No tricks just treats at the new Jeni’s Ice Cream in Narberth, plus a yummy bagel shop in Ardmore, a controversial brand comes to Suburban Square and more. Happy fall, friends!
• Here’s the Scoop
Narberth is now home to a Jeni’s Ice Cream , the beloved artisan creamery known for its unexpected (but yummy!) flavor combos that feature fair-trade ingredients and fresh milk sourced from local farms. All flavors are made from scratch using a base recipe developed by James Beard award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton.
The Ohio-based company offers an ever-changing menu of flavors inspired by art, history, pop culture and whatever else piques the brand’s interest. (Last spring it was “Punk Stargonaut,” a limited-edition collection that coincided with the solar eclipse—and quickly sold out.)
Jeni’s fall lineup includes such succulent flavors as Bay Leaf Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Marshmallow Praline, Pumpkin Seed & Rye Cookie and Miso Butterscotch Brownie.
PS You can also purchase Jeni’s by the pint at grocery stores throughout the Main Line.
Jeni’s Ice Cream is located at 100 Forrest Avenue in Narberth (look for the striped awning!). Hours are 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM most days.
• Brandy Melville or Hellville?
Even a damning documentary can’t sway hoards of teens and tweens from elbowing their way into the new Brandy Melville USA location in Suburban Square, which opened last month.
The brand’s sizing is described as “one size fits most” (news flash: it doesn’t!). Clothing is priced between $15 and $50, with most items under $30. Nearly everything, including the store décor, is the color of oatmeal.
Last April, HBO aired the 90-minute documentary “Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion,” which chronicles the brand’s rise amidst a toxic work culture of fat-shaming, racism, sexual misconduct and questionable environmental practices. Viewers were outraged, but little has changed. Sales remain strong as the brand retains its cachet among young female shoppers.
Brandy Melville is located at Suburban Square, in the old J. Crew. Hours are Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Ardmore is Hot!
Bagels & Co. When Philadelphia-based Glu Hospitality shuttered its bars and nightlife venues during the pandemic, CEO Tim Lu and COO Derek Gibbons knew they had to pivot—FAST. So they reset their internal clocks and dove into the bagel business, bringing their Bagels & Co. concept to Rittenhouse, Fishtown, Brewerytown, Temple University and other city spots, as well as two locations in Florida. Last month a shop opened in Ardmore.
Bagels & Co. bakes its bagels onsite daily, using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Cream cheese flavors are displayed like gelato, with intriguing options like bacon cheddar, birthday cake, black truffle, cookie monster, s’mores and sriracha scallion. Bagel varieties are equally inventive: French Toast, Cheddar Habanera, Dorito, Rainbow and some seasonal surprises.
Coffee, tea, parfaits, pastries and made-to-order breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available at the quick-service, family-friendly café too. Ask about gluten-free options!
Bagels & Co. is located at 43 Cricket Avenue in Ardmore. Hours are 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily.
Izzy’s, a cozy 24-seater specializing in hand rolls and sake from the talented crew at Ardmore’s Ripplewood, is now open!
Izzy’s is located at 35 E Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore. Hours are 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Wednesday-Saturday.
Gazzos Steaks, the talk of the town in Pottstown and Phoenixville, is bringing its mouth-watering goodness to Ardmore sometime this fall.
• Up for a Scare?
Here’s a dare if you love a scare: New this year, Pennhurst Asylum will allow visitors to search its grounds overnight for spirit activity. Guest “investigators” will have access to all four floors of the supposedly haunted Mayflower Hall, plus underground tunnels.
Investigations begin at 7:00 PM and run until 2:00 AM. Upon arrival, guests will receive a tour of the campus led by a Pennhurst paranormal expert.
After sunset, guests can begin their “ghost hunt.” BYO equipment or borrow from Pennhurst. For individuals 18 and older only unless accompanied by a guardian.
Got a scoop for In The Loop? E-mail kate@mainlineneighbors.com
