Haverford Township Seeks Entrepreneurs to Join Vibrant Business Community

Are you an entrepreneur looking to open a business in Haverford Township? Hear from our residents about which types of businesses they want! Every other year, Discover Haverford conducts a survey of residents to find out what businesses they would like them to recruit. Over 600 Haverford Township residents completed the survey this summer.

The business that residents want more than any other is an indoor farmers market, with 79% indicating that they were interested or very interested in seeing one open in the Township. Other new grocery and food stores sought by residents include a bakery, bagel shop, meat/seafood market, and an upscale/artisan grocery store. Some respondents were also interested in more organic/vegan options and a food co-op.

Nearly 60% of respondents would like a multi-vendor marketplace. These marketplaces are a new trend in retail shopping, with a curated selection of vendors housed together with a central check-out. Not only do they provide a wide variety of goods for consumers, but they also serve as a business incubator for entrepreneurs who are not ready to open a shop on their own. Other retail businesses frequently requested by residents include a clothing/shoe store, bookstore, craft store, or an antique/consignment shop.

Haverford Township has had an influx of new and upscale restaurants over the past 10-15 years, spurred in part by the opening of the flagship Brick & Brew Restaurant in 2013. In the survey, the new restaurants that residents have expressed the greatest interest in are family friendly restaurants, Mediterranean/Greek, BYOB, seafood, an ice cream/frozen yogurt shop, microbrewery, beer garden, and a bar/pub with live music. More outdoor seating was also a very popular request.

“We are pleased to report that some of the types of new businesses that are desired by residents have opened in the past several months or will be coming soon, including Ombra (Fine Dining & BYOB), Koutouki (Greek), Havertown Café (Family-Friendly), Handels (Ice Cream), Havertown Hot Bagels, and Sprouts Market (Organic/Vegan/Artisan Grocery)” explains Discover Haverford’s Executive Director, Jeanne Angell.

Residents also requested service businesses such as a movie theater, concert venue, day spa, and a craft activity/party center. More than a quarter of respondents were interested in an escape room/arcade and/or a board game/e-sports gaming center. Many residents voiced their concern that there are few spaces for teens to hang out.

As is typical in every resident survey they conduct, several respondents asked Discover Haverford or the Township to limit certain types of businesses. “Unfortunately, we can’t tell property owners which businesses they can sell or rent to,” explains Angell. “There are zoning guidelines for which types of businesses are allowed in certain districts, but we can’t stop businesses from opening just because we would prefer something else. Our best tactic is to recruit businesses that we do want.”

“Discover Haverford will be using the updated data in this survey to reach out to specific businesses that we would like to recruit, based on our survey and the specific properties that are available” explains Angell. “We have created a packet of business recruitment materials for businesses who are interested in moving into the Township, and we work with businesses to help them find a location.”

Discover Haverford also hosts a page on their website with information about properties that are available for sale or lease. One of the properties currently available for lease is the first floor of 2201 Darby Road in the Oakmont District.

If you are an entrepreneur with an idea for a new business, contact Jeanne Angell at jangell@hped.org to get their packet or to set up a meeting!

To see the full report, check out our business resource bookshelf at www.DiscoverHaverford.org/business-resources.

Discover Haverford fosters economic growth in Haverford Township by supporting local businesses, promoting Haverford Township as a shopping and dining destination, organizing shop local events and programs, and revitalizing our business districts and public spaces. For more information, visit www.DiscoverHaverford.org.