After the chaos and upheaval of the past few years, 2023 was perhaps as close to steady as we’ve been in a long time. Crime is down. So is unemployment. Even the stubborn inflation rate seems to be losing steam but so may be the business community. While touted, there have not yet been any groundbreaking new openings, and except for the unexpected closing of Split Rail Tavern this fall, no epic closings. Mostly it seems it’s been business as usual. 

Still, there are goodbyes – and perhaps, in a matter of foreshadowing, there has been a significant turnover in local leadership positions. Some of those were prompted by term-limits, however, not all. 

So, here it is, your recap and reflection on the year that’s been. And, while you still probably have a thousand things to do, take a moment to enjoy the relative calm that has been 2023. 

RESTAURANT & RETAIL CLOSURES

Rize Pizza came to West Chester in 2017 with a bit of fanfare. Owners Julia and Jim already had a “chic” thing going in Broomall and were set to open another location in West Chester. “We wanted to open up a second, bigger location where people could sit down and enjoy the Rize crust,” Julia told the West Chester Press at the time.  Rize offered a varied menu, a solid vegan option, communal seating, and a crust made from dough with that touted 3-hour rise. It was all good for a while – then COVID hit and the shop never fully recovered. But for dedicated fans, the Broomall location remains open.  

While the Rite Aid store at 927 Paoli Pike is technically still open, it is slated for closure as part of the larger Rite Aid Bankruptcy deal. And, since there are still nine days left in this year, it’s going on the list.  The West Goshen Shopping Center location appeared on an amended list of closures submitted to the court in late November. 

While West Chester has its fair share of bakeries – this one was different. There were no cookies and brownies –  actually, not much chocolate at all. Instead, its display case was lined with delicate crepe cakes in flavors like matcha and taro ube, airy cream cakes, and creamy egg custard tarts. Unfortunately, it was also short-lived. After just 10 months, the owner decided to close to spend more time with her kids. 

This October Split Rail Tavern closed its Walnut Street doors after eight years of serving the Borough. The closure came after a turbulent summer for the bar, one that culminated with its closure in August due to a series of health code violations. The team buckled down, cleaned up the space, and worked with neighbors to find a solution for bugs coming from outside the building, but in the end, the closure and subsequent reopening were just too much. Investors walked away as the restaurant continued to lose money after resuming business. 

Unless it’s that Rite Aid which I couldn’t find the opening date for, G&G Cigar Company holds this year’s distinction of being the longest-running establishment to close. Opened by cigar aficionados Doug Gianforte and Pete Garzia in 1997, the company was reportedly sold to PA-cigar chain Cigars, Cigars about ten years ago. As often happens, with the inventory went the passion that made it special. Still, it hung on for another decade.  

“I have dedicated over 30 years to this industry and loved every moment but for the next chapter of life my time will be dedicated to my wife and daughters.”

Erin Morrison, Chef Peter Clark Kitchen

Peter Clark Kitchen was started by Erin Morrison, bravely, smack in the middle of the pandemic. After putting in his dues at kitchens across the region, the caterer decided to open a permanent shop on E. Market St, one that focused on a wide range of healthy locally sourced options. While the concept was sound – life is short and being a chef is demanding. This summer Erin announced he was giving it all up to spend more time with his family. 

Opened in September of 2022 and closed by July, City Buns was not long for this Borough but even in that short time owner Vicky Lambert managed to make an impression. The light, airy, made-from-scratch buns were an instant West Chester hit. Perhaps, we showed a little too much love because Vicky burned out in a matter of months. Fortunately, she is recentered and back with Happy Bakery, a shop featuring all her favorite things and buns, of course. 

This year also marked the closure of the West Goshen Deli and its reemergence as the hybrid So Sabroso, part Latin American, part North American cuisine. The revamped menu includes south-of-the-border favorites like molletes chorizo, Honduras fried chicken, and tostadas con carne molida – and deli classics like BLT, tuna melt, and a hot Rueben sandwich. An unusual mash-up; we’ll just have to see how well it works.

“You have always put the best interests of our district, especially our students, above everything. You’ll go down as the ultimate steward of the WCASD.”   

Former Board President Chris McCune on Sue Tiernan’s tenure

PERSONNEL CHANGES

It has been an eventful tenure for the retired educator and school administrator who was elected in 2011 and served through COVID, with four superintendents (although this last one for just a short time) and amidst heightened political tensions. She was briefly removed from her position in 2022 for her support of a school-wide mask policy. Still, she managed to put the kids first. 

This West Chester University bid farewell to Football Coach Bill Zwaan. During his 20-plus years on the sidelines, Coach Zwaan won 217 games, made the NCAA playoffs ten times, and the national semifinal twice.  He also led WCU’s Promise Program, donated time to Autism Awareness Programs, pitched in at the Newman Center’s Thanksgiving Dinner Project, and played Santa. “They don’t make ’em like Coach Zwaan anymore. His presence will sorely be missed,” the WCU athletic department said upon his retirement. 

In January, West Chester Area School District Superintendent Dr. Bob Sokolowski notified the board he would be leaving his position effective immediately. The abrupt decision was made so Dr. Sokolowski could focus on his health. Dr. Sokolowski served the district for 19 years in numerous roles including as principal at Henderson and Assistant Superintendent. I have not heard an update, but hopefully, Dr. Sokolowski is feeling better this holiday season.

This fall, the West Chester Area School District unexpectedly terminated Henderson Track and Cross Country Coach Kevin Kelly. (If you would like the backstory on the bizarre incident you can find that here.)

“There is a long and decorated list of phenomenal athletes that have gone through Coach Kevin Kelly’s West Chester Henderson Cross Country and Track and Field Programs,” a Run on Culture podcast wrote in 2021 before proceeding on a two-line list. He was also a five-time recipient of the Daily Local News Boys Cross Country Coach-of-the-Year award and race director for the PA Distance Festival, Henderson Invitational, West Chester Mile, and Warrior Invitational.

Also, saying goodbye from the district this year (although in much less dramatic fashion):

• Henderson wrestling head coach Rob Beighley after ten seasons. He left with an impressive record of 164 wins and 40 losses. 
• Henderson Athletic Director Ken McCormick after 26 years with the district. He was named the Pennsylvania District 1 Athletic Director of the Year in 2011.
• Exton Elementary Principal Dr. Terri-Lynne Alston after 10 years in the role and 24 total with the district.

“It didn’t change for 35 years — I’m just a cop who wants to help people,” Chief Morehead told reporter Bill Rettew.

After 35 years on the force and four years as top cop, James Morehead, the West Chester Chief of Police, announced this fall he would retire in January. He is looking forward to looking beyond the Borough with future trips planned to Alaska and Italy.

This year also marked the end of  West Chester Firefighter Steve Pelna’s time as chief.  The Office of Fire Chief rotates between West Chester’s three volunteer fire companies every three years. In total, Chief Pelna has already committed more than 25 years to the West Chester FD.  

Also, stepping away from public service this year: 

• West Chester Borough Council President Michael Stefano after six years. 
• West Chester Councilman Nick Allen after three years.

If I’m missing anything please send me a note (cara@hellowestchesterpa.com) or leave a comment. And I can’t wait to see where we go next year! 

Originally published, Dec. 22, 2023

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This story is part of a longer weekly West Chester newsletter. Curious what else is going on? You can find the full issue here and the latest newsletter here. Even easier? Subscribe here to get future issues delivered directly to your inbox.