Ogyu, The Buttery, and other June openings to know | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, the latest on the township’s leaf blower ban.
Hi, Lower Merion! 👋
As we enter the final weeks of spring, the area’s restaurant scene is blooming. Here’s a look at some of the region’s newcomers. Also this week, a winner has prevailed in the Democratic state House primary to replace the retiring Mary Jo Daley, township officials are contemplating clarifications to the leaf blower ban, plus City Ave District is getting funding to revitalize a vacant building.
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A number of new restaurants recently opened locally, adding to an already robust dining scene.
Earlier this week, Ogyu Japanese BBQ debuted at 60 Greenfield Ave. in Ardmore, taking over the former Iron Hill space. It’s the latest restaurant from Sam Li, this one offering a modern Japanese steakhouse experience complete with tabletop cooking.
On Tuesday, 333 Belrose Bar & Grill in Radnor will soft reopen with a fresh new look after a seven-month renovation.
And later this month The Buttery’s new location at the former Kindred Collective space in Bryn Mawr will join the fray. Now slated to host its grand opening June 20, the popular eatery will dish up its signature pastries and beverages, in addition to breakfast and lunch.
The Inquirer’s Michael Klein looks at other area newcomers, including Mel’s Italian, Merrick’s Tavern, and Raffs.
💡 Community News
In case you missed it, Pennsylvania House staffer Megan Griffin-Shelley edged out environmental attorney Jason Landau Goodman in the 148th state House district primary, setting her up to be the likely successor to retiring State Rep. Mary Jo Daley.
The first phase of the township’s gas-powered leaf blower ban went into effect earlier this week, but commissioners are looking to add an amendment specifying certain exemptions for wheeled walk-behind, stand-on, riding, and tow-behind leaf blowers and chemical sprayers. While officials say it only clarifies language, some residents say it’s a major change.
City Ave District has been awarded $1 million from the state to help rehabilitate the long-vacant property at 202 Bala Ave. in Bala Cynwyd. Plans call for three residential units on the second floor and a hospitality concept on the ground level.
Montgomery County unveiled its first-ever housing blueprint last week, with a goal of increasing affordable housing developments throughout the county. Officials now plan to select a consultant to study the county’s housing market and zoning policies.
Residents can now file housing-, employment-, and public accommodations-related discrimination complaints through the county’s human relations commission, after the process launched this week. Commissioners approved its establishment in September.
Main Line developer Brian O’Neill is looking to build five data centers a short distance from the township’s borders in neighboring King of Prussia. Combined, the buildings would span 4.6 million square feet — larger than the King of Prussia Mall or the airport — drawing pushback from residents there. The closest one to Lower Merion would span 1.7 million square feet and be located at 411 Swedeland Rd.
After five decades in business, Past Present Future is winding down business with a sale beginning Monday as owner Sherry Tillman gets ready to retire. Located at 15 W. Lancaster Ave., the Ardmore shop sells an array of home goods, jewelry and accessories, games, and nostalgic items.
In honor of the 98th annual Scripps Spelling Bee last week, The Inquirer’s Sam Morris created a spelling bee with Philly flair. Among the questions with Lower Merion connections? A famous local Seven Sisters college, the town named after William Penn’s physician, plus a community name made up of two Welsh words. Test your spelling skills here.
Bryn Mawr’s former coffeehouse venue The Main Point got a shout out from Bruce Springsteen at his Saturday show at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Boss played at the defunct joint in the 1970s early in his career, something he hasn’t forgotten. “That was a little while ago. So I want to say to you, Philly: Thanks for a lifetime.” The Inquirer’s Dan DeLuca has more from the show.
The township is hosting an “Anything with a Plug” recycling event on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Public Works Complex. There’s a fee to recycle certain items.
🏫 Schools Briefing
There are several orientations in the coming days including for kindergartners at Penn Valley and Merion Elementary Schools today, for first graders at Penn Valley tomorrow, and new second through fourth graders at Penn Valley on Monday. There’s a school board policy committee meeting Monday evening. See the district’s full calendar here.
Not using the school bus for the 2026-27 academic year? The district is asking families to let them know if they’ll be opting out by June 30.
Last week students and staff at Saint Margaret School celebrated the retirement of Dolores Lopresti, who has been teaching at the Narberth institution for 50 years. The educator will officially retire on June 11, but will continue to help on a part-time basis. (Fox 29)
🍽️ On our Plate
The recently opened Just Salad in the Ardmore West shopping center is continuing its grand opening celebration today and tomorrow with $5 meal deals between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
🎳 Things to Do
👟 Community Wellness Fest: There will be fitness workshops, a bounce house, a DJ, and more at this fitness-focused event. ⏰ Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 1 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd
🎶 Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts: North Carolina native and Grammy Award winner Loudon Wainwright III headlines this week’s show. ⏰ Saturday, June 6, 7 p.m. 💵 $25.88, free for kids 12 and under 📍 Bryn Mawr Gazebo
🖼️ Narberth Music and Arts Festival: Hear live music, try street food, browse local artists’ works, and catch the annual Narbark Dog Parade. ⏰ Sunday, June 7, noon 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Downtown Narberth
🥐 Drag Brunch: Maria TopCatt hosts this brunch, which features performances by Buttakup, Cupid Bowe, and Demi Gawdess. ⏰ Sunday, June 7, 1 p.m. 💵 $26.91-$72.45 📍 Ardmore Music Hall
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1957 and designed by renowned Main Line architect Walter K. Durham, this Villanova home blends original architectural details with a modern interior. The French country-style estate features an updated kitchen with a large island, a family room with soaring ceilings, and multiple living spaces. It also has numerous fireplaces, including in the finished basement, where there’s a gym, bar, and wine cellar. The home has five ensuite bedrooms, as well as a pool, spa, and pool house.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $3.85M | Size: 7,951 SF | Acreage: 1.27
🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:
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