Northwest Philadelphia's business landscape was marked by notable openings and emotional closings of longtime community fixtures in 2024.

In healthcare, Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital underwent significant leadership changes as Richard Newell succeeded John Cacciamani as president and CEO in April. In a wide-ranging joint interview with Temple University Hospital CEO Abhi Rastogi, Newell outlined ambitious plans to expand services following the 2023 acquisition by an alliance of Temple Health, Redeemer Health and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Germantown celebrated a major addition to its retail scene as Weavers Way Co-op opened a 6,000-square-foot store at Chelten Avenue and Morris Street in a former Acme building. The new location represented a significant expansion for the cooperative and filled a crucial need in the neighborhood. The community's enthusiasm was evident in the store's initial performance, with General Manager Jon Roesser reporting $143,730 in sales during its first four days and 172 new member households joining, bringing total co-op membership across four stores to 12,240. 

The diverse array of newcomers included Cider Belly Hard Cider, bringing local craft beverages to 8005 Germantown Ave.; Multiverse at 8026 Germantown Ave.; Little Wares at 8117 Germantown Ave.; and Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness at 8133 Germantown Ave. The northern end of the avenue saw particular growth with Ember (8432 Germantown Ave.), Laëte (8436 Germantown Ave.), and Char & Stave (8441 Germantown Ave.) all opening their doors. El Limon expanded dining options at 8612 Germantown Ave., while Smell the Curry joined the diverse offerings at the Market at the Fareway.

The year also saw the end of several beloved institutions. After more than four decades of serving Chestnut Hill, Fiesta Pizza III closed its doors on Oct. 10, marking the end of an era for local dining. Owner Pete Thomas described his decision as bittersweet, citing health concerns and the physical demands of the work. "Things have just changed," Thomas said. "I've done it for 40-something years, and I just can't stand up and do that work anymore. I had some health issues and I didn't want to push myself until I really hurt myself." 

Carman’s Shoe Repair shut down after 87 years, ending a family legacy that had served Northwest Philadelphia for nearly nine decades. Carman Notarianni Jr. closed the business following a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder causing extreme muscular weakness. "I used to do so much myself, and you just can't find any Tom, Dick or Harry to run this business," he explained. "I just don't have the strength and energy to run it anymore." The closure left the region without the craftsmanship that had been a hallmark of the shop since its founding by Carman Notarianni Sr.

The Market at the Fareway marked both endings and milestones in 2024. Ranck's Lunchmeats, the market's longest-tenured business, completed its 40th year before closing in the fall. The establishment had been a fixture since shortly after the market's 1982 opening as the Chestnut Hill Farmers Market, and its closure marked the end of an era for longtime customers who had made it a regular stop for four decades.

Despite these changes, Chestnut Hill's commercial corridor demonstrated remarkable resilience – and drew the attention of national television with yet another live broadcast by Good Morning America.