Staff Blog
Benna’s buys E’s Passyunk
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| myspace.com/espassyunk |
Yesterday, blogger and CP contributor Kelly White tipped us off that Benna's Cafe (1236 S. Eighth St.) was planning to purchase E's Passyunk (1500 E. Passyunk Ave.) from current owner Andrew Michaels. Today, Benna's owner Nancy Trachtenberg confirmed. It'll all become official on Thursday, Jan. 31; the space will undergo extensive renovations (including the installation of equipment to offer pressed juices and smoothies). It's tentatively being called B2.
This second spot is a long time coming for Trachtenberg, who in 2007 was planning on opening at 1601 E. Passyunk Ave. before a slew of extenuating circumstances rendered that project a no-go.
In an e-mail to friends and customers, Michaels said he decided to sell to spend more time with son Emerson (the shop's namesake � lil' guy on the sign).
More details in the 1.31 edition of Feeding Frenzy.
Sorry to see Andrew and E’s go, it was the best place to hang out and do work - good food, coffee and a nice staff. Still Benna’s was a close second, so I’m glad she’s taking over.
I’m from Philadelphia and my name is Benna- I think I’m the oldest “Benna” in town, I’m 45. My pop was the famous local DJay, Hy Lit (deceased)- recently someone asked me if I owned a coffee shop in Philadelphia, I couldn’t imagine there actually being a place called “Benna” I have to admit (my biased opinion)-it’s a great name! Usually I have to say it three times to people because they never heard of it and then I wind up saying, “It’s like Jenna, but drop the ‘J’ and put in a ‘B’.” I’m curious how you came up with the name? Anyway, I’m excited for your business, and I certainly hope it prospers. Eventually, I’d like to make my way over there to visit. Who knows, maybe I’ll wind up spending lots of time there- maybe it will bring good Karma to my life. I wonder if there are other people named Benna in the area? Well, good luck to you.