Months ago, we mentioned a zoning hearing for Ali Tifrani, who intends open a take-out restaurant in the former Dairy Queen location at 514 South St. We’re now hearing that the space will (eventually) contain the first downtown location for the New York Bagel Cafe & Deli, which currently has three locations in PA, in the burbs. We reached out to property owner Semark Associates for confirmation, but they were unwilling to confirm or deny any information about this property. When we pressed them for information about another property that they own in Northern Liberties, we got hung up on. Nice.

We frequently lament the lack of quality bagels in this town, and in theory are very happy that a new bagel business is (possibly) coming to Philadelphia. On the other hand, one of the few quality bagel places in Philadelphia, South St. Bagel, is a mere three blocks away on 3rd St. between South and Bainbridge Sts. C’mon Mr. Tifrani, Queen Village and South St. are covered in the bagel department! Spread the wealth a little, would ya?

Pun intended. Sorry.