November 2024 New Business Roundup

Fresh Finds in and around University City! Read on to learn about all of the new and exciting things coming to our corner of Philadelphia.

Two women stand in front of a wall of candles. They smile as they work on creating their own candle

November is a month of change – cooler temperatures, leaves turning hues of red and orange, and a fresh crop of new businesses popping up! In University City, we are excited to share a roundup of new, diverse businesses. From new grocery stores, to DIY candle shops, to fodder for Philly foodies, this list has something for everyone!

An array of food on red and white checkered paper. Food includes a cheesesteak, pizza, wings, and fries.

Carter’s Pizza & Beer

Discover a new favorite at Carter’s Pizza and Beer, now open in University City! Known for its pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more, this local shop partners with Slice to make ordering easier than ever. Swing by for curbside pickup or take advantage of their latest deals to enjoy quality food at an affordable price.

📍 3816 Chestnut Street

Check out your next pizza destination
Two women stand in front of a wall of candles. They smile as they work on creating their own candle

Cork & Candles

Cork & Candles is a family-owned business offering an experiential scent bar where guests enjoy a hands-on candle making sessions in a welcoming space. Choose your favorite scents, blend them to perfection, and create your own candles to take home! Perfect for date nights, team building experiences, or just a fun night on the town.

📍 3421 Walnut Street

Make Your reservations now
Two hands cheers-ing their boba milk tea in front of a light blue background

Gong Cha

Founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Gong Cha (meaning “tribute tea for the emperor”) has become a global sensation for premium bubble tea. Known for its freshly brewed tea, tapioca pearls, and signature milk foam, Gong Cha delivers a creamy, sweet-savory experience with every sip. Now open in University City, swing by and see firsthand how they live up to their slogan: Brewing Happiness.

📍 3925 Walnut Street

brew up something new
Burger sliders and waffle fries

Gouldsburger’s

Gouldsburgers is open at Franklin’s Table Food Hall , bringing their famous burgers, cheesesteaks, and veggie-friendly options to our part of town! We’re thrilled to welcome this local favorite, known for fresh ingredients and “Good Food Done Right,” to Penn’s bustling dining scene. Keep an eye out for their new shop alongside neighborhood favorites like Goldie Falafel and Pitruco Pizza!

📍 3401 Walnut Street

learn more about Gouldsburgers
Ribbon cutting outside of a grocery store

Grocery Outlet

University City Grocery Outlet is now open at 4301 Chestnut Street! Run by local sisters Jaelyn and Jaida Deas, this friendly spot offers amazing discounts on fresh produce, meats, and everyday essentials. You’ll find a unique NOSH section with organic goodies, plus fun additions to their inventory, like sriracha mayo and rice paper wrappers—all at bargain prices! Drop by any day between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and follow them on Instagram.

📍 4301 Chestnut Street

get to know the grocery outlet
A deli employee holds a sandwich up to the camera

Koch’s Deli

Koch’s Deli has been serving University City since 1966, becoming a West Philly staple known for their mouth-watering Jewish deli sandwiches and fresh, crispy veggies. Each bite is a taste of tradition and history, showcasing the flavors that have made it a beloved institution. After a brief intermission, Koch’s Deli reopened its doors to the public with a new ownership team on Friday, November 15th, 2024.

📍 4309 Locust Street

fuel up at this fan favorite spot
An array of venezuelan dishes

Puyero

Puyero, the beloved Queen Village spot for Venezuelan arepas and tequeños, is opening a second location in University City at 3428 Sansom Street. Known for their tasty arepas, fried plantains, and patacones, it will feature a similar menu and add dine-in, takeout, and catering options. University City is about to get a little tastier—don’t miss it!

📍 3428 Sansom Street

Explore new flavors at Puyero
A plate of food from Sichuan Mathai

Sichuan Mathai

Sichuan Mathai brings a fusion of Malaysian, Thai, and Chinese Sichuan cuisine to Baltimore Avenue! Chef and owner Peng, with over ten years of experience running his own restaurant in Malaysia, delivers bold flavors to the area. After a popular debut at the last Dollar Stroll, Sichuan Mathai is ready to impress—don’t wait until the next Stroll to try the Thai wings!

Learn MORE about sichuan mathai
A group of people eating ice cream outside of a Van Leeuwen ice cream parlor

Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen believes good ice cream is for everyone. The company, which began as a yellow ice cream truck in the streets of New York, has grown in popularity and will celebrate their 4th Philadelphia location on Penn’s campus. They’re known for decadent, premium flavors like Honeycomb and and Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Brownie, along with vegan options, milkshakes, cookies, and more.

📍 3631 Walnut St

Cool down with van leeuwen
Community members look through children's supplies while a cartoon character observes in the background

WePAC

The West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC) has a new home! This non-profit serves the local community by promoting childhood literacy. They engage volunteers in Philadelphia public schools to re-open and staff libraries, empowering students with critical literacy skills. If you’re looking to get involved, they are currently accepting new volunteers!

📍4125 Lancaster Avenue

check out the work of this local org

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