In turn new and returning clients are relieved to learn that Aman’s staff is now fully-vaccinated as well. Many were waiting to come back until after they received their vaccinations,” Aman reported. “Thankfully, every week we have more clients returning. Toasted Walnut, Philly’s only lesbian bar, permanently closes Hair salons, which require a lot of potential person-to-person contact, were especially hard hit by the pandemic. We have been seeing a lot of old and new customers.”Ī few blocks away, Markus Aman of The Lion’s Mane Salon on Pine Street was delighted to speak with PGN almost a year after our last conversation. “Things are looking good for the spring and future of the bar. Lowe is optimistic, with Tequila Tuesdays and Whiskey Wednesdays a hit for thirsty Philadelphians ready to socialize as carefully as possible. Photos on social media show a happy, diverse crowd sipping at tables with masks at the ready.
The business looks forward to the continuing success of outdoor and socially-responsible indoor socializing, with the addition of a H13 HEPA air filtration system. Unhappy with the name Jock’s, Lowe and his business partner took the opportunity to rebrand as Level Up. “We had to make a lot of changes and adjustments to adapt to the pandemic.” With the weather starting to warm up, we have hired some old and new staff back,” Ken Lowe, Jr. “Since the pandemic hit, we have had to downsize a few times. Despite the time frame of opening versus shutdown, they are flourishing. The current management acquired the business in March of last year, a week before the Commonwealth put restrictions into place. Level Up Bar & Lounge, formerly known as JocksPHL, is the first 100% minority-owned LGBTQ-bar in Philadelphia. We checked in with some of those Gayborhood spots, and compared to last year, this spring is blossoming. Locally-owned businesses the world over have felt the sting of mandatory closings, reduced capacity, and operating in the face of lost revenue.
PHILADELPHIA - Last year, the Philadelphia Gay News spoke with Gayborhood businesses to see how they were managing through pandemic regulations.