By Thomas Dougherty and Caitlin Burns
In times of economic troubles, it seems counter intuitive to start a business, but that is exactly what Kenneth and Dee Foreman did. “Times are hard and we need extra money to help supplement our income,” explains Dee.
Business is at the top of Dee’s mind these days both in practical terms and theoretical. “I am finishing my degree in business management and I figured why not put my knowledge to work,” says Dee.
The Foremans’ business plan is an unusual one. Starting a restaurant is a difficult undertaking, even for a seasoned entrepreneur, but the Foremans believe their idea has legs. The Bus At The Hut is a Jamaican and soul food restaurant run out of …
By Jessica Lynn Argondizza, Kyle Bagenstose and Darla Synnestvedt
Tucked into a small nook between Maplewood and Chelten avenues is the outdoor Maplewood Mall. Red brick and grey cobblestones line the historic street where carriages and horses would be more at home than cars and trucks. Signs decorated in quaint pictures and elaborate script hang from the exterior of Victorian and colonial style homes turned store front. While this small provincial street would seem more appropriate to Old City, it is Germantown that lays claim to this hidden treasure.
According to Jim Bear, owner of Gtownradio.com, which is based in Maplewood Mall, the block used to be residential, though was converted into a business area around 40 years ago. “The state is in now is the state I’ve seen it in for …
By Jessica Lynn Argondizza, Kyle Bagenstose and Darla Synnestvedt
When it comes to eating, many neighborhoods of Philadelphia are ruled by fast food culture, with McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC lined up along the major thoroughfares. In Germantown, however, one simply needs to know where to look in order to escape the almighty burger and find a taste of something different.
“Ackee and salt fish, salt fish and butterbean, callaloo white rice, stir fried chicken, rice and peas… yup, they have a bit of everything,” says Christopher Thompson, a customer with a thick Jamaican accent at K & J Caribbean American Diner.
The tiny Caribbean restaurant, located at 5603 Greene St., is a far cry from fast food, with the smells of island cooking heavy on the hot, humid air outside. An extensive menu is taped inside …
By Nicole Saylor and Samantha Richcrick
Preserving a culture can be a challenge in a nation that was built on a melting pot philosophy. Throughout the country’s history, families have immigrated to the United States, slowly losing their cultural identity throughout the generations. But the Polish community always finds a way to keep kielbasa, babki, folk dances and an appreciation for Frédéric Chopin close to its heart. The Polish community in Port Richmond is one of the greatest places to witness this cultural preservation firsthand.
Port Richmond is a neighborhood that was built on Polish immigration. Many residents are of third-generation, second-generation and even first-generation Polish decent and they are proud to be so. “It’s really an immigrant city here,” says Regina Gorzkowska-Rossi, founder and president of Pro Arte Associates. “It is very precious and we would like to preserve it,” she says.
Starting in the early 20th century, Polish families immigrated to …
