Almost two years ago, we told you that a moped rental spot would be opening in a commercial space on 9th Street, just south of Pat’s Steaks. We wondered whether this shop would get the amount of business they expected, and whether tourists would (or should) be renting mopeds after downing a cheesesteak or two. Unfortunately, we never got to test the viability of said business, because it didn’t end up opening. And so, the garage-front space in back of a cell phone store has remained more or less the same.

The space

But that could change soon. Last month, the owners of El Zarape appeared before the Passyunk Square Civic Association Zoning Committee, looking for support to move the business from their current Passyunk Avenue location to 1304-06 S. 9th St.., citing increasing rent as their reason for the move. After getting some feedback from the community, they’ll be returning in December to present again.

Current El Zarape, across the street from Cantina Los Caballitos.

If the business does indeed end up moving to this location, it will mark the second new eatery to open on the block. Global Crepes, Local Shakes has been in the works for quite some time for the corner of 9th & Sears. According to Passyunk Post, the little shop is the creation of Liz Iezzi, who received accolades for her crepes, previously served at the Christmas Village next to City Hall.

Both of these establishments should do at least a decent business from tourists, but their bread and butter will be neighborhood residents. And as we’ve told you of late, the neighborhood should be getting lots of new residents in the near future. At 1235 Federal St., for example, the former Jehovah’s Witness building has plans to become ten units, about fifty apartments are under construction at 12th & Wharton, and on Broad Street the former Armory site will also see about fifty new apartments built in the coming years. Seems like the neighborhood dining options for these new folks will be even better than they are today.

–Lou Mancinelli