Chocolate Factory Community Hub opens

The Chocolate Factory Community Hub at 2201 Margaret St. opened on Sept. 17 after a roughly two-year adaptive reuse project on the 124-year-old building in East Frankford.

“A 124-year old building in East Frankford where Sno-Caps and Raisinets were invented has been transformed into a sprawling center for social service, childcare and healthcare nonprofits.”

Adaptive reuse project details

The project by architect ISA, Concilio leased 46,000 square feet in August 2024 with tenants including Madden School childcare center, Gateway Community Action Partnership and BAYADA Home Health Care.

“This building asked us to work with what was already there, the light, the structure, the memory of the place”

Historic significance

The building was originally built in 1922 for Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Company, sold to Nestlé in 1984, and closed that year with the site added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.

“The Blumenthal Chocolate Factory adaptive reuse project is a model factory-to-commercial conversion project”

Restoration efforts

ISA restored terracotta detailing, original signage, steel-frame windows, masonry, brick walls and an 80-foot water tower.

“The Blumenthal Chocolate Factory adaptive reuse project is a model factory-to-commercial conversion project”

Panco restaurant opens

Panco, a Japanese cutlet restaurant, kicked off its soft opening on Sept. 24 with a grand opening date to be announced soon.

“Panco is about spreading positive energy through culinary experiences to the world”

Ravello opens

Ravello, an Italian BYOB restaurant, will open soon at 738 S. 11th St. in Bella Vista, the former home of the Lodge by Two Robbers.

“We're growing. A new second location is officially part of our journey”

Manzanita opens

Manzanita, a vintage clothing boutique, opens Saturday, Nov. 7 at 711 S. 4th St. in Queen Village.

“We've been bursting at the seams, with excitement, fear, possibility and all the feelings that come with doing something NEW”

Ten7 Brewing closes

Ten7 Brewing in Montgomery County closes its taproom after eight years with no final closure date set.

“Over the years, we have felt an incredible amount of love and support from so many of you”

mother. closes

mother. closes Saturday, Oct. 10, exactly one week after its one-year anniversary.

“Since its beginning, mother. was never about us and what we could gain”

The Fire closes

The Fire, a music venue in the Philadelphia Bar & Grille, closes after 27 years on Girard Avenue.

“Over the years, The Fire has hosted performances by My Chemical Romance, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, Dr. Dog and more”

goodbeet closes

goodbeet closes its flagship location in Haddon Township after 11 years with last day of full kitchen on Oct. 9.

“This isn't a goodbye, goodbeet will be around in some capacity”

Other openings

Recess Film Lab opens Oct. 9 at 9 p.m. at Bok Building, Madis Coffee Roasters opens in Northern Liberties, and Curaleaf opens in Kensington.

“We're growing. A new second location is officially part of our journey”

Other closings

Yellow Bicycle Canteen will reopen in December after closing in Center City, and Cacia Bakery closes in Haddonfield.

“Since its beginning, mother. was never about us and what we could gain”

What happens next

The Chocolate Factory Community Hub continues serving as a center for social services, childcare and healthcare nonprofits in East Frankford.

Why it matters

The adaptive reuse project shows how historic industrial buildings can be repurposed for community needs while businesses open and close in the Philly area.