The Dunkin’ Donuts Controversy In New Hope

In what will surely be heart-wrenchingly detailed in an upcoming issue of BUCKS (or, maybe, even Philadelphia), New Hope recently paved the way for a Dunkin’ Donuts in town.

Much like a Starbucks in Northern Liberties — or, even a Rita’s Water Ice in Northern Liberties — a Dunkin’ Donuts in New Hope brought fear, anger, the urge to complain.

“You’re going to be driving across the bridge and the first thing you’re going to see is going to be a Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Herb Millman, who owns a neighboring antique shop. “That is going to change the flavor of New Hope.”

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Coffee Shop To Spread Like Virus

If there’s one thing this town is lacking in, it’s certainly chain coffee shops. There just simply aren’t enough Starbucks here! Why aren’t there more Bucks County Coffees? Just last week, protesters were in the streets, demanding someone do something about it.

You can quiet down. More chains are coming! Local entrepreneur Joe Grasso has purchased the Saxby’s Coffee chain, moved its headquarters to the Curtis Building and says he’s in position to become the #2 coffee retailer behind Starbucks.

A Saxby’s will open next week in Wayne, and there will be close to 60 in the Philadelphia-area by the first quarter of next year, according to Grasso: “We’re growing at a pace of one a week. That should increase over the next five to six months.”

Pretty soon, we’ll have a chicken in every pot and a chain coffee store on every corner.

New Coffee Shop Chain Calls Center City Home [KYW 1060]

TLA Renamed Fillmore Philadelphia

Starting April 27, the Theater of Living Arts is no more. Instead, it’s Fillmore Philadelphia, the newest in a soon-to-be House of Blues-ish chain of Fillmore theaters across the country. (Irving Plaza in New York will be renamed Fillmore New York. Live Nation owns both venues.)

And who’s the opening band at the new Fillmore? Why, it’s Todd Rundgren, of course!

The new chain will take a few good feature from the original Fillmore, i.e. a free basket of apples at the front door of every show. (Healthy living! No trans fans!) But, uh, to me, this sounds a little TGI Friday’s:

On top of the significant renovations that the venue underwent last year, hardwood floors are being installed, the walls will be painted a deep red hue and three large chandeliers will shine light on vintage posters, pictures and newspaper articles recounting legendary live music performances.

Aw, pretty soon we’ll have our very own little triangle of corporate rock right in Center City: Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues and Fillmore Philadelphia. But, ah, hardwood floors you say?

TLA renamed Fillmore Philadelphia [phillyBurbs.com]
Todd Rundgren to Play Inaugural Concert at Newly Re-Named Fillmore Philadelphia [PRNewswire]