Spring Fever

Hello Thursday, goodbye (almost) April! This year feels like it's flying by. If you make it through this 1,981 word newsletter and enjoy it, please share with a friend!

🏬 Popping Up: Market East will have a new look this summer. Six new businesses will be filling vacant storefronts on the 900 Block of Market Street from May 6 to July 31. The summer pop-up will include a coffee shop, art galleries, a used clothing store, and of course, a water ice shop. These openings should add some temporary character to the area for the season and will serve as a test for what's to come on Market East in the future.

The Tampa, Florida based golf simulator franchise is expanding. Coming as early as this Summer, South Philly will be home for the newest Birdie Club opening. This is a huge addition to the neighborhood for golf fans and their friends and family who are forced to tag along. There is a silver lining if you're in the latter half of that group. The Philly location will include a restaurant/dining area dubbed "The Turn" and will serve food and alcohol. There's truly something for everyone!

Prices for golf, food, and drinks is to be determined. I spoke with owner/operator Brad Ricciardi and he noted that golf prices will be similar to their Tampa location. Non-peak hours (10am-3pm) is $35/hour and Peak hours (3pm-10pm) is $50/hour. More to come on F&B prices when we get closer to opening.

I'm very bullish on local experiences like this. Simulators are weather proof, allow everyone to play once-in-a-lifetime courses, and the new addition will offer up good food and drinks with better company.

We asked and you answered. Read on for an inside look at one Philadelphian's relationship with money.

Guests cordially waiting in line for The Dandelion's fish & chips (2025)

One of the Spring's hallmark events, the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, is this Saturday, May 2, from noon to 5pm, rain or shine. The spirit of the event is "accessible luxury" and it serves to bridge the community with all the upscale experiences that the businesses of Rittenhouse Row offer.

I reached out to a handful of vendors and to get a sense of what will be on the menu this year. Below are some items I'm checking out in no particular order.

• Wilder: $13 Calabrian Swordfish Salad Sandwich · $15 Rigatoni, Mozzarella & Tomato Pasta Salad · $10 Hibiscus Tequila Mule Cocktail
• The Juice Pod: $15 Mint Chip Smoothie · $14 Caprese Toast
• Barclay Prime: $12 Caviar Bump · $10 Champagne Jell-O Shots

For more details on the festival and more information about Rittenhouse Row non-profit putting on the event, click here.

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