Michael Tanenbaum

Michael Tanenbaum is a senior staff writer for PhillyVoice.com, with interests ranging from technology and behavioral health to local community initiatives and cultural life. Michael has written for the Argentina Independent and Bespoke Magazine and previously served as a news editor for Xfinity.com before joining PhillyVoice. He received his B.A. in The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University.

tanenbaum@phillyvoice.com

March 14, 2023

Food & Drink

Food & Wine recognizes Philly spirit maker behind crab-infused whiskey

by Michael Tanenbaum

Steven Grasse, owner of Philadelphia's Quaker City Mercantile and New Hampshire's Tamworth Distilling, has been recognized by Food & Wine as one of the 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. Grasse, the advertising executive who invented the brands Hendrick's Gin in 1999 and later developed Sailor Jerry Rum, drew a lot of attention last year with the release of the small-batch distillery's Crab Trapper whiskey, which is infused with boiled green crab, an invasive species.

March 14, 2023

Business

Target to close Center City store, but plans new one near Penn

by Michael Tanenbaum

Target will close one of its small-format stores at 1128 Chestnut St. in Center City on May 13. The company also plans to open a new store in University City at 3701 Chestnut St, near the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. A Target spokesperson citied declining sales at the Center City store compared to others in the city as a reason for the pending closure.

March 14, 2023

Real Estate

Oldies.com warehouse on Blue Route sells for $7.85 million

by Michael Tanenbaum

Velocity Venture Partners, a private equity firm in Bala Cynwyd, has purchased the prominent Oldies.com warehouse at 60 Portland Road on Interstate 476 in West Conshohocken for $7.85 million. The Oldies.com signage on the side of the warehouse has served as an unofficial mile marker on the Blue Route — seen by more than 115,000 drivers each day. Velocity plans to lease the 56,000-square-foot warehouse to one or two tenants.

March 11, 2023

Government

Federal marijuana pardon certificates now available to people with past offenses

by Michael Tanenbaum

After federal cases involving simple marijuana possession were pardoned last year, the U.S. Department of Justice has now opened up applications for eligible people to receive certificates of proof that may remove personal barriers to housing, employment, education and travel. The U.S. Office of the Pardon Attorney now has a website where eligible people can fill out of a form including documentation of their prior offenses. In return, the government will send a certificate stating that those with approved applications were pardoned on Oct. 6, 2022, for simple possession of marijuana.

March 10, 2023

Government

Delco bar temporarily shut down over recent gunfire, nuisance complaints

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Rose Bar in Clifton Heights, Delaware County will shut down for at least three months after the borough filed legal action in February in response to public safety concerns and complaints from local residents. Borough officials cited noise, public drunkenness and lewdness. The bar's owners reached a consent agreement with the borough requiring more security measures and reduced hours for the first nine months after they reopen. In November, 14 shots were fired after a disagreement at the bar spilled onto the street.

March 10, 2023

Media

SportsRadio 94WIP gives 'Marks & Reese' producer Jack Fritz his own show

by Michael Tanenbaum

SportsRadio 94WIP is giving Jack Fritz an hour-long show that will air weeknights at 6 p.m. "Jack Fritz at Six" debuts Monday, March 13. Fritz, who has served as producer of the "Marks & Reese" show since 2019, also will handle the Audacy station's Phillies pregame and postgame coverage on weekdays. The new show means that WIP's evening slot will be pushed back to 7-11 p.m. The station is still searching for a new host for evenings.

March 10, 2023

Food & Drink

Shaquille O'Neil's Big Chicken to open in Comcast Center concourse

by Michael Tanenbaum

Shaquille O'Neil's Big Chicken restaurant franchise is opening at the Comcast Center concourse at 1701 JFK Blvd. in Center City. The NBA legend founded the crispy fried chicken concept in 2018 and is in the midst of a U.S. expansion. Big Chicken is known for its massive sandwiches, mac & cheese, shakes and ice cream sandwiches. The restaurant is expected to open in April.

March 9, 2023

Business

Wawa has plans for a store across the street from Sheetz in town near Penn State University

by Michael Tanenbaum

Wawa is in the early planning stages for a new store in the Happy Valley near Penn State University, which would be the company's furthest outpost from its foothold in the Philly area. The store in Centre County is proposed in Benner Township and across the street from a rival Sheetz store. Wawa is in the midst of an aggressive expansion plan that includes adding about 40 new stores in central Pennsylvania.

March 9, 2023

Politics

Gisele Fetterman joined firefighters to put out blaze in East Pittsburgh

by Michael Tanenbaum

Gisele Fetterman, the wife of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, became a volunteer firefighter in western Pennsylvania in December. Gisele was seen in news footage at the scene of a three-alarm apartment fire in East Pittsburgh on Tuesday morning. John's chief of staff said the senator is on his way to recovery and will return to his duties in the near future after being hospitalized with clinical depression.

March 8, 2023

Wildlife

Philadelphia Zoo mourns death of 24-year-old zebra

by Michael Tanenbaum

The Philadelphia Zoo announced that 24-year-old Burchell's zebra Laura died this week at 24 years old. Laura came to the Philadelphia Zoo from the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas with her half-sister, Susie, in 2000. In the wild, Burchell's zebras typically live between 9-20 years. In captivity, they can live between 20-30 years.