What's New in West Chester! |
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WEST CHESTER AWARDS MORE THAN $140,000 IN SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS
The Spark Grant is for owners or tenants to make improvements at the front door of their business, enhancing the business specifically, as well as the aesthetic of the neighborhood. West Chester will partner financially with these entrepreneur applicants to make visible, impactful change invigorating their business and small business corridors across the Township.
Nearly 30 applications were submitted for consideration and 18 will receive some funding to move forward with their projects. The applications were scored based upon the aesthetic benefit of the project to the larger neighborhood, the potential economic impact of the project and if the project represented a targeted area of needed improvement in the Township.
“So many great projects were submitted, but those selected rose the top in terms of the larger impact they might have in an area of the Township that could benefit from aesthetic improvement,” said Economic Development Manager Katy Kanelopoulos. “The goal is to give a jumpstart that will inspire other property owners to make improvements.”
A total of $140,081.00 will be awarded as reimbursement once specified projects are complete and meet the commitment made in the applications. Applicants have six months to complete their projects. The top-scoring applicants will receive 100% of funding sought, up to $10,000.00. Others will receive 75% of funding sought.
The Board of Trustees have the option to consider another round of grants later in 2023.
Receiving 100% of funding are:
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Animal Hospital of West Chester – State Route 42 - $6,642.00 for improved and updated signage
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Saxon Financial – State Route 42 - $10,000.00 for updated signage
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Salon BelAire – State Route 42 - $4,250.00 for repairs to front parking area
- Timberview Office Park – State Route 42 - $10,000.00 to replace rotted decking at front of building
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Kaycie Land Investment/Scott’s Awards/Carpetile – State Route 42 - $9,365.00 for updated signage and parking lot updates
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LuLu's Sweets Boutique – Cox Lane - $1,608.00 to create an outdoor dining area
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The Pickle Lodge – Kingsgate Way - $10,000.00 for enhancement of entrance at an old building with a new use
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Raton Salon – Cincinnati-Dayton Road - $1,525.00 for improved entry signage
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Bunnell Electric – Cincinnati-Dayton Road - $10,000.00 for new front door, windows and new signage.
Receiving 75% of requested funding:
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Premier Shooting and Training – State Route 747 - $7,500.00 for an exterior mural
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Arrow Brothers/Further Financial – Muhlhauser Road - $3,712.00 for decorative exterior lighting
- BTC Investments – State Route 747 - $3,300.00 for removal of dead shrubs and replanting
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Entertrainment Junction – Squire Court off Tylersville - $7,500.00 for painting the exterior of the building which fronts I-75
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Golden Day Boutique – Cincinnati-Dayton Road - $7,500.00 to add large display window at front of building to create retail atmosphere in corridor
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Kingsgate Insurance – Cincinnati-Dayton Road - $5,433.00 for updated signage
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Welling & Company – Cincinnati-Dayton Road - $5,138.00 for an awning at the street front in Olde West Chester
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Xquisite Cutz – Kingsgate Way - $3,828.00 for replacing deteriorated signage and improvements to business exterior
- Fath Regal Properties – Regal Lane - $6,780.00 for exterior painting and new doors
West Chester’s vitality, amenities and convenient location between Cincinnati and Dayton, in southwest Ohio, have made it the region’s most desirable community for residential and commercial growth. Businesses staking their claim here enjoy a business-friendly attitude in a no-earnings tax environment with the best access to customers and workforce.
Entrepreneurs and innovators find themselves “in good company” with the more than 3,600 businesses and more than 64,000 residents calling West Chester home.
West Chester has been named among Ohio’s Best Places for Business for 2020, 2021 and 2022. The community lives up to its vision as a Place Where Families Grow and Businesses Prosper.
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WEST CHESTER CREATES MORE COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS
Ohio law limits the number of liquor permits allowed within a jurisdiction (by type of permit) based upon population. The type of permit most often used by full service restaurants that wish to serve beer, wine and mixed drinks, is known as a D-5 permit. As the supply of such permits becomes constrained (as was the case in West Chester), the cost and availability of permits can become an impediment to the establishment of new restaurants in our community.
The creation of a CED allows up to 15 additional liquor licenses. With the approval of The Union Centre/Princeton Glendale CED and The Streets of West Chester CED, West Chester now has 30 additional D5-j liquor licenses available to potential businesses.
The new allocation of D-5j permits created by forming a CED does not impact the Township’s normal quota based allocation of D-5 permits, and the new D-5j permits remain with that specific CED for the benefit of the CED in the future. In addition, if existing establishments in possession of traditional D-5 permits are included within the new CED area, they have the option to sell their more mobile D-5 permit and replace them with the D-5j permits enabled by the CED.
West Chester now has a total of four Community Entertainment Districts. The Voice of America CED and Towne Centre CED were established in 2004 and remain active. By designating these districts, West Chester Township is being proactive in attracting dining and entertainment options for our residents and business community to enjoy for years to come.
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TRI-COUNTY SPINE AND REHAB CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN WEST CHESTER
Tri-County Spine and Rehab provides natural relief for musculoskeletal complaints such as back injuries, auto accident injuries, headaches, sports injuries and more using chiropractic treatment, massage therapy and physical therapy.
In March 1998, Dr. Stephen Uhl, a graduate of Lakota High School, opened his first office in West Chester near 747 and Crescentville Road after playing football at Butler University and attending Chiropractic school at Logan College. He started the business with one front desk employee. He slowly added employees and services such as massage therapy and physical therapy. In 2002, Dr. Uhl helped the athletic training staff at Lakota West High School football games and treated staff and students in the training room until 2019.
In 2005, Tri-County Spine relocated to its nearly 2,600 square-foot medical office at 4904 Wunnenberg Way off Union Centre Boulevard through the invitation of an orthopedist at Ohio Valley Orthopaedics. The company has continued to grow its practice with its larger space which now includes an associate Doctor of Chiropractic, four massage therapists, three support staff, and they are in the process of adding a nurse practitioner.
Tri-County Spine and Rehab has kept up with technology and also added digital x-ray and two state-of-the-art MLS laser units which are extremely effective at reducing inflammation and decreasing healing rates.
Dr. Uhl and his staff at Tri-County Spine and Rehab have served more than 10,000 local community members throughout its 25 years of business in West Chester Township. Congratulations Tri-County Spine and Rehab!
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WHO IS WEST CHESTER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL?
West Chester Development Council (WCDC) is a Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) that was formed in 1996 to serve as West Chester Township’s agent for economic development. The CIC was organized, through provisions in the Ohio Revised Code, as a public/private partnership to promote the growth and expansion of West Chester Township’s private business sector.
The WCDC is a non-profit corporation governed by a six-member board of directors that include the West Chester Township Trustees and private sector representatives. The council receives public and private donations to fund operations, and is staffed by township employees.
The primary mission of the WCDC is to aggressively encourage and assist in the growth and development of West Chester’s business sector through the expansion and attraction of companies and projects that will positively impact the community.
As West Chester Township’s statutorily designated marketing agent for economic development, the WCDC has the authority and resources to provide the following services to West Chester Township: acquire and hold land for development and/or redevelopment purposes; secure private sector funds to supplement public sector development initiatives; conduct national and international marketing campaigns; invest in technology-led economic development initiatives including website marketing, advertising and social media promotions; and engage in all other Community Improvement Corporation activities permitted by Ohio law.
Since the inception of the Council in 1996, Larry Brueshaber has been the Chairman of the Board. Larry spearheaded the initial formation of the CIC and was paramount in establishing the overall economic development goals for the organization at that time. Larry played a pivotal role in many companies choosing to come to West Chester and was the first point of contact for companies seeking tax incentives until economic development duties were acquired by the township.
Larry has been a long-time leader in the business community serving on many instrumental boards including the Enterprise Zone Negotiating Committee, the Land Use Plan Committee, the Tax Incentive Review Council, and the township’s 2025 Standing Committee. Larry and his wife Sandy are very involved in philanthropic efforts throughout Butler County including those with the Northern Cincinnati Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty. The couple’s love for the community is seen in their generous donations and participation in a multitude of events.
According to Larry, “West Chester Development serves as a great resource for new and expanding businesses. The WCDC maintains the economic development website, www.westchesterdevelopment.com that houses a vast amount of demographic and project related data for site selectors, brokers, developers, business owners and also aids in attracting new and expanding businesses.”
“The Council also circulates a digital newsletter called What’s New in West Chester. The newsletter has been published for 20 years now and is widely distributed and well-received by a large audience,” said Larry. Township economic development staff contacts every new and expanding business to gather data for the newsletter and provides them with an outlet to share news about their company or project. West Chester companies appreciate the opportunity for free publicity with the announcement of their projects, links to their websites, social media posts, and it also helps share news about all the exciting new development occurring in the township. Supporters of the WCDC also have their names and website links included in the publication.
The Council also creates attention-getting local and national marketing promotions and campaigns to drive new business prospects to the community. All private stakeholders and supporters of the West Chester Development Council are featured in every print and electronic promotional piece. The partnerships fostered between the WCDC and the public/private stakeholders creates a synergistic effort that increases the overall success for the township’s economic development program.
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QUARTERLY COLUMN: KEEPING UP WITH KATY K
Spring has sprung in West Chester and that means it’s time to get outside and make those exterior improvements. The timing couldn’t be any better for the new SPARK grant, a revitalization grant program developed for our small businesses to improve the facades of their buildings. Just like spring daffodils, these exterior enhancements will bloom one address at a time across the Township.
The best part of working on the SPARK grant program has been talking with and getting to know our small business owners, and strengthening these relationships. Every small business represents a dream and supporting the dreams of these entrepreneurs can spark change throughout the community.
SPARK project yard signs are displayed at the West Chester small businesses that sprang into action to get a SPARK grant. Congratulations to all.
At the February 28th trustees meeting, two additional West Chester Community Entertainment Districts (CED’s) were approved—one in the Princeton Glendale Union Centre area and the other at The Streets of West Chester. The addition of the two CED’s brings 30 additional liquor licenses to West Chester Township and these two Community Entertainment Districts will help in bringing new dining options for our 65,000 hungry residents for years to come. Cheers to that!
In March, REDI Cincinnati recognized two West Chester economic development projects as finalists in their 2022 James A. Wuenker Growth Awards. The two award-winning businesses are Synchrony and A&F Souvenir. During the next four years, Synchrony is expected to create 300 new jobs generating $16.5 million in new payroll. The new hub for Synchrony in West Chester will serve as a purpose-driven space for its workers. Eco-friendly A&F Souvenir, expanded operations to the U.S., creating 30 new jobs, and they chose West Chester for their first U.S. location. Thank you to Synchrony and A&F for calling West Chester their home.
This quarter’s resource to know is: BCW/Workforce https://bcwworkforce.com/best/. The BCW/Workforce Business & Employers Solutions Team (BEST) assists local employers with finding the talent they need to succeed and grow in a global market. Employers can access a wide variety of services and tools to assist them with recruiting, hiring and other workforce needs.
I’ve often heard that, “The numbers don’t lie.” If you want to take a deep dive into why we are the “Best Community to Do Business” three years running, take a look at our 2023 Economic Development Report—you won’t be disappointed. 2023 West Chester Economic Development Report
Lastly, I recently attended the national “Mentoring Monday” event hosted by the Cincinnati Business Courier. I had the opportunity to connect with prominent women business leaders and ask them questions about their careers and get advice. If anyone reading this needs a mentor on how to drink a pot of coffee a day, I’m available. Drop me a line at kkanelopoulos@westchesteroh.org. I would love to hear from you.
Happy spring, West Chester, where families grow, businesses prosper, the grass is always greener, and dreams come true.
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West Chester: Built With You in Mind |
West Chester is a proven destination for corporate investment displayed by the expansive growth over the past two decades, yet development opportunities still exist throughout the township with commercial sites of 1 to 60 acres still available. Office, manufacturing, research and properties with accessible infrastructure, frontage on I-75 or within two miles of an interstate interchanges are available. Contact Katy Kanelopoulos at (513) 759-7325 or kkanelopoulos@westchesteroh.org for personalized assistance.
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OFFICE / MEDICAL / TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS |
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Berkley Aspire, a division of W.R. Berkley Corporation one of the largest commercial property and casualty insurers in the United States, announced a nearly 11,000 square-foot Class A office expansion at its existing West Chester location at 9075 Centre Pointe Drive in the Centre Pointe Office Park. In business for more than 50 years, Berkley is a Fortune 500 company who has seen gross written premiums in excess of $10 billion. Berkley Aspire was granted a 1.6% seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit and expects to create 29 full-time positions generating more than $3 million in annual payroll and retaining more than $2.4 million in existing payroll as a result of this expansion project.
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USME, providers of high-quality medical equipment to top hospitals across the nation, opened a 4,500 square-foot facility at 10182 International Boulevard in World Park. USME is proud to supply movable medical equipment, beds, therapeutic surfaces, diagnostic devices and more to healthcare providers so they can focus on healing their patients. USME also provides its partner hospitals with value-added services such as refurbished equipment sales, biomedical repair and preventative maintenance services, system shutdown services and asset management services.
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3dB Labs, creating innovative engineering solutions across a variety of government industries with products designed to provide efficient and sustainable solutions, began a 27,680 square-foot expansion of Class A office space at its existing facility at 9050 Centre Pointe Drive in Centre Pointe Office Park now occupying the entire third floor. 3dB Labs designs, implements and delivers solutions in engineering, signal processing, signal analysis, software development, hardware manufacturing and development, using dynamic and multidisciplinary approaches.
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Everglow Medical Spa, helping clients achieve their clearest, brightest and most youthful skin, opened a 900 square-foot spa at 9536 Cincinnati Columbus Road/SR 42 in Dimmick Plaza. Certified professionals at Everglow Medical Spa are trained to identify which treatment combination is best for each patient’s skin. Everglow Medical Spa's goal is to nurture and relax each of its guests with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques.
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DRT Holdings, specializing in manufacturing for metal packaging systems, aerospace and general industrial applications seeking high-quality precision solutions, leased a 6,447 square-foot Class A office space at 9025 Centre Pointe Drive in Centre Pointe Office Park. For more than 70 years, DRT has focused on manufacturing highly complex and technically demanding, low-volume niche products. DRT has been a pioneer in the development of easy-open beverage systems leveraging its specialized engineering know-how and deep market expertise throughout its 10 facilities across the United States and Europe.
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PureMD, a medical spa offering the latest aesthetic treatments, opened a 2,200 square-foot facility at 8230 Beckett Park Drive off Smith Road. The team at PureMD includes experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, aestheticians and spa coordinators all with a common goal of welcoming patients into a comfortable environment to achieve beautiful and natural results. PureMD offers a variety of laser cosmetic and aesthetic services including dermaplaning, chemical peels, tattoo removal, elimination of spider veins and more.
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PPD Global Central Labs, providing high-quality centralized lab services, will open a 45,000 square-foot facility at 10085 International Boulevard off Muhlhauser Road in World Park. PPD’s Global Central Lab is a global contract research organization focused on delivery of life-changing therapies. PPD is dedicated to helping its customers make faster, more informed decisions about clinical trials through its award-winning drug development database solutions, globally standardized clinical testing and centralized data visibility.
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Mitutoyo America Corporation, a leading manufacturer of precision metrology instruments and solutions, will open a 9,600 square-foot facility at 8876 Beckett Road in West Chester Commerce Center. Established in 1963, Mitutoyo America Corporation is committed to providing the highest quality products and services to its customers. With a wide range of precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges and more, Mitutoyo America has become a trusted name in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and medical device industries.
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Seppi M. USA, mulching equipment specialists throughout the world, will relocate its existing West Chester business to an 11,200 square-foot facility at 8876 Beckett Road in West Chester Commerce Center. Founded in 1939, Seppi offers products for professional agriculture, forestry and landscape maintenance. Seppi’s agricultural products range from flail mowers, rotary mowers, and solutions for under canopy maintenance in orchards and vineyards. Seppi offers solutions for landscape maintenance of right-of-way along roads, railways, airports, parks and along waterways.
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Gravity Group, the wooden roller coaster experts, began the addition of a new paint booth at its existing West Chester location at 9936 Princeton Glendale Road/SR 747. The Gravity Group was founded in 2002 by a group of veteran wooden roller coaster designers who were passionate about bringing wooden coaster technology to the next century. The team of engineers at The Gravity Group has more experience designing wooden coasters than any other company in existence today. The designs that The Gravity Group produces are consistently the highest rated wooden rides in the industry.
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Quench USA, providing businesses with high-quality water filters, opened a 3,600 square-foot facility at 4710 Interstate Drive in TLP Capital Center. Quench USA offers water-as-a-service solutions by providing filtered water through a broad array of bottleless machines. For more than 20 years, Quench USA has provided the best water coolers, ice machines, sparkling water dispensers, and coffee brewers to more than half of the Fortune 500 organizations across the continent.
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Ohio Intermodal Services, a premier container drayage provider in the greater Ohio Valley area, will open a 44,320 square-foot truck terminal at 9991 Commerce Park Drive in Schumacher Commerce Park. Ohio Intermodal Services acts as an extension of the team and takes pride in transporting client’s cargo on-time, every time. Ohio Intermodal Services focuses on maintaining a reliable, client-focused sustainable organization.
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Cincinnati Cabinets, providing high-quality stock and custom cabinets, relocated its existing West Chester business to a 12,465 square-foot facility at 4455 Muhlhauser Road. Cincinnati Cabinets offers a wide selection of kitchen and bathroom cabinets that are designed to provide stylish storage solutions while also being durable and long lasting. The team at Cincinnati Cabinets assists its clients in taking measurements, selecting colors, styles, materials and cabinets that will look the best in any space.
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Universal Windows Direct, southwest Ohio’s premier home remodeling company, opened a 7,230 square-foot facility at 8922 Beckett Road in West Chester Commerce Center. Universal Windows Direct has become one of the largest and most trusted home remodeling companies serving homeowners throughout the Southwest Ohio region. Universal Windows Direct takes a consultative approach and educates its customers on the best solutions for their situation, and all renovation projects are completed by highly experienced and extensively trained specialists.
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Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-inspired steakhouse, will construct a 4,936 square-foot restaurant at 7530 Foster Lane in The Oaks of Wetherington off Liberty Way in West Chester Township. Outback Steakhouse is the home of juicy steaks, spirited drinks and Aussie hospitality. Outback’s unbeatable steak cuts are complemented by delicious choices of chicken, ribs, seafood and pasta at a price for everyone. Founded in 1988, Outback consistently puts an emphasis on high-quality delicious food delivered in a warm and welcoming environment.
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Sonder Taphaus and Kitchen, brewing unique high-quality craft beer, will open a 4,323 square-foot taproom and kitchen at 9558 Civic Centre Boulevard in The Streets of West Chester. Sonder Taphaus and Kitchen will serve brewer’s draft options and package-to-go beer, plus a curated selection of wine, bourbon and food. The Sonder kitchen will have a menu of shareables and seasonal items along with vegan and gluten free options, and a kid’s menu. The new location will offer space for private parties and will take corporate reservations.
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Two Cities Pizza, known for its award-winning New York and Chicago-style pizzas, announced its partnership with The Pickle Lodge with a new in-house restaurant. New York-style is a foldable, crispy thin crust pizza that is both soft and slightly brown with a salty cheese and smooth, sweet red sauce. Chicago-style is a classic deep dish pie with creamy cheese on the bottom and fresh chunky tomato sauce on the top cooked with a butter crust and caramelized cheese. Two Cities Pizza is slated to open inside The Pickle Lodge in mid-summer.
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Panaderia Fadoma, a traditional Mexican bakery, began a 2,946 square-foot expansion to its existing West Chester pastry shop at 9100 Cox Road at Cincinnati Columbus Road/SR 42. Panaderia Fadoma offers an impressive range of handmade bread, cakes and doughnuts including pan dulce, traditional Mexican sweet pastries, churros, conchas, orejas, empanadas and other traditional Mexican sweet treats.
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Kennedy’s Barber Shop, an All-American Barber Club, will open a 1,321 square-foot shop at 9328 Union Centre Boulevard in the US Bank building just west of I-75. Kennedy’s Barber Shop offers the finest haircuts for men, the lost art of straight-razor shaves, and a modern selection of grooming products within a decidedly-masculine club. Kennedy’s is reminiscent of your father’s barbershop and a sanctuary to relax and enjoy.
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Lotus Event Centre a new 7,000 square-foot event and banquet facility opened at 9145 Cincinnati Columbus Road/SR 42. Lotus Event Centre boasts a colorful and modern interpretation of Eastern Indian culture. At Lotus Event Centre, guests can enjoy the modern contemporary flow as they travel from traditional to vintage, rustic to a modern interpretation of Indian Culture. The center is available for weddings, birthday parties, banquets, seated live performances and more.
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Al-Madina Grill, featuring Halal Mediterranean food, will open a 2,000 square-foot restaurant at 7845 Cincinnati Dayton Road near Tylersville Road. Al-Madina Grill specializes in Middle Eastern dishes such as shawarma sandwiches, tabbouleh salads, falafel, hummus, baklava and more. Al-Madina Grill takes pride in using only the highest quality, freshest ingredients found in local markets.
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TOMY La Popular Carniceria, a full service butcher shop, opened a 4,487 square-foot store at 10162 Princeton Glendale Road/SR747 in Tri County Business Center near Crescentville Road. TOMY La Popular Carniceria offers a wide variety of fresh, high-quality meats including beef, chicken, pork, complimentary products and more. TOMY’s will cut, trim and package any product to order.
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Twisted Greek, specializing in traditional Greek cuisine with an American flare, leased a 1,175 square-foot central kitchen and office facility to support its food truck operations at 9960 Crescent Park Drive in Schumacher Commerce Park. From sweet to savory, Twisted Greek’s chariot offers a variety of dishes including pita bread, tater tots, field greens, Greek pork sausage, zucchini fritters, fried pickles, feta dips and more.
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VIP Smoke Shop, a premier vape store, opened a 1,163 square-foot shop at 4747 Tylersville Road in Tylersville Retail Center at Princeton Glendale Road/SR747. VIP Smoke Shop carries a full line of VIP products such as disposable vapes and accessories. VIP Smoke Shop also offers premium cigars, water pipes, trays and more.
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French Toast Heaven, a new family-style restaurant, will open a 4,300 square-foot eatery at 4877 Smith Road just east of Princeton Glendale Road/SR 747. French Toast Heaven will offer breakfast, brunch and lunch each day. At the restaurant, Chef Maurice will feature a wide variety of French toast specialty dishes, biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs, shrimp ‘n grits, chicken and waffles and so much more.
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The West Chester Development Council is a non-profit corporation, representing a public/private partnership between West Chester Township and the private business sector established to promote economic development initiatives. The following organizations have chosen to support the economic development and marketing efforts of West Chester Township and the West Chester Development Council. West Chester Development
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