ‘love’ – I love what I do. That’s the only way I can do it and survive.”

“I said, ‘Clean the bar, we’re done,’” he told his staff on a Sunday night. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do yet, but I knew it was going to be something. What followed were a few years of slow, hand-crafted upgrades, starting with the large circular bar being unceremoniously dismantled. Leaning on his earlier career as a contractor, he would personally make changes along a timeline of his choosing. Tom set forth to invest himself into what Zesty’s should be, and not allow the winds of change to dictate his restaurant. It was the kind of hard work that’s only possible when you truly care about what you do. “There is no ‘like.’ ‘Like’ doesn’t exist [in this business],” he said. “You 38

have to ‘love’ – I love what I do. That’s the only way I can do it and survive.” He emphasized these words to me for absolute clarity. He spoke them as a man who doesn’t live for his work, so much as one who understands that when you do work you love, it keeps you alive. Today, Zesty’s is the neighborhood spot for high-quality food that and hasn’t skipped a beat in over 25 years. On most nights, you’ll see the warm and welcoming chef/owner – with stories for days – popping in and out of the kitchen, personally preparing as many dishes as he can. Tom is dedicated to making sure you love your time there just as much as he does.

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PLAY

A Little Yoga Studio with a Big Mission Unity Yoga is turning the yoga industry upside down with their inclusive business model. By Leksey Maltzman Photography by Melissa Kelly Photography (melissakellyphotography.com)

hen Arielle and Robert Ashford decided to open Unity Yoga, they knew they were going to do it their way, even if it wasn’t necessarily the most traditional. They saw what was lacking in the western yoga community and made it their mission to create an environment welcoming to anyone and everyone. “It doesn’t matter who you are,” Arielle said. “You have a home here.” “Everyone who walks through the door should feel like this can be their community no matter what,” Robert added. “That is in every decision we make from a business standpoint and mission standpoint.” Part of creating an environment for everyone to feel comfortable is being trauma-informed, which is something Unity Yoga places an emphasis on in all of their classes. “The whole idea of being trauma-informed is recognizing and being aware of people coming in with various types of trauma and we need to be sensitive and responsive to that fact,” Robert explained. “We are mindful of language and music,” Arielle added. “We have consent cards, so no one is getting touched who doesn’t want to be touched.” On the maximum level of being trauma-informed are Unity Yoga’s re42

covery yoga classes, which are practiced in a circle rather than in rows, there is no heat, and each class begins with a time for a group check-in. “The idea is to create a space outside a therapist’s office or a 12-step meeting where people can just focus on themselves in a community environment,” Robert shared. Recovery classes are not just limited to those in recovery from substance misuse but also disordered eating, trauma, mental health, and other forms of process addictions. There are even people in attendance who are not in recovery, but just want to learn more or offer their support as allies. Recovery is a big part of Arielle and Robert’s lives. They are both in long-term recovery, and their work outside of Unity Yoga is in the recovery and mental health field. They even met at an event in 2015 focused on healthcare and recovery support where Arielle was keynoting in Washington D.C. “I walk in and there’s this woman taking pictures with a Barbie doll, and I’m thinking, ‘What is going on?’” Robert said. “It ended up being Arielle.” “It was Advocacy Barbie!” Arielle defended. “Advocacy Barbie also made an appearance at our engagement dinner,”

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“The idea is to create a space outside a therapist’s office or a 12-step meeting where people can just focus on themselves in a community environment,”

Robert laughed. “It’s a running joke — now we have Advocacy Ken, too!” Robert and Arielle spent the beginning of their relationship long-distance in several different states across the country, which introduced them to a variety of different yoga studios and practices they brought to Unity Yoga. One of the main things they brought back was using infrared heat instead of forced air. “Infrared would be like practicing yoga in Arizona’s dry heat, compared to outside in Philly in July,” Arielle described. “Infrared is cleaner, more natural, and better for the environment.” “Forced air is really loud and can make it difficult to shut the world out,” Robert added. If the heat isn’t your thing, don’t worry because only half of the 42 classes offered each week are heated. In addition to their All Levels Vinyasa and Advanced Vinyasa classes, Unity Yoga offers other specialty classes including Pre/Post Natal, Yin, Restorative, Candlelight and more. Other ways Robert and Arielle are making Unity Yoga more accessible to everyone are keeping their prices low, offering multiple free classes each month, and never charging someone for their first class. Additionally, every new student can get 30 days unlimited for $30 and any student can borrow their high-end mats for free when they come to practice. “It’s all about cultivating that experience and making it accessible,” Robert said. “The mats you can borrow are the same ones we sell in retail. Really all you need to do is bring yourself and we’ve got the rest.” Another aspect of making yoga more accessible to everyone is destigmatizing the traditional yoga marketing we see everyday, particularly

regarding the target audience for yoga. Robert explained how he felt that for many years that he would not fit in or be welcomed into the yoga community. “I always thought yoga is not for me because I don’t fit the stereotypical mold,” Robert explained. “I’m male, I’m covered in tattoos, and I thought I would be embarrassed.” After years of trying to persuade him, eventually, Arielle brought Robert into a yoga class at a studio that advertised they welcomed everyone no matter your gender, color, size, or experience level. Their experience at this inclusive studio strongly informed the mission of Unity Yoga. “We are working to change that narrative and we are competing against years of mass marketing from big companies that say it’s got to be this one way, or you have to look a particular way to be welcome,” Robert said. Being in a community that supported Unity Yoga’s mission was extremely important to Arielle and Robert, which is why it took them two years to finally find the perfect location. “The only place we found that we could see ourselves fitting in and making the community and the world a better place was Manayunk,” Robert said. “There were lots of places that we could have been, but the community feel we could only find here.” “I don’t know if you want to say our mission was tailor-made for Manayunk, or Manayunk was tailor-made for our mission,” Arielle said. “Some sort of synergy is there.” The name Unity Yoga fits perfectly with their mission, but it also has a personal connection for Arielle. Winter 2019 | manayunk.com 43

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PLAY “We are working to change that narrative and we are competing against years of mass marketing from big companies that say it’s got to be this one way, or you have to look a particular way to be welcome,”

“Finally, someone asked me about the name!” Arielle exclaimed. “I am slightly obsessed with the band 311 and their summer tour every year is called the Unity Tour, so that’s where I got the name Unity Yoga.” “As we built this, it naturally fit,” Robert elaborated. “Yes, it did come from 311, but it also fits really nicely with who we are.” Robert and Arielle were right when they felt Manayunk has the community vibe they were looking for. Since opening in the studio in August of 2019, they’ve created a great connection with the other fitness studios in Manayunk. In particular, they’ve found their Restorative and Yin classes compliment the other studios’ high intensity cardio classes. “The partnerships with The Wall Cycling, Never Give Up Training, and RowZone have all been great in creating a really nice community,” Robert said. “Manayunk is becoming the little fitness capital of Philadelphia.” As for their goals for the future, Robert and Arielle are keeping their mission in mind. “I think our biggest goal is how do we continue to drive that narrative differently, that nobody is stigmatized, discriminated against, oppressed, or judged,” Robert shared. “We will play our small part here at Unity Yoga to continue to do that and we know we have more to do to live up to our mission.”

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NOW OPEN By Mike Zocco

Vacay Beauty 4450 Main Street Need an all natural, sunless, and healthy way to get a tan? Vacay Beauty has you covered! Vacay Beauty offers a variety of healthy tanning and skin care options. In addition to their services, Vacay Beauty promotes body positivity, self-empowerment, and acceptance! Visit Vacay Beauty’s website for more information about their airbrush tanning options!

Goals Fit 110 Levering Street Goals Fit has gotten bigger and better! The personal training service, which hosts workouts both indoors and outdoors, has relocated to a bigger space on Levering Street. Goals Fit prides itself on making fitness fun for all ages! They offer a variety of workout programs ranging from boot camps, personal training sessions, group runs, programs for kids, and much more!

Verilife Dispensary 4026 Main Street Verilife Medical Marijuana Dispensary is the first of its kind in Philadelphia. Verilife Philadelphia’s mission is for people to feel relief, feel empowered, and feel better. The dispensary prides itself on providing the best one-on-one customer care.

1859 Wellness Spa and Salon (4259 Main Street) 1859 Wellness Spa and Salon offers a luxury experience for their clients. They provide a warm, elegant environment, and welcoming experience with a wide variety of services, such as blow outs, manicures, massages, and more. They pride themselves on a superior client experience!

Bernie’s Restaurant and Bar 4411 Main Street After opening up in Glenside, Hatboro, and University City, Bernie’s Restaurant and Bar is now opening a home of their own in Manayunk. Bernie’s has an assortment of options that will make you hungry! They also offer a wide range of wines and classic cocktails! 48

Ownable Ownable is an online-focused rental service that holds a wide range of consumer electronics. They rent gaming consoles, televisions, headphones, computers, cameras, accessories, and much more! Their mission states, “We’re committed to delivering hardworking individuals access to great brands at affordable prices on the items most critical to keep their lives moving forward.”

Chloe Madeleine Salon Chloe Madeleine Salon is brand new to Main Street! With recent ownership change, the salon is still located where Artur Kirsch once was. Chloe Madeleine Salon offers a variety of services ranging from cuts and highlights as well as hair treatments and makeup services.

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KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH PHILLYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LONGEST RUNNING COMEDY SHOW!

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Now Oprn An inclusive yoga studio designed for you in the heart of Manayunk! 35+ weekly classes, infrared heat, affordable pricing

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Carefree Living Around Manayunk

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CANAL LOUNGE AT

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