Third time’s the charm for this bagel shop | Inquirer Chester County
Plus, what to do this Memorial Day weekend.

Hi, Chester County! 👋
A Phoenixville bagel shop reopened for the third time after facing setbacks earlier this year. Here’s what to know. Also this week, more municipalities are taking steps to get ahead of data center proposals, we’ve got the latest results from yesterday’s primary, plus your perfect weekend itinerary to explore the county.
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It’s been a rough few months for the owners of Street Cart Bagels.
The Phoenixville bagel shop debuted at 240 Nutt Rd. in February before a plumbing issue caused a water backup, forcing them to shutter operations for several days. Not long after, a fire broke out, closing the shop for over two months.
But last week, Street Cart reopened for the third time, once again dishing up its New York-style, malt-boiled bagels.
The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz chatted with David and Kimberly Frey about why they’re “ride or die” for the business.
Not heading to the Shore or the Delaware beaches to mark the unofficial start of summer this weekend? Luckily, there’s plenty to do in your own metaphorical backyard (leave the actual backyard work for another day).
Inquirer contributor Adam Erace planned a Brandywine Valley spring getaway that requires little more than hopping in the car. On the agenda? The Brandywine Museum of Art (“Cropsey, Wyeth, and the American Landscape Tradition” is currently on display) and the nearby walking trails; a visit to Longwood Gardens and its restaurant, 1906; a trip to a vineyard; and a scoop or two of uniquely flavored ice creams.
🏖️ Heading to the Shore? Check out our latest coverage.
📍 Countywide News
Yesterday, Pennsylvania voters cast their ballots in the primary election. See the latest results from the state House and Senate races here and the governor and U.S. House races here.
As data center projects continue to make headlines, a handful of county municipalities are taking steps to more clearly define what is and isn’t allowed, including North Coventry, Tredyffrin, West Bradford, and Uwchlan Townships.
💡 Community News
Two construction workers were killed and two other people were injured in a Monday evening crash on Route 30 in Valley Township that involved several cars and a tractor-trailer.
East Vincent Township will have a conditional use hearing tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at East Vincent Elementary to continue discussions about a proposed data center at the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital site. You can also join via Zoom.
Kennett Square plans to rejoin the Kennett Fire and EMS Regional Commission, which it helped found, under a three-year commitment. Borough council voted unanimously on the move, which now requires approval from the other municipal members.
Uwchlan Township is planning to wind down operations at the aging Eagleview Wastewater Treatment Plant with a goal of moving treatment to the Downingtown Area Regional Authority over the next two years. The board of supervisors is expected to vote on the measure next month, which, if approved, is expected to cut costs significantly. If the board approves it, it will then go to the Department of Environmental Protection for a final OK.
Honey Brook Township is looking for a new manager after Warren Obenski resigned last month from the role he’d held since late 2021 to take the same position in Ferguson Township near State College. Interested applicants have until June 5 to apply.
A stretch of St. Peters Road in Warwick Township reopened Monday, a month ahead of schedule, after crews completed a $6.8 million retaining wall project there.
Sad news for sneakerheads: Downingtown shop Sneaker Den is closing its doors at 3822 W. Lincoln Highway after four decades in business.
East Caln Township’s splash pad at Bell Tavern Park is scheduled to open for the season on Friday. It’ll be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Two open-air-style events return for the season this week. Kennett Square’s Third Thursdays on State Street begin tomorrow and will continue on the third Thursday of each month through October. There will be later shopping hours, activities, and music. And in Phoenixville, PXV Inside Out kicks off Friday and continues on weekends through early October. Two blocks of Bridge Street will be closed to traffic Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
🚧 Roadwork to watch out for
Caln, West Caln, and Valley Townships and Coatesville: A stretch of Route 30 westbound between Airport Road and Kings Highway will have an overnight lane closure from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday.
East Nantmeal Township: Lane closures will continue on Conestoga Road between Brick Lane and Fairview Road through Friday, with work taking place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
East Pikeland Township: Schuylkill Road between Ott’s Lane and Crossover Boulevard will have a lane closure from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday for paving.
East Vincent Township: Starting tomorrow, Bridge Street will be closed between Pennhurst and Schuylkill Roads from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Work is expected to last through next Friday.
North Coventry Township: A monthslong project on Schuylkill Road eastbound will get underway Monday. On weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the road will be closed between Hanover and Keim Streets for utility construction. Work is expected to take until early November.
West Brandywine Township: Pratts Dam Road between Woodbrooke and Overlook Drives will be closed today and tomorrow for storm sewer repairs.
West Chester: There will be no parking on South Church Street from Sharpless Street to West Rosedale Avenue and University Avenue from South High Street to South Church Street on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through next Wednesday for utility work.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Downingtown Middle School seventh grader Yohaan Damani will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., which kicks off next week.
🍽️ On our Plate
Mediterranean fast-casual eatery Cava is getting ready to open at Brandywine Square at 1090 E. Lancaster Ave. in Downingtown and is hosting a community day with free meals tomorrow to kick things off. You can register here.
Locally based hard seltzer, lemonade, and tea brand Not Pizza is teaming up with Common Good, The Lost Cow, and Sly Fox Brewing to throw an outdoor pizza party at the Phoenixville Foundry Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Events
Avon Grove Memorial Parade ⏰ Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m. 📍 Avon Grove Middle School to Avon Grove Veterans Memorial
Marshallton Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony ⏰ Sunday, May 24, 1:30 p.m. 📍 Merchant of Menace to Marshallton United Methodist Church
Downingtown Memorial Day Parade and Services ⏰ Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. 📍 Beaver Creek Elementary School to Kerr Park veterans memorial
Kennett Memorial Day Parade ⏰ Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. 📍 Kennett High School to Union Hill Cemetery
Oxford Memorial Day Remembrance Walk and Ceremony ⏰ Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. 📍 Oxford Memorial Park to Oxford Memorial Cemetery
Malvern’s 158th Annual Memorial Parade ⏰ Sunday, May 31, 1:30 p.m. 📍 Malvern Fire Station to Memorial Park
🎳 Other Things to Do
🎡 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair: The beloved event returns for its nearly two-week run. ⏰ Wednesday, May 20-Sunday, May 31, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 Devon Horse Show grounds
🎵 Chill on the Hill: East Whiteland’s concert series returns with a performance by Phoenixville indie-folk band Tucked In. ⏰ Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Valley Creek Park, Malvern
🍻 Historic Sugartown Pop-Up Biergarten: The site’s first pop-up biergarten of the season will feature music, brews from Locust Lane Craft Brewery, and bites from On the Roll food truck and Brick and Blaze Pizza Company. ⏰ Thursday, May 21, 5-8 p.m. 💵 $10 in advance, $15 at the the door, free for attendees under 18 📍 Historic Sugartown, Malvern
🏇 Brandywine Polo Club Opening Day: The 2026 season kicks off Sunday afternoon. ⏰ Sunday, May 24, 1:30-5 p.m. 💵 $15 in advance, $20 at the gate 📍 Brandywine Polo Club, Toughkenamon
🎶 Rhythm and Brews: New Garden Township’s first Rhythm and Brews of the season includes music, food, and drinks. ⏰ Tuesday, May 26, 6-8 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 New Garden Park, Landenberg
🏡 On the Market
This custom-built Lincoln University home has an eye-catching covered front porch, one of several outdoor living spaces. There are two decks out back, as well as a fenced in-ground pool. Inside, there’s a step-down living room, a dining room, an eat-in kitchen, and a family room with a fireplace and vaulted ceilings on the first floor. There are three bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and a hydrotherapy tub. The home recently went under contract.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $569,900 | Size: 2,561 SF | Acreage: 1.1
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