New Hope business scene: more new players gear up for the high season

Angel Hearts in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Commercial occupancy rates seem to be creeping up in New Hope, and even accounting for seasonal factors, it seems that cautious optimism at least partially rooted in the Bucks County Playhouse renovation has taken hold in local business circles. Three cases in point:

Newtown women’s clothing and accessory boutique Angel Hearts apparently had a change of heart about their retail location and switched to 12 W. Bridge St. in New Hope last month. Specializing in high-end jewelry, handbags, scarves, shoes and imported women's couture, what's also interesting about Angel Hearts is that owner Sherri Daugherty and her husband Kevin are the locally famous couple who funded the purchase and refurbishment of the Bucks County Playhouse re-opening next month.

Grabbing the empty storefront at 48 W. Ferry St. is the Stephen Clark Design Group, which intends to use the space "as an office for design projects as well as a retail store with furniture and doodads," according to the company. Ferry Street has been under some pressure in recent years as New Hope's commercial district has contracted, and the avenue once known as "antiques row" is also home to an important local bridge currently under construction. Nonetheless, an interior design business seems a logical choice for this particular location, especially given the borough's tendency toward business category redundancy.

And speaking of redundancy, another intriguing newcomer is a yet unnamed frozen yogurt store opening soon at 88 S. Main St. While New Hope has never experienced a dearth of frozen confection outlets, don't bet against this one. It's owned by Han Pan, and if you don't know who he is, you soon will. Currently executive director at the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and board member at the National Council of Chinese Americans, Han has also served as an officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and been deputy executive director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs.

Bottom line: Don't expect this former community organizer and Main Street Manager to stick with the status quo when it comes to fulfilling his goal of making New Hope an international tourist destination.

New Hope PA train station (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Soap Opera Company of Lahaska expands into New Hope

The Soap Opera Company in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Betting on a retail rebound inspired by renovation of the landmark Bucks County Playhouse, the Soap Opera Company of Peddler’s Village in Lahaska has opened a second location in the heart of New Hope, steps away from the theater in the former Strawberry Jam space.

Owner Kristen Maldonado purchased the original Soap Opera Company in 2010 so that “as a single parent I could reinvent my professional life,” she said. “I wanted to be able to work at home with my daughter Bella after school, and that was the driving force behind the decision to buy the business and overhaul it.”

During the last two years, the Peddler’s Village retail location has undergone a merchandising facelift. Known for handcrafted soaps, bath salts, and bath bombs, the Soap Opera now features a broader variety of bath, body and linen products, including bubble baths, liquid soaps, organic lines, seasonal soaps, linens, and a kids’ section.

Speaking of her newly opened New Hope location, Maldonado said, “We are humbled and honored to be in the spot formerly occupied by Strawberry Jam, and we’re grateful for the welcome shown to us by the community.
“We've already started customizing our inventory to reflect New Hope customer preferences versus those of Peddler’s Village,” she added.

Two standouts in the new store were the “Morning Mint” line by Archipelago Botanicals, and the large olive-based block soap from Marseilles (also great for cleaning artists’ brushes).

There will certainly be enough local competition but, says Maldonado, “Don't let the big rubber ducks in the window fool you. The Soap Opera staff is serious about soaps, showers, all things bath.”

The Soap Opera Company is located at 44 S. Main St.; (215) 693-1774.

Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art in New Hope explores the art of booze

By Charlie Sahner

Oil painter Steve Messenger is best known for his realistic depictions of horses, but the works comprising his latest exhibit "represent a painted pub crawl through the bars, taverns, and dives I frequent in Philadelphia, Bucks County, and New Jersey," according to the artist.

"After long work hours at my Philadelphia studio and elsewhere, I spend many late nights in bars to unwind and catch up with my artist friends," explained Messenger. The painting style in this latest work is engaging and well executed, reflecting an expressiveness and use of light not seen in his earlier work.

Said gallery owner Howard Cooperman, "Steve's subject matter has changed drastically from equestrian portraiture to interior bar and tavern scenes sometimes referred to 'Ash Can Art'. The style emerged at the start of the last century, and is similar to that of Bob Beck."

Establishments depicted include the Logan Inn, Jack's Firehouse, and the Inn at Lambertville Station. There will be a cocktail-infused opening reception on Saturday June 2, from 2 to 5 p.m., and the exhibit runs through June.
Bucks County Gallery is located at 77 W. Bridge St. Phone 215-862-5272 with questions or for directions.