Every few weeks, it seems that there’s another residential development to tell you about in Point Breeze. But to this point, relatively few new businesses have sprung up in the area to take advantage of the swelling ranks of folks looking for a bite to eat or a tasty beverage in the neighborhood.

Sure, American Sardine Bar has been a hit. OCF Coffee House and Breezy’s Cafe are making their presences felt. And Kermit’s Bake Shop is apparently about a month away. But one thing that we keep hearing people would really love to see is another watering hole or two emerge south of Washington. In the coming years, it seems likely that this is exactly what will happen at Burg’s Lounge at 21st & Federal and Munson Manor at 20th & Federal. But one…

A reader asked us if we knew the scoop about Divan Mediterranean Grill, which opened at 622 S 6th St. earlier this week. The restaurant, which replaces the long-shuttered Shouk, has a nearly identical name and logo to Divan Turkish Kitchen, the recently closed spot at 22nd and Carpenter Sts., in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood. So… what gives?

Divan 2

According to Michael Klein, this is a brand new Divan, not a relocation of the previous restaurant. Owner of the original Divan Ilkur Ugur, has no interest in going back into the food business. At a recent SOSNA meeting, he went as far as saying “I tried that once, and won’t ever do it again,” as we told you last month. Klein explains that part-owner and chef Sadi Cetiner is the connection between the old and new Divan, having worked…

It seems that Flying Kite Media is on to something. This week, Elise Vider did a piece on the rising fortunes of South Street West, discussing the infrastructure improvements through the efforts of the SSWBA, the explosion of new restaurants, and the continuing redevelopment in the years to come. Over the past year, we’ve explored the changing landscape on South Street West on a micro level, bringing almost every new building and business to your attention individually. Ms. Vider does a nice job bringing it all together.

On the western end of University City, the 5000 block of Baltimore Avenue is experiencing rapid change.

Looking east

Here is where the immaculate pink, red, green and blue painted homes and tree-lined suburbanesque West Philly blocks begin to blend with some poorly maintained homes and vacant, blighted properties. There are at least six abandoned buildings near 51st & Baltimore.

Last week, applicants appeared before the ZBA with preliminary plans for full-scale renovations at 5027 Baltimore Ave. that would include a ground-floor gourmet sandwich shop, a first-floor apartment, two second-floor apartments, and another on the third. Gourmet sandwiches? Sounds pretty good to us. Such a shop would represent welcome competition for the Subway sandwiches they’ll soon be peddling at 46th & Baltimore- sandwiches that can be as drab as West Philly homes are interesting.

Future

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Last fall, we wondered about the fate of the building that last held The Witch, a short-lived neighborhood bar in Pennsport. At the time, the property, 1401 E. Moyamensing Ave., was on the market for $399K. It seemed like a decent enough location that could probably hold a successful business, with the right management.

Whelp, we have some good news.

There’s a new restaurant concept coming to this space, and it will pay homage to those who work in the food business. The Industry (yes, that’s the name) will make its debut this spring and will undoubtedly become a neighborhood hotspot in short order.

Future home of The Industry

Dave Garry and Heather Gleason, of the wonderful Good Dog Bar, and partner Tom Darby, will create an inviting atmosphere equipped with comfortable dining and lounging…

Ever wanted to dance and drink the night away, but felt guilty about all the energy and environmental impact?  Well, worry no more!  Philadelphia is about to get its first eco-friendly nightclub, coming our way from New York City and Miami.  Greenhouse, New York’s first LEED-certified club, is currently in build-out mode at 725 Chestnut St., next door to Morimoto.  It will occupy the first floor and lower level, approximately 8,000 square feet.

Coming soon

Always liked this building

According to its website, NYC’s Greenhouse location has been “designed to be a unique green experience.  One of Greenhouse’s most spectacular attributes is the transparent ceiling fixture, comprised of over 5,000 individually hung crystals, which is designed to emulate a rolling landscape.  The bars are clear recycled glass panoramic designs, which displays lush natural scenes. …