September 2026 Food News in the Brandywine Valley
A few of our favorite things to share this month about local food and drink
Final Stretch
A dream that’s been 10 years in the making, the West Chester Food Cooperative is getting ready to open its doors at 204 W. Market Street. The lease was signed, the interior build completed, first grocery truck arrived, local vendors featured on Instagram, shelves stocked. General manager Issa Ostrander is joined by other new hires and 800 owner/members for this long-awaited local grocery store, scheduled to open August 21. WestChester.Coop
More Pasta
Love Downingtown’s Pomod’oro Pizza & Italian Restaurant? Now there’s more to love since the Cataldo family is expanding to the historic Thorndale Inn. At La Piazza Trattoria, look for an elevated Italian farmhouse dining experience with some Pomod’oro faves. Full bar (unlike BYOB Pomod’oro), event space, historic setting with a little face lift. What’s not to love? Except waiting for its fall opening. 430 Bondsville Rd., Downingtown. LaPiazzaTrattoriaDowningtown.com
Unplugged Vibes
Top Dog Cocktails plans a fall opening for an intimate tasting room and vinyl listening space in Kennett Square. The concept combines an analog listening room experience — similar to the Stylus Room coming to Swarthmore — with Top Dog’s craft 12.5% ABV canned cocktails, including martinis, whiskey lemonade and a vodka and grapefruit Greyhound. Future collaborations with neighboring Kennett Flash are in the works. 110 E. State St. TopDogCocktails.com; @StylusRoom
Resy Ready
Square Roots Collective’s new two-story restaurant and cocktail bar, Opus, announced its opening weekend, September 11–13, in the former temporary home of Hank’s Place, next to the charming Artelo art hotel. Expect approachable, upscale New American food served in an intimate dining room, with outdoor patio and terrace dining, plus a daytime breakfast program. Curated artwork and a ceiling mural hand painted by community members. Check socials for the menu. 201 Birch St. OpusKSQ.com
Sweet News
Bryn Mawr’s beloved Bakery House is coming to Paoli Village Shoppes. Opening a second location farther west will help satisfy the ever-growing demand for their scratch-made goodies — from quiche, croissants and Jewish apple cake to brownies, cupcakes and custom cakes (love the red velvet!). More good news — plenty of free parking. Less good news — not opening until fall, but still in time for holiday pies! 35 W. Lancaster Ave. TheBakeryHouse.net