In recent years, it seems it’s all been peaches and Cream for Girard Avenue in Brewerytown. In the last couple of months alone, Rybrew and Shifty’s Taco opened their doors to enthused and hungry crowds. Several buildings have also been renovated of late, with the notable example of a church being turned into apartments at the corner of 27th & Girard.
But nobody ever said that the redevelopment of this commercial corridor would come quickly, evenly, or without casualties. So it’s with a mournful tone that we share Michael Klein’s news that the Mugshots at 2831 W. Girard Ave. has closed its doors for good.
It’s particularly a shame because this business was a pioneer of sorts on Girard Avenue. When they opened almost three years ago, the corridor didn’t have its current level of momentum, and businesses weren’t exactly lining up to come to the area. Also, we always appreciated what they did with the space, especially their restoration of the old glass ‘Leins’ sign. The attractive restoration stands in stark contrast to the vacant former pizza place a few doors down.
We’ll be interested to see what replaces Mugshots, and how quickly a new tenant arrives. We would be a little surprised to see another cafe take over the space, considering the presence of two other coffee-type places within a few blocks. Hopefully, the fates will smile more kindly upon iMunch and Lucky Goat than they did Mugshots. Time, of course, will tell.