In its first year, Flying Kite's
On the Ground program has embedded the publication in four neighborhoods, occupying vacant storefronts for 90 days each. Community engagement, positive reporting and reimagining underutilized commercial spaces are pillars of the effort.
Now one of our On the Ground storefronts has landed a permanent tenant. After three months of events and outreach at 322 W. Chelten Avenue in Germantown, the folks at
Philly Office Retail were able to rent the property to
Rose Petals Café and Lounge, a BYOB concept new to the area.
According to Noah Krey with Philly Office Retail, before Flying Kite's On the Ground program, there was no tenant expressing serious interest in the storefront (former home to a regional Obama campaign office).
"Enlivening the space made it an easier sell to prospective tenants," says Krey. That new energy, coupled with Philly Office Retail's commitment to bringing a quality tenant to this stretch of Chelten Avenue, is what helped attract Rose Petals Café.
The space is now under construction. Owners Desmin and Jania Daniels, a Mt. Airy couple launching their first restaurant, hope to open by the end of July.
The BYOB ("bring your own bottle"), which Krey calls "a great concept for this part of Germantown," will offer breakfast, lunch, pastries, specialty smoothies and 10 different waffle options. Dinner will be served Friday and Saturday evenings (6 - 10 p.m.) and feature a fusion of Latin and Soul cuisines.
The café and lounge will also feature wireless internet and a small stage for live music. The couple eventually hopes to renovate the backyard, adding additional seating and possibly a tiny dog park.
Source: Noah Krey, Philly Office Retail
Writer:
Greg Meckstroth