Community Life
Chad Dravk skated through Kensington in the 1980s. Now he's building the scene he never had.
At Zembo Temple of Skate and Design on Frankford Avenue, Dravk is building a Philadelphia skate scene that welcomes everyone.
Small Business
News about small businesses in Kensington, Philadelphia — from bodegas and restaurants to shops along Kensington Avenue. Local owners share what it takes to run a business here.
Community Life
A year after John Czerw’s death, Czerw’s Kielbasa in Port Richmond carries on
After third-generation co-owner John Czerw died in June 2025, his family and longtime customers are still finding ways to hold on at the Port Richmond smokehouse he ran for nearly 50 years.
Community Life
Community Life
For 18 years, Fireball Printing has given Kensington artists “a place to make their ideas physical”
Most commercial print shops run on toner. Fireball Printing runs on inkjet, and its customers say they can feel the difference.
Community Life
Kensington's Resource Exchange gives Philly's theater paint, props and scenery a second act
A creative reuse center on North American Street near Berks Street, the store sells donated art and building materials at a discount.
Small Business
Cantina La Martina brings tamales and tradition to Kensington for fourth annual La Tamalada
Tables of tamales, family recipes and new twists filled The Lighthouse as residents and visitors came together for a fourth year of tradition and community.
Small Business
Philly launches $600K emergency grants to aid small grocers hit by SNAP shutdown
Applications are open through Dec. 31 on the Merchants Fund website. Priority will go to small, locally owned retailers operating in low-income neighborhoods.
Small Business
Philly’s only 2025 gift guide with spiritual consults, PPA evasion and a Kensington Jason Kelce tee
This year’s holiday gift guide highlights creative, hyperlocal gifts that support Kensington’s artists, makers, and small businesses.
Small Business
Thunderbird LLC embraces community through second-hand items and events
What began as a small salvage business in 2016 has grown into a community cornerstone. George Mathes’ Thunderbird LLC now unites Kensington through vintage treasures and local events.
Arts & Culture
Emerald Street farm crew to bring alien invasion to the Kensington Derby Saturday
The Emerald Street Community Farm will race in the Kensington Derby and Arts Festival on Saturday October 25th.
Small Business
For Philadelphia Latine Business owners, passing down culture and business intertwine
Today there are nearly 12,000 Latine-owned businesses in the city, but it wasn’t always like this. Success now is the result of generations of hard work.
Small Business
Kensington native uses Waxery to uplift her neighborhood one candle at a time
Crystal Ortiz, owner of candle-making shop Waxery, opened her business as a way to give back to her community and make a space for residents to have fun not too far from home.
Small Business
On Kensington Avenue, The Medicine Shoppe offers more than quick pick-ups
The Medicine Shoppe on Kensington Avenue remains one of the few remaining places in the community to offer quality hospice partnership and medical care.
Arts & Culture
Harrowgate area to see art, improvements as part of citywide celebration for America’s 250th birthday
The Harrowgate area will see increased funding as part of the City of Philadelphia's celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Small Business
Neighborhood staple Martin's Deli serves up sandwiches and a little support
At Martin's Deli, staff maintains the community feel established by family owners who came before.
Small Business
From cheesesteak dumplings to Thai chili bowls, Lee’s Dumplings and Stuff puts a twist on tradition
At Lee’s Dumplings and Stuff, chef Gally Lee offers fresh, original dishes rooted in his immigrant upbringing and commitment to accessibility.
Small Business
‘Not bold enough’: Kensington muralist uses Vizion Art Gallery as home base for building community, reducing stigma
Vizion Gallery on Kensington Avenue offers artists a place to practice, vend and find community.
Accountability
Some Kensington business workers say overnight curfew has been a financial hit, as council votes to expand
An ordinance that expands a business curfew currently in effect in a section of Kensington will be enforced in much of North Philadelphia and more of Kensington in 60 days.
Accountability
How Philadelphia’s new overnight curfew ordinance could change how people do business
A new overnight curfew ordinance could take effect on September 11. It would expand a similar curfew enacted in Kensington in March 2024.
Small Business
Lua Vietnamese opens on Kensington Ave., introducing old traditions in a brand new space
Lua Vietnamese Restaurant is a new addition to Kensington Avenue. Owner Jasmine Phan spent years delivering homemade meals before launching her first physical space.
Small Business
In Kensington, Botanica San Expedito offers candles, counsel and compassion
Longtime Kensington resident Ligia Rodriguez runs San Expedito Botánica — a neighborhood shop offering spiritual healing, warm meals and community care.
Small Business
Kensington native blends business models to bring fresh food to neighbors at Ava's Farm
Born and raised in Kensington, Austin Wright launched Ava’s Farm — a local produce market and nonprofit that offers free meals and youth programs to residents.
Kids in Kensington
Norris Square Resource List: Where to find jobs, health, housing support
The Norris Square Neighborhood Profile, released in July, explored rising housing costs and other shifts in the neighborhood. This resource list points residents to support.
Clean Streets
Trash piles, dumpster overflow worsens in Kensington amid sanitation strike as residents back union
In Kensington, a neighborhood already grappling with public health challenges related to the decades-old open-air drug market and opioid crisis, residents say the AFSCME District Council 33 strike exposes longstanding problems including illegal dumping, homelessness and a lack of city support.
Accountability
Mobile units banned from most of 7th District after testimony from Kensington kids: “They shouldn’t be rotting in the streets”
Students from Gloria Casarez Elementary School in Kensington lined up to testify in support of the legislation, carrying handmade signs that read: “No needles,” “Don’t sell drugs,” “I just want to be a kid,” “We want to be able to play outside,” and “I want to feel safe.”