PHILADELPHIA - Midtown Village streets opened for businesses Friday for outdoor dining. Businesses hope the city will allow it to continue each weekend through at least November. "I thought it was really cool," said Jessica Chacon.
She and Frank Martin were out picking up food for the evening when they noticed the area of 13th and Walnut closed to traffic but open for outside dining in the street. "I appreciate that Philly would do that because I love eating out, I love brunching and I love just being outside," said Chacon.
What would normally be a steady flow of traffic is now tables spaced apart and full. It's brought an energy to businesses along 13th Street that struggled through the pandemic. "It is hope.