My South Street Story
The South Street Headhouse District is home to more than 400 businesses, many of which are small, independent shops run by some amazing men and women. In March, most of these businesses were forced to close their doors due to the pandemic. We want to show our city just how amazing these business owners are so we teamed up with Andrea Cipriani to take socially distant photos of some of our business owners and decided to share a little piece of their South Street Story. Check back every Thursday for the next 6 weeks to learn about a new group of businesses. Some have been here for more than 100 years while others only recently opened their doors. No matter how long they’ve been in the district, one thing is certain: every business has a story to tell and we can’t wait to share them with you!
Sam, Owner, Cajun Heros
228 South Street
My South Street Story
It all started when two friends met at the University of New Orleans in the late 1990s. I’m from Philadelphia and my new best friend was a New Orleans native. We both shared the same passion for food, dining, and great times! Cajun Heroes’ flavors are inspired by the Captain Bill Seafood Market in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. I chose to put my New Orleans inspired restaurant in the heart of South Street simple because I loved the neighborhood.
Fun Fact
I love superheroes!
Lois M. Arnold, Owner, Hairs 2 U Wig Bank
760 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
In 1987, my aunt Vita Holmes went through chemotherapy. At that time, they did not tell us that she would lose her hair. As a cosmetologist and her hairstylist, I had the task of creating a wig for her. That’s how I got into wig making. In 2010, I retired from my salon and opened up Hairs 2 U Wig Bank.
Did you know?
I opened my first hair salon in 1984 at 767 S. 4th Street. After 26 years, I came full circle and opened up my current shop at 760 S. 4th Street.
Nguyen Ta, Owner, The Barber’s Den
115 South Street
My South Street Story
When I was in college, I received some very bad advice from an advisor that pretty much made me give up on continuing my education. After that, I had a talk with my brother-in-law and he told me how much he liked cutting hair. I gave it a shot to see if I could learn how to do it. I did and it quickly became my passion! Before I opened my shop, I ate at a few restaurants in the area and thought to myself that this would be the perfect location for my business. The people seemed very nice and so far I’ve been right
Warm and Fuzzies
I love kids! I believe every child deserves to be happy.
Bopa, Store Manager, Beadworks
619 E Passyunk Avenue
My South Street Story
Beadworks began in 1983 as a mail-order business then evolved into a full-service bead store with jewelry making classes, designer consultations, and in-store shopping. We’ve been in the South Street Headhouse District since 1992 because we feel like this area is the best representation of the creative and artistic community in Philly!
Did you know?
We have two locations. One in Philly and one in Norwalk, CT.
Larnell Baldwin, Owner, Baldwin Fine Custom Tailoring
751 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
I started learning the trade of tailoring in high school. After a few years of teaching sewing classes, I decided to open my own business in fine tailoring originally called 'Sartorial'. Eventually, I moved down to Fabric Row in order to attract more clients which led me into the leather and fabric industries. Today, I have two storefronts on 4th Street where I sell fabric, offer tailoring services, and teach sewing classes.
Back in the day
When I was in high school, I was very interested in Fine Arts. That was actually my first career choice until I got into tailoring
Richard Chodak, Owner, Bluebond Guitars
511 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
I was in my mid-twenties and loved building and repairing guitars. In 1993 I started working for Dale Bluebond. He had a repair shop at 617 S. 4th Street. Dale and I grew up together in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He was a master luthier (someone who builds and repairs string instruments) and I apprenticed under him for a year. In August of 1994, Dale was suddenly killed in a car accident. I spoke to his parents about continuing on with the shop. I didn't have any money, but they began renting the building to me and gave their blessings to keep the Bluebond name going. I am proud to say that over the ups and downs of the last 25 years, Bluebond Guitars is still an important part of the Philadelphia music scene.
Did you know?
In the early 1990s, Bluebond Guitars was a popular hangout for musicians!
Kerryann and Dwayne, Owners, La Elite Couture Boutique (Dwayne pictured)
838 South Street
My South Street Story
Back in 2009 Kerryann went to the doctor for a simple check-up and was prescribed a medication that caused her to gain a lot of weight. Her self esteem was extremely low and she was tired of not being able to find clothes that would fit her. After doing some research, we found brands that would make women of all shapes and sizes feel good and look beautiful! Our mission is to make sure everyone that comes in our boutique leaves feeling beautiful and confident. Our first location was in the Abington area but most of our customers were coming from the city. We decided to leave and chose a location on South Street!
Words of wisdom
I live my life on purpose and strive to always see the good in others regardless of their personal situation.
Roz Bratt, Owner, Homemade Goodies by Roz
510 S. 5th Street
My South Street Story
I was a bank teller and two of my customers were opening a small restaurant. In the window, there was a sign that said homemade and Drakes cakes on the counter so I asked them if they wanted a homemade cake made by me. They asked if I made Jewish Apple Cake and of course I said yes! I dropped the cake off at 8 a.m. and an hour later they called to tell me the cake was almost gone. After that, the rest is history.
Did you know?
Roz has been in business for 23 years!
Francesca Rivetti, Owner, Follicle Studio
741 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
I have always been passionate about hair and opening a business was always in the cards. Follicle just celebrated 15 years in business and eight of those years have been on Fabric Row! The lease on my shop in another neighborhood was up for renewal and then the crash of 2008 hit. I saw the corner space at 4th and Fitzwater and I knew that was my next salon. I love the community of Fabric Row and the South Street District.
Did you know?
Francesca has been recognized nationally and internationally for her artistry!
Pete Leontaras, Owner, Xochitl Restaurant
408 S. 2nd Street
My South Street Story
My parents immigrated to the United States back in the 1970s and just like most immigrants, they were in the food business. My father ended up opening a restaurant in Philadelphia when I was a little boy so naturally, I grew up around the business. When I got a little older I started to work at the restaurant. I did venture off into a different business for a period of time, but my passion for the restaurant industry drew me back in. That’s when I decided to open Xochitl in the beautiful, historic Society Hill section of the South Street Headhouse District.
Did you know?
Xochitl is an award-winning restaurant and has been recognized for having the best margaritas, guacamole and more!
Jackie and John Solakov, Owners, barKadelphia (Pictured with baby Ev)
614 S. 3rd Street
My South Street Story
After nearly two years of business planning and finally getting up the courage to leave corporate America, it was time to open our doors to the Queen Village neighborhood. We anticipated opening January 2013 but received an interesting call from a couple who would become our first ever clients turned lifelong friends. They had recently adopted a pup with debilitating separation anxiety and needed a safe place for their dog to socialize while they went to work. We heard the desperation in their voices so we worked day and night to expedite our grand opening. On the weekends when barKadelphia was closed, we networked at dog parks while our pups played. We were so excited to let the community know we were open for business and made a pack from day one to never pay to advertise our services. This still remains the case today, 7.5 years later. The charm of Queen Village speaks for itself! When we began to look for space to open our doggie daycare, we knew we needed to become a part of the Headhouse District. The people are warm and the pets are plentiful. Simply put, we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Did you know?
Jackie is actually allergic to dogs!
Stephen Massimini Jr., Owner, MASS F.I.T.
401 S. 2nd Street
My South Street Story
I was running just about every gym in Philadelphia. The last gym I managed was a nightmare but they had some of the best trainers I’d ever seen. I told myself if I could turn this place around I would quit and open up my own gym. That’s exactly what I did! I suffered from several series injuries including multiple herniated discs and shoulder, hip and knee tears. I was in pain every single day. I tried everything but nothing worked so I decided to approach lifting weights the same way we approach modern medicine ---- by lifting in small “doses”. This is the same concept I apply at MASS F.I.T. I ended up in the South Street Headhouse District because I love the community!
Sara McCorriston, Owner, Paradigm Gallery + Studio
746 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
We opened in February 2010. The gallery began as a project between me and Jason Chen as a space to create artwork, to exhibit the work of our peers, and to invite the members of the community to create and collect in a welcoming gallery setting. We moved the business to the South Street Headhouse District in 2012. I already lived in the area and wanted the business in this amazing neighborhood full of small businesses. We’ve been in business for 10 years!
Did you know?
Sarah and her business partner Jason used to work on photoshoots together in college. They were originally just looking for a studio space together after graduating, but found a studio that was also a storefront. Before they knew it, they had a gallery!
Robert Perry, Owner, Tattooed Mom
530 South Street
My South Street Story
Working as an art director for a book publishing company, I did graphic design for Silk City in the 90's where I met Mom. She brought me along for the ride when they opened Sugar Mom's and we teamed up to bring Tattooed Mom to South Street. Now it's just me and my incredible TMoms crew. We celebrated 23 years of love and good times on South Street this April. As a resident of the neighborhood and someone who had a history with the creative community that calls South Street home, I couldn't imagine TMoms anywhere else. We're so proud to be a home where so many creative folks - street artists, filmmakers, writers, fashion designers, photographers, activists - meet and exchange ideas.
Did you know?
Robert’s very first job when he moved to Philly was at the world famous Zipperhead on South Street!
George Reilly, Owner, The Twisted Tail
509 S. 2nd Street
My South Street Story
I got into this business through bartending. Bartending was the first job I ever had. As an actor (during that part of my life) a restaurant gig was an essential, flexible money maker so I never really left the business. I moved to the South Street area and found a great spot! We love it down here!
Did you know?
The Twisted Tail is inspired by the social dynamic of English Pubs, but tailored to the American audience by incorporating an Americana theme.
Michael & Marlene Clark, Owners, Reef Restaurant & Lounge
605 S. 3rd Street
My South Street Story
I grew up seeing my father operating multiple businesses including bars, supermarkets, rental properties and a taxi cab service. I always knew I wanted to be just like him — determining my own financial destiny. At an early age, I was presented with the opportunity to open a restaurant in Camden, NJ. In 1988, we opened a restaurant which we named after our daughter, Nastassja’s Caribbean Restaurant. Our current location on South 3rd Street was initially purchased as an investment property. When we did not receive rent from our tenant we decided to operate it ourselves!
Spoonie, Owner, O’Neals Pub
611 S. 3rd Street
My South Street Story
I started working as a doorman on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1996. As I looked around the packed pub that day, I knew that the pub would be my new home! I have been in the bar business all my life and learned a lot throughout my career especially during my 10 year tenure with TGI Fridays. I even worked as a flair bartender while I was there! This year, O'Neals Pub is celebrating 40 years as South Street’s longest running family owned and operated Irish Pub.
Did you know?
Spoonie and his wife work with many charitable organizations including, the Philly Kicking Cancer Foundation and Street Tails Animal Rescue.
Shawnah Lester, Owner, HairStory la Femme
766 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
I’ve been successfully changing “hair stories” since 2015. I opened HairStory la Femme for women who wanted to be taken care of with love and who valued attention to detail and consistency. I started because I love to make women feel beautiful inside and out no matter where they are in their hair journey. I started doing hair 10 years before I opened my own salon. I believe that my passion for what I do is unmatched. I’ve been in love with the South Street neighborhood since I was in highschool and that’s why I chose this location for my business.
Results driven!
HairStory la Femme uses special treatments and strategies to help customers grow longer, healthier hair.
Hakim Hopkins, Owner, Black & Nobel
411 South Street
My South Street Story
I got my start selling books as a street vendor. I used to set up shop in front of a building in North Philadelphia and in 2005 I had the opportunity to start renting space in the building I would sell in front of everyday. I continued to sell the things I’ve always sold like books, DVDs, health and wellness items, and more. We quickly became a sanctuary for our community. We eventually moved the business to South Street. I love the South Street Headhouse District because it’s the home of the artistic community here in the city. I built this business from the ground up with one box of books and a table!
What’s next?
Black & Nobel just recently launched the EssentialBox, the first ever plant based vending machin
Brian Calhoun, Owner, Haagen-Dazs South Street
242 South Street
My South Street Story
I started working at Haagen-Dazs when I was 15 years old so I could save up for my prom. My dream job was to work at an ice cream shop inside of a mall so I could hang out and meet cute girls. I got so busy working at Haagen-Dazs I had very little time or energy to hang out! I attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with my degree in Sports Medicine. Shortly after, I realized that I did not want to work for anyone else. I decided to go back to manage that Haagen-Dazs location, making a lot less money but with much more freedom. In 2000, I became the youngest Haagen-Dazs Franchise owner in the world at the age of 23!
Did you know?
Brian got his first job at 5 years old working in a water ice stand in Manayunk. His pay was $5 for the shift and all the water ice he could carry home.
Monica Monique, Owner, Oxymoron Fashion House
750 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
I earned my bachelor's degree in fashion design and had a background working as a retail manager. My goal was to find a creative way to combine these two things together to create a unique experience for my clients. I chose the South Street Headhouse District because of how diverse and artistic the neighborhood is. I wanted to be surrounded by that art, joy and diversity. Oxymoron is a word used to describe two contradictory terms that appear in conjunction. I chose this name for my business because I believe that people can have two sides to them: the pessimistic optimist, the social introvert or the popular nerd. I wanted to create clothing to fit both sides of whoever you are!
Giancarlo Regni, Owner, G-Strength
616 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
Because I was an undersized athlete in high school, I became obsessed with optimizing my performance in the gym to gain a competitive advantage. During my senior year at Penn Charter Highschool, they hired a strength coach. I couldn’t believe that this was a real job! I found exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. At 23, I quit my job working at a gym and started G-Strength. I started training neighbors in my mom’s development in Collegeville. I saved every penny I made so I could purchase some equipment. Next thing you know, I was training more than 30 clients! After a year and a half, I was able to upgrade to the gym you see now on 4th Street. We opened in March of 2018 and now have more than 100 members.
Did you know?
Before opening his gym, Giancarlo would train clients in his tiny one bedroom apartment. He trained them in what should’ve been his bedroom.
Jacque’ Scott (Sci-Fi), Owner, Another Planet Barber Shop
808 South Street
My South Street Story
From tragedy to triumph is the storyline of Another Planet. Being a key player in the WNBA was a lifelong dream until 2013, when I received the news that I was ineligible to play for Temple University. While going through a temporary depression, I knew that these hands were blessed and I was going to use them to create art either way, hence the deep dive into my barber services began, even though I started cutting hair at 17 years old.
Did you know?
Jacqué got the name Sci-Fi following her accident. She suffered irreversible damage that left her with fourth cranial nerve palsy causing double vision on head tilts. The doctors said it was a miracle that she was alive!
Christopher Mazeika, Owner, Vinyl Altar
743 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
I have always had a strong love of music. After trying other things including teaching art in the Philadelphia Public School system, I decided to find a new career path. With the help of my partner Ann Lamon, we decided to open a music boutique specializing in Heavy Metal and its related genres on vinyl. We also sell music on other formats such as CD and cassette tape, as well as other collectible music memorabilia. I was born and raised in South Philly but have lived in various cities and states. When we decided to open a business I wanted to pay homage to my musical roots, so opening in the South Street area only seemed logical. My maternal great grandfather, Simon Mazeika, owned a tailor shop on Fabric Row in the 1920-30’s. I feel like the area has been calling me since I was born. I’m a very proud Philadelphian and through Vinyl Altar, I continue to share that pride in a positive way, both with those in the community and to all who make a pilgrimage to our place of musical worship.
Kathy Johnson, Store Manager, Ac'cent on ANIMALS
804 South Street
My South Street Story
Ac’cent on Animals is a family business owned by Rod Vahle. The company has been in continuous operation in Philadelphia since 1866, starting as Vahle's Pet Shop on South Street then moving to Market Street around 1890. It was there until 1972 when it was transformed into Ac'cent on ANIMALS which focuses on pet foods and supplies. We re-emerged on South Street in 1985 and love the vibrant commercial district!
Zach Morris, Owner, Bloomsday
414 S. 2nd Street
My South Street Story
I sold wine for a few years back in the mid 2000s and I was terrible at it! I found my niche when I moved to teaching full time at a wine school. I really loved it and still do. My introduction to hospitality was when I opened a coffee shop out in Haverford called Green Engine but I always dreamt of opening up a wine bar and shop. Once the law changed in 2016 and retail was allowed to obtain liquor licensees, I began looking for a spot in Philadelphia. The Headhouse district just felt right! I love the farmers markets and I like that we’re sort of perched at the intersection of a bunch of neighborhoods with visitors from near and far. Also, my wife and I are raising our two kids here so we loved the idea of creating a business where adults and kids felt welcome and relaxed. Though I’m not teaching at the wine school anymore, Bloomsday gives me an opportunity to talk about wine every single day!
Did you know?
Before opening up two restaurants, Zach owned a start-up that designed and built stormwater management systems including green roofs.
Doug Hager, Owner, Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South Street
My South Street Story
I lived in Germany from 2004-2006. When I returned to Philadelphia, the last German restaurant in the city was closing and I saw an opportunity to bring a much needed German establishment to a city with such a rich German history. I left a career in engineering to go into the restaurant business and never looked back! Brauhaus is modeled after the bier houses I worked at in Köln, Germany. Over the years, we’ve brought the flavors and festivals of the Vaterland to Philly. I searched the city for a location for over a year but nothing had that old world feel I was looking for. When I finally found 718 South Street I knew right away it was the building for this concept. We were able to purchase it and complete the necessary renovations! I guess in a way you can say that South Street picked me, not the other way around.
Did you know?
Brauhaus Schmitz boasts the world’s largest German beer selection with 34 imported drafts and many more in bottles.
Daryll Jones, Owner, Atomic City Comics
638 South Street
My South Street Story
I applied for a job at Atomic City Comics in the early 90s and worked primarily selling Games Workshop miniatures and games. Their most well known product is the Warhammer 40,000 which has increased in popularity since the 1990s. We have been on South Street continuously since the late 80s under several different names and owners. I became the owner in 2001.
Dan Matherson, Owner, Repo Records
506 South Street
My South Street Story
I got into this business in 1986 selling new wave, punk and other underground artists when there weren’t any places paying much attention to those genres. I got the name from the 1984 film, “Repo Man”. I opened the first Repo Records in Wayne, PA located about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. I eventually moved to South Street and we’ve been down here for more than 20 years!
Did you know?
I have some psychic abilities!
Lindsay Steigerwald & Jesse Pryor, Owners, Neighborhood Ramen
617 S. 3rd Street
My South Street Story
We love ramen and started by making ramen at home, but the yield of soup was too much for just the two of us to eat so we started having friends over and serving them 3-5 course meals with ramen as the main course. We called these gatherings "Neighborhood Ramen Socials." We made an Instagram for it and it blew up. People wanted to come to our "restaurant" that wasn't a restaurant, just a really hot, tiny apartment in West Philly. We then had opportunities to do pop-ups at Res Ipsa Cafe, Amis and then eventually Garage Fishtown where we really took off and made the decision to start working towards a brick and mortar ramen shop. Before opening, we traveled through Japan for a month trying all different styles of regional ramen and visiting many famous ramen chefs' shops. When we opened our brick and mortar location in January 2019 we kept the name and called our shop Neighborhood Ramen, because that's really what we want to be, your neighborhood ramen shop where you can come slurp down a soul warming bowl of noodles. One of my best friends was a barista at Ox Coffee so we would go visit him after long days of real estate hunting and we would sit in Ox's window and joke about opening in the vacant space across the street. We knew it was the perfect home for Neighborhood Ramen. We love the Queen Village neighborhood and are so happy to be part of its most recent restaurant boom!
Did you know?
Lindsay is half Japanese and her dad's uncle was a third baseman for the Tokyo Giants in the 70's.
Elena Brennan, Owner, Bus Stop Boutique
727 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
I was born in London but I now call Philadelphia my home. In 2007, I left corporate America (the world of advertising, marketing & PR) to become an entrepreneur. That is when BUS STOP Boutique was born. In 2015, I started designing shoes and launched my very first BUS STOP X Shoe Collection. This line is available exclusively on my website and in my boutique, as well as shoes from designers from all over the world. I've lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years, and I love my local community, so it only made sense to open my business here. Eventually, I became a board member for the South Street Headhouse District and I'm now the active chair.
Did you know?
Elena’s parents are Greek from the island of Cyprus. Even though she has a British accent, Greek was her first language!
Joe Scott, Owner, Digital Underground
732 S 4th Street
My South Street Story
As an employee, I purchased the assets of Digital Underground from the previous owner and reverted the business name back to what it was when it initially opened in 1994. I have been working here as an owner or employee for around 20 years selling alternative music CDs, vinyl, DVDs, magazines, shirts, and more. The store has always been in the South Street Headhouse District! We started off on South 5th Street and moved to our current location in 2008.
Interesting fact
Joe owns a decent collection of books on insectivorous (carnivorous) plants!
Jenea Robinson, Owner, Marsh + Mane
529 S. 4th Street
My South Street Story
After I graduated college, I was offered a job at a public relations firm here in Philadelphia. I thought I would be here for a year but I’m still here 13 years later! I love PR but I’ve always had a passion for whipping up my own hair and skin products. One Christmas, I decided that I would make some body butter for my co-workers. I could only order supplies in bulk so after I distributed my gifts I had a bunch of body butter left over. Friends started to ask for some and then some of my co-workers ordered more. Next thing you know I had a product line! During that time I had a horrible experience at a neighborhood beauty supply store. After that, I knew I wanted to combine my love for my community with my passion for hair products to create a unique beauty retail experience for black women and people with textured hair. I had the hardest time finding a location for Marsh + Mane. One day, I was on my way to visit Shannon from YOWIE down the street and I walked by the Foremost building. I made a phone call and the rest is history. I’m so happy that I chose the South Street Headhouse District for my first location. I love the diverse mix of businesses and people. When other neighborhoods rejected my business concept, South Street welcomed me with open arms!
Walter Aragonez, Owner, Malbec Argentine Steakhouse
400 S. 2nd Street
My South Street Story
My friend Daniel and I always dreamt of opening an Argentinian restaurant in Philadelphia. We wanted to introduce Philadelphians to our rich culture and share our history with one of the largest producers of wine. Society Hill is such a beautiful neighborhood that has a lot of history and beautiful people. We’re so happy to have our business here!
Did you know?
The name Malbec honors one of the most popular grapes grown in Argentina.
