Hi, Chester County! 👋
A new brewery is opening this weekend in Spring City. Here’s what to know. Also this week, we take a peek inside a couple’s Berwyn garden that blooms year-round, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court case involving West Chester University could have broader ramifications, plus, several new eateries are opening, including a coffee shop.
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Punch Buggy Brewing Company opens Spring City location
A Philadelphia brewery is getting ready to open its new outpost in Spring City. After a year in the works, Punch Buggy Brewing Company will debut its second location at 77 N. Main St. this Saturday, taking over a former hardware store.
The new location will serve Punch Buggy’s brews, which range from IPAs and lagers popular with the Philly crowd, to sours and dark beers, which have gained popularity locally thanks to the brewery’s foray into the farmer’s market.
In addition to beer, Punch Buggy will partner with Deezy’s Famous Cheesesteaks for food, and host live music on select nights.
The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz has all the details.
How a couple transformed their Berwyn garden to have year-round color
After purchasing their Colonial-revival split-level in Berwyn in 1987, Bonnie and Bob Dettore set about transforming the home, inside and out.
Owned by seven people before them and full of old growth trees and bare ground, it was once “dark and damp all the time,” Bonnie said. That’s no longer the case thanks to Bob’s handiwork.
The inside of the home has been overhauled and in the past four decades, its grounds have been transformed to showcase year-round color, thanks to showy rhododendrons, redbuds, ironwoods, magnolias, dogwoods, spring bulbs, and yellow witch hazel.
Take a peek inside their garden.
📍 Countywide News
Chester County remains in a drought warning as the hot summer months approach. Officials are asking residents to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10% to 15%.
An April Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in favor of West Chester University may have ripple effects beyond the borough. Judges ruled that the tax-exempt university didn’t have to pay for stormwater treatment after considering it a tax, not a fee. Now numerous Pennsylvania communities might see higher stormwater bills as a result, The Inquirer’s Anthony Wood explains.
Some 32,000 Main Line Health patients insured by UnitedHealthcare could face service interruptions and providers going out of network if the insurer and the health system, which owns Paoli Hospital, don’t reach a deal by June 30. The two organizations are currently in negotiations.
There was another black bear sighting over the weekend, this time in East Goshen and Willistown Townships. In April, residents reported spotting a black bear in West Vincent Township. Residents are advised to take precautions and report sightings. (6abc)
💡 Community News
Global investment firm Vanguard is shrinking its physical footprint in Malvern by not renewing its expiring lease at 45 Liberty Blvd. The company said it plans to relocate employees working at that office to its nearby main campus.
West Chester-based home shopping giant QVC is among the largest companies in the U.S., ranking No. 433 on the latest Fortune 500. The company reported $9 billion in revenue last year before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this spring.
After pushing theNCAA Division II baseball championshipto a deciding third game, West Chester University fell to the University of Tampa 8-4.
West Vincent Township’s board of supervisors is scheduled to consider Toll Brother’s proposal to build 46 single-family homes along five properties on South Chester Springs and Conestoga Roads, about 60% of which is preserved open space, at its at 7 p.m.
Last week, Willistown Township’s board of supervisors voted to approve creating a township sewer authority, which it will now file with the state.
West Whiteland Township’s board of supervisors will discuss adopting a new comprehensive plan, which includes goals of improving public transit services, pedestrian and bicycle access, and conservation. The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the township building, as well as on Zoom.
There’s a public open house on Monday at the Caln Township building to discuss the Lincoln Highway corridor. Residents can weigh in on safety improvements, access, and preliminary designs.
🚧 Roadwork to watch out for
Coatesville and Caln, Sadsbury, Valley, and West Caln Townships: There will be an overnight lane closure on Route 30 westbound between Airport Road and Kings Highway from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday.
East Coventry Township: A monthslong project to update the bridge on Ellis Woods Road over Pigeon Creek got underway this week and will continue through October, during which time the bridge will remain closed.
East Nottingham Township: Woods Road between Pugh and Hickory Hill Roads will be closed today from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. for pipe repairs.
London Grove Township: Resurfacing work begins today on Clay Creek Road between Garden Station Road and the Avondale Borough line, as well as on East Avondale Road between Clay Creek and Rose Hill Roads. Work is expected to continue through June 22 with daily road closures.
Wallace and West Nantmeal Townships: Creek Road between Fairview and Manor Roads will be closed on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through next Thursday.
Warwick Township: Work continues on Harmonyville Road next week, with a closure between Hopewell and Saint Peters Roads on Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Chester: Both South Church Street between University Avenue and Price Street and Sharpless Street between High and Darlington Streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday.
Willistown Township: Milling and paving work began this week and is expected to continue for the next three weeks on roads throughout the township. See which ones will be impacted here.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Great Valley School District’s board approved its earlier this month, which includes a 3.49% property tax increase.
Registration for Phoenixville Area School District’s Power Up for School program is now open. During the July 30 event, families can learn about programs and get vaccines or physicals for their children. Registration must be completed by July 17.
West Chester Area School District has approved its 2026-27 budget, with a 3.3% real estate tax increase for Chester County residents.
🍽️ On our Plate
Looking for a spot to watch the World Cup? The Inquirer’s Beatrice Forman rounded up bars to catch the game, including Kildare’s Irish Pub in West Chester, which is hosting a 21+ watch party Friday when Team USA takes on Paraguay.
Twin Valley Coffee has opened a location at 4043 Main St. in Elverson, with a “homecoming weekend” taking place Friday and Saturday.
Asad’s Hot Chicken is opening a location in Malvern this Friday at 490 Lancaster Ave. in the Frazer Shopping Center. To mark the occasion, it will offer free food from 3 to 6 p.m. The Philadelphia-born fast-casual eatery specializes in halal fried chicken.
Parlor Doughnuts is opening in Berwyn this Saturday and will give away donuts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 602 Lancaster Ave., the Indiana-based donut chain is known for its sweet and savory layered donuts with flavors like buffalo chicken, pepperoni, maple pecan, and bourbon caramel. It also offers vegan- and keto-friendly options.
Herr’s released the winning chip flavors for the 2026 spin on its “Flavored by Philly” competition this week, but instead of a single winner, the Nottingham chip company is releasing three in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday. The “Taste the 250” winners are Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries, Liberty Hickory Barbeque, and United Jalapeño Cream Cheese and will be available throughout the summer.
🎳 Things to Do
🎙️ Sound of Summer Free Concert Series: The annual concert series returns for the season, featuring a performance by Coatesville’s classical soul, funk, and jazz outfit The Sermon! There will also be food trucks. ⏰ Wednesday, June 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Anson B. Nixon Park, Kennett Square
🎹 Tredyffrin Township Summer Concert Series: This year’s concert series kicks off with a performance by the Tim Williams Band. ⏰ Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Wilson Farm Park, Wayne
🎨 Phoenixville Art Street Festival: Now in its ninth year, the festival will feature over 70 artists, including live performances. ⏰ Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Downtown Phoenixville
🍇 Mainstreet on the Vine: There will be wine, live music, vendors, and ice cream at this afternoon event. ⏰ Saturday, June 13, noon-5 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Wayvine Vineyard, Nottingham
☀️ Downingtown Summer Jam: There will be live music, food trucks, and drinks at this family-friendly event. ⏰ Saturday, June 13, 4-9 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Kerr Park, Downingtown
🍷 Kennett Summerfest: Sample sips from over a dozen local and regional wineries, cideries, and meaderies at this 21-and-over event. There will also be music, vendors, and food to purchase. Non-alcohol tickets are also available. ⏰ Sunday, June 14, 2-6 p.m. 💵 $46.35-$103 📍 100 block of South Broad Street, Kennett Square
🏡 On the Market
A converted 1850s farmhouse with modern flair
A three-bedroom carriage house-style home in a converted farmhouse that dates back to the 1850s is on the market for the first time. Part of the Greenbank Cottages, the home is located in what was once the defunct Upattinas School that was converted into five residences. This one spans three levels and has stone on the interior and exterior. The main level features a living room with 30-foot ceilings anchored by a stone fireplace, original beams, and several chandeliers. Other features include a lounge area with a wet bar, an office, a courtyard, and a primary suite with a built-in closet system. There’s an open house Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $824,999 | Size: 2,594 SF
🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:
Catholicism is growing in Philly and New Jersey. Who’s filling the pews?
All the farmers markets worth knowing in Philadelphia and the suburbs
Opinion: Taking Philly shelter dogs on field trips wrecked me, and I can’t recommend it enough
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