New Food Businesses, Sports Hub, Houseplant Store Opening Locally

Philadelphia's culinary, sports, and entertainment scene continues to thrive with new business additions. Discover the following businesses that offer something new to experience in the Philly region.

A & A Soft Pretzels, a family-run business with locations in Camden and Oaklyn, New Jersey, produces traditional and themed pretzels, including gluten-free options. Specialty items include cheesesteak-stuffed pretzels, pepperoni and cheese pretzolis, and breakfast sandwiches.

A new sports and entertainment venue, Ballers in Fishtown, offers various activities like pickleball, golf simulators, squash, and turf fields. The venue, operated by David Gutstadt and Amanda Potter, also features an all-day cafe, full-service restaurant, and sports bar. Membership options are available to the public.

BTW, It's Vegan is a grab-and-go comfort foods outlet at the 30th Street Station operated by Shon "Chef Sunflower" Emanuel. Here, customers can find vegan turkey hoagies along with char-seared bacon cheeseburgers and sausage, egg, and breakfast sandwiches on select days.

Corio, a new Italian restaurant at 3675 Market St. in University City, is founded by alumni of Vernick Food and Drink: David Feola, James Smith, and Ryan Mulholland. Corio offers chef-inspired dishes such as peach pizza, along with curated wine and cocktail selections.

Foliage, at 8139 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill, operated by Yolanda Palmer, is a shop selling a wide range of plants. It also provides plant care education, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of greenery while supporting local artisans with a collection of paintings, pottery, and jewelry for sale in the shop.