Back in July, we wondered whether anyone would ever do anything exciting and/or interesting at the long-vacant Tong Tong Bakery space at 1001 E Passyunk Ave., at the intersection of Passyunk Ave., Kimball St., and 7th St. We were in the neighborhood today and noticed that something new has indeed taken root at this location, the Falcon Cafe.

In the past

Today

Rhode Island native and artist Marty Katzoff has taken over this long-dormant space and turned it into a cafe/gallery/the beginnings of an artist collective. Now with about a month under his belt, Katzoff is looking at adding food options to his current offerings of coffee, tea, and espresso. Perhaps more interesting, Katzoff’s long-term vision for this space is part coffeehouse, part neighborhood artist hangout, gallery, and workspace. Mirroring AS220 in Providence, Katzoff hopes to offer an uncensored, non-judgmental arts space, where amateurs and professionals alike can feel comfortable.

Still a work in progress

A space like Falcon is exciting on a number of levels. First, neighborhoods can always use another coffee shop. Also, Falcon brings life to a storefront that’s been underutilized for a long time. It’s also a fine addition to the neighborhood arts scene, which can only stare longingly at what’s going on in East Kensington, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Old City. The community arts workspace in particular can help local artists who currently don’t have a good space to channel their vision and fully realize their creative energies.

We with Mr. Katzoff lots of luck, and will keep his place in mind when we decide to get to work on our masterpiece.