Moonlight Dining Comes to Havertown

The Haverford Partnership for Economic Development (HPED), in conjunction with restaurants on Brookline Boulevard in Havertown, is organizing an outdoor dining event on Tuesday, July 11th from 5:00-11:00 pm. Moonlight Dining on the Boulevard, fashioned after Media’s very successful Dining Under the Stars, will be a way to connect local businesses and residents at a fun community event. Participating restaurants will include Kettle, VIDA, Sampan Inn, Janos Pizza, Centrella’s Deli, JD McGillicuddy’s, and the VIDA Food Truck, with Testa’s Bakery and Koffmeyer’s Cookies & Ice Cream offering dessert.

“HPED was exploring the idea of an outdoor dining event, but when the idea popped up on the Havertown Community Group facebook page and over 300 residents voiced their support, we decided to move forward with the idea,” explains Mario Oliva, Township Commissioner and HPED board member. “If it is successful, we hope to organize several Moonlight Dining events next summer.”

Business Development Manager Jeanne Angell explains that this is one of several projects HPED is working on to encourage residents to support local businesses. “There are so many excellent restaurants in Haverford Township. This is a great opportunity for some of them to showcase their talents and for residents to try something new. We expect a good turnout, as reservations have been filling quickly. Last summer, when Springfield hosted their first outdoor dining event, they had 2,000 people attend!”

There will be a variety of dining options at the event, some requiring reservations, some not. Most restaurants will be offering a limited menu to accommodate the anticipated crowd. Most tables will accommodate 6-8 people, and some restaurants may seat smaller groups family-style with other diners. Seatings are time-limited, but guests are welcome to stay on the Boulevard for dessert, drinks, and socializing after their meal.

Tom Thornton, owner of JD McGillicuddy’s and HPED Business District Captain for Brookline, reports that the restaurants and stores are very excited about the event. “In addition to dining, we hope that you will stop into the stores that will be open for the evening, including St. Jude Shop and two brand new stores: Local Home and Gifts and Viscious Vesture.”

Reservations will be required at the following restaurants:

JD McGillucuddy’s – Outdoor seating requires reservation, indoor will not. Seating times are 5:00, 6:15, 7:30, & 8:45. No BYOB. Call 485-454-5289 or email Brookline@jmdcgillicuddys.com for reservations.

VIDA – Fixed price options at $25 & $35. Indoor and outdoor seating requires reservations. Seating times still available are 5:00 & 8:45. BYOB. Call 610-446-8200 for reservations. You may leave a message on the answering machine.

Kettle – Indoor and outdoor seating requires reservations. Seating times still available are 5:00 & 8:45. BYOB. Call 610-446-1234 for a reservation starting Tuesday, June 6th. Please call during business hours and talk to someone personally. Do not leave a message for a reservation. Their business hours are 7am-3pm 7 days a week.

Sampan Inn – Outdoor seating requires reservations. Seating times are 5:00, 6:15, 7:30, & 8:45. No BYOB. Call 610-446-2188 for a reservation.

Reservations will not be required at the following restaurants:

Centrella’s Deli – Offering a full buffet of baked ziti, meatballs, BBQ pulled pork, hot roast beef, chicken parm, sausage & peppers, vegetables, salads, and more $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

Janos Pizza

VIDA Food Truck

Testa’s Bakery

Koffmeyer’s Cookies & Ice Cream

The Brookline Parking lot will be open for parking throughout the event. If you live close enough to walk, the organizers ask that you do so, to allow for others coming from across the Township to use the lot. You might also find available parking at the Skatium or at one of the four schools with a few blocks of the event. Please use a taxi, Lyft, Uber or a designated driver if you plan to drink alcohol.

There is no admission cost to the event. The Haverford Partnership for Economic Development (HPED) will accept donations at the event to cover costs, and will have information about Resident Memberships ($25) to support events like these and beautification efforts around the Township.

For more information about the event, visit the HPED facebook page or the HPED website at www.hped.org.

The Haverford Partnership for Economic Development is a non-profit organization through which business owners, commercial property owners, residents and Haverford Township officials collaborate to strengthen local business districts by helping existing businesses be successful, welcoming new businesses and beautifying business areas.