Hoser’s served its final dish on July 1, ending a four-year adventure that started with an opening in the Market at the Fareway, a modern farmers market located at 8221 Germantown Ave.

Owner Max Hosey moved to Glenside in 2004 from Wilkes-Barre. A new neighbor in the community, Hosey intended to put down roots — roots that grew into a thriving business and made him a well-known and respected part of the community.

“I didn’t realize how good of a community it was until I was truly a part of it,” Hosey said.

From Chestnut Hill’s Belgian-block streets to its family-friendly atmosphere, historic architecture and vibrant community, Hosey said he was glad to be a part of something he admired.

“I’ve always been in love with the area," he said. "It’s just so aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It’s a good mix of city and country.”

“My business started as a response to the pandemic.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Market at the Fareway responded to safety protocols by holding open-air farmers markets where vendors could sell their
products.

“I prepared food to go, so people could have some food during that weird, strange, dark time that we were going through in 2020 and 2021,” Hosey said.

Selling his to-go meals at the outdoor market elevated his business from a vending station to a food truck, and finally to a market space. Hoser’s kitchen attracted an array of great reviews and loyal customers, serving local, seasonal vegetarian and vegan food.

“We had a lot of loyal people that I knew by name, I recognized a lot of people’s faces, I had a lot of good conversations with people, we’ve gotten a lot of good reviews … I’m very blessed,” he said.

While the decision to close his market space was difficult, leaving the community, he said, is harder.

“I’m gonna definitely miss a lot of things, but that’s part of growth,” he said. “The relationships, getting to do what I love to do, the short commute … opening people’s minds to vegan and vegetarian food.”

The future remains uncertain for Hosey. “It’s up in the air,” he said.

Bittersweet move for sweets shop

Hoser’s is not the only recently closed business. Made by ME, a handmade chocolate shop also in the Fareway, closed May 31. In an email to the Local, Made by ME owner MaryEllen Salamone thanked customers for their support during her decades as a pastry chef and chocolatier, and her nine years at the Fareway, as well as their understanding of the increasing overhead of running a small business.

According to Chestnut Hill Business District Retail Advocate Ann Nevel, planning is underway to fill the market’s two open spots. Nevel explained retail change as natural and bittersweet, while allowing for fresh and exciting openings.

“It’s all part of the retail life cycle, especially in a district like ours, where many businesses are small, independent and personally run,” she said.

Chestnut Hill has seen 50 business openings since January 2022, which Nevel said reflects how dynamic and desirable the area is and shows interest from entrepreneurs. Nevel, in her role with the Business District, works with commercial property owners and developers to recruit businesses that bring “value and vibrancy to the community.”

Pivots, not goodbyes

AR Workshop, at 8607 Germantown Ave., is moving away from a brick-and-mortar model, closing its location to continue hosting DIY craft workshops. “It’s a pivot, not a goodbye,” Nevel said.

PTK Gallery, located at 8002 Germantown Ave., which once had locations across
the tri-state area, will also close this fall along with the other remaining locations due to changes in consumer habits. In the meantime, shoppers can save on vintage and new rug sales.

Tasco Art Salon (8113 Germantown Ave.), owned by master electrician Robin Tasco, closed and will be replaced by a new design-related business, with preparations already underway for the change. Nevel described Tasco as an “inspiring woman who’s made a career out of breaking boundaries.”

Another changeover occurred at 8100 Germantown Ave., where local chain Doggie Style Pets opened its 13th location on June 25. The store fills a need for the community’s furriest neighbors after Bone Appetite, at 8517 Germantown Ave., closed in March.

Additionally, Chestnut Hill Sports, at 8628 Germantown Ave., closed in May after 30 successful years, when owners Tom Amodie and George Chiodo retired. Bowman Properties acquired the building and will soon announce a new business in the space, according to Nevel.

“Chestnut Hill continues to evolve, and that’s something to celebrate,” Nevel said in a statement to the Local. “Every change gives us the chance to strengthen our retail mix, bring in fresh ideas and stay attuned to the way people live, shop and dine today. The energy is real — and the best is yet to come.”

This article has been updated to reflect the correct closing date of Made by ME.