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Tag: Featured Tenant

Featured Tenant: Philadelphia School of Massage & Bodywork

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Donna Zadie, and Julia Bayardi, licensed massage instructors and co-owners of Philadelphia School of Massage & Bodywork (PSMB), are thrilled with their new space in a historic industrial building at 263 N. Lawrence St., just below Vine in Old City, between 4th and 5th St. “We are on the ground floor of a beautiful building that offers a cozy and welcoming environment that aligns with the vibe
of our curriculum,” said Donna.

“We moved last April from our much smaller previous location, a couple of blocks away on N. 2nd St. Following the pandemic, we were ready to grow again and needed more space,” said Julia. Expanding from 640 sq. ft to 2100 sq. ft. has allowed them to achieve their goals and has given them the ability to host events for community organizations like Morris Animal Refuge. “The event we hosted in September combined kittens, chair massage, and chocolates,” said Julia. “We will be working with Morris in the future and have another event, a Winter Bazaar, on Saturday, Feb. 11th offering chair massage, Tarot readings, along with community vendors and service providers.”

Teaching Massage

Donna and Julia first met when they were students at the same massage school and ended up working as instructors there. “We were certified in 2004 and we have 20 years of professional massage therapy experience between us. During that time, we worked at various spas and chiropractic centers. We were also neighbors in Fishtown and when the school we had attended closed, Donna suggested we open our own,” said Julia. ‘We officially opened PSMB in 2015.”

As the only massage school in Center City and the only privately owned massage school in Greater Philadelphia operated by massage therapists, PSMB offers a wide range of opportunities. “Our 600-hour program prepares the student to pass the national exam and ultimately apply for their state massage
therapy license,” said Donna. “Our program deals specifically with what we call Integrated Massage, including Swedish, Shiatsu, and Chair Massage. We also offer year-round continuing education courses to expand your scope of practice. Whether you are trying to fulfill licensing credit hour requirements, gain certification for a new modality, or just looking to learn something fun, PSMB will be there to help you reach your professional goals.”

The other massage modalities they teach include Pre-Natal Massage, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release Basics, Hydrotherapy, and Trigger Point Therapy.

Private Events and Affordable Student Massages

In addition to courses for students, PSMB has a chair massage company that offers on-site chair massage for corporate events, businesses, trade shows, and parties in the tri-state area. “Chair massage can rejuvenate stressed-out employees, conference attendees, and shoppers,” said Julia, “It can attract
prospective clients and leave a positive impression. Plus, it’s an affordable way to make everyone a little healthier and happier.” Keep this fun option in mind for bridal showers, birthday parties, and family gatherings.

You do not have to wait for a special occasion to indulge in a massage. PSMB also offers discounted massages in their Student Clinic for just $35 for one hour, enabling students to gain expertise while offering customers an affordable way to relieve stress.

263 N Lawrence St.

Solo welcomes The Philadelphia School of Massage & Bodywork into their new space at 263 N. Lawrence St and we’re glad to be able to rent them a space that will support their business’s continued growth.

The Philadelphia School of Massage & Bodywork is one of many commercial tenants we are proud to work with and have in our community. If you are seeking office or studio space, reach out to us to see how we can support your business goals.

Featured Tenant: La Capital Mexican Grill

Posted on by Solo Team

When Salvador Zamuvio, 36, opened La Capital Mexican Grill on the northeast corner of 6th & Fairmount in September 2021, he was fulfilling the American Dream. While Solo played a part by leasing him the space, it was Zamuvio’s drive and ambition, and persistence that made it all come true.

Growing up in Mexico City, Salvador had no idea that the delicious tacos of his hometown would someday become the basis of his business model. “I was a student in Mexico,” said Zamuvio. “But when I came to Philadelphia in 2012, I worked for three years at Twenty Manning Grill with Chef Kiong Banh, and he became my mentor.”

Salvador Zamuvio garnishes tacos with cilantro

An immigrant himself, Chef Banh worked in the kitchens of Philadelphia’s 5-star hotels, including the Rittenhouse, before joining forces with Audrey Claire Taichman to create the Asian-influenced New American cuisine for which he is famous. For a newcomer to the food industry like Zamuvio, this opportunity allowed him to learn from one of Philly’s most revered executive chefs.

Salvador working in the kitchen at La Capital Mexican Grill

It was in the kitchen of Twenty Manning, working with Chef Bahn, that Zamuvio’s passion for cooking ignited. Something else good happened there. Zamuvio met his wife Laura who also worked there. Following his apprenticeship with Chef Banh, Zamuvio and Laura started a food truck at Temple University, specializing in tacos. Laura took orders and Zamuvio cooked.

“All the ingredients were fresh,” said Zamuvio. “I made Al Pastor Tacos with pork marinated in dried chilies spices and pineapple on a twelve-inch flour tortilla with  black beans, white rice, lettuce, and pico de gallo.”

A close up shot of some of the tacos at La Capital Mexican Grill

If that doesn’t wake up your taste buds, Zamuvio also makes Quesabirria, slowly braised brisket with cilantro, onion, and lime. And Street Corn, corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise and chili powder.

The recipes are his own creation. He said Mexico City is known as “the capital of tacos” and so his recipes are inspired by that idea. “Sometimes people will make suggestions and I will tweak the menu but I draw inspiration from many sources,” he said.

churros served at la capital mexican grill
a plaque that says bienvenidos welcomes people to the restaurant

Zamuvio’s food truck was popular on Temple’s Campus for over five years, from when it first opened in 2015 until it closed in 2021 when they decided to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant. “We were very busy and that is what made us decide we need more space,” he said. Now that Laura is home caring for the baby, Zamuvio does all the cooking and sometimes he is also the server, the dishwasher, and the cashier.

“From the start, students from Temple came to La Capital Grill. They missed us and we missed them,” said Zamuvio. “Now area residents are coming.” Before Zamuvio had leased the space it had been a Guatemalan restaurant. 

A close up of a sign promoting the temple owls alongside two mexican ceramic figurines

Meanwhile, the pandemic presents its own challenges. “It is very difficult to find people to work in the restaurant,” said Zamuvio. 20% of the restaurant’s business is dine-in and 80% is takeout or delivery. “My goal is to continue building the business and be able to have a little less stress and more calmness,” he said.

a close up of the restaurant's chalkboard menu, which lists quesabirrias, quesadillas, burritos, tacos and more.

La Capital Mexican Grill’s menu now goes far beyond tacos and includes: Vegetarian Quesadillas, Chicken Enchiladas Suizas, Shrimp Fajitas, Milanesa de Pollo Torta, Molletes, and Beef Nachos. 

We hope you will join us in welcoming and supporting one of Solo’s newest tenants. Buen provecho!

La Capital Mexican Grill is one of many commercial tenants we are proud to work with and have in our community. If you are seeking office or studio space, reach out to us to see how we can support your business goals.

A Small Business Saturday Guide Featuring Solo Tenants

Posted on by Solo Team

Celebrate Small Business Saturday, November 27th, by visiting one of the many local businesses launched by Solo tenants. We pride ourselves in helping our commercial tenants establish businesses that bring valued services to the community.

Doggie Style Pets, 1635 Spruce St.

This is your go-to shop for all things canine, as well as feline, aviary, and reptilian. They stock all the accessories and foods you need to keep your pets in prime condition. Where else can you find bakery fresh treats for your French bulldog to distract him from your bagel? 

Doggie Style Pets has also partnered with Saved Me, a local nonprofit and no-kill organization that is focused on saving dogs and cats from shelters that are forced to euthanize due to the limited amount of space. At every Doggie Style Pets store location, they have two Saved Me dogs looking for their “furever” home. While you’re there shopping for pet supplies, you just might meet your new best friend! To learn more about Doggie Style Pets, check out our feature on them here.

Yaas’ Fruitea Cafe, 1200 South St.

Make this your stop for exotic teas, coffees, and delectable baked goods. A Boba Tea shop with an enticing dessert menu that includes Crème Brulee, panna cotta, cream puffs, petite cakes, muffins, and cookies. Stop by to pick up some and add these treats to your holiday celebrations.

Philly Art Collective, 253 N. 3rd St.

Image: Philly Art Collective

This innovative gallery run by 21 area artists features monthly shows, studio space, merchandise made by member artists, and a directory of its members. We especially like the beautifully printed Afro Cubism illustrations now available on the site. Just add a frame and you have a special holiday gift.

Irina Segal, 2038 Locust St.

When the occasion calls for the talents and artistry of a couture dressmaker, bridal parties, society hostesses, and celebrities call on the services of Irina Segal. Named Best of Philly by Philadelphia Style Magazine, Segal offers a level of workmanship and creativity normally only found in Paris designer salons. This is where you bring your wedding gown for alterations or for an original custom design for that holiday gala.

Image: Irina Segal

Kei Sushi, 1711 South St.

We love sushi and nobody does it better. With just 24 seats, plus four chairs at the bar, this is an intimate little restaurant with big ideas. These stunning sashimi and sushi party platters make holiday entertaining a breeze. Check out their lunch menus and affordable dinner options – a welcome alternative to standard American holiday fare. To learn more about Kei Sushi, check out our feature on them here.

Thrive Yoga & Pilates, 2016 Walnut, 2nd Fl.

Hally Bayer at the Thrive Yoga & Pilates Studio

Ready to work off those pandemic pounds? Hally Bayer, founder of Thrive Yoga & Pilates uses Pilates and Meditation to help people of all ages achieve sustainable energy, increased strength, and improved posture. Hally’s newly-renovated studio offers regular classes in-studio, as well as outdoor, live stream, and on-demand classes. The studio also offers personalized private training and corporate classes. Sign up for a class or purchase a gift card for a friend to attend classes with you. The team at Thrive Yoga and Pilates will work with you where you are at and takes you to where you want to be. Read more about Hally and the studio on our feature here.

La Capital Mexican Grill, 527 Fairmount Ave. 

Image: La Capital Mexican Grill

Short of flying to Mexico City, this is the real deal where you will find authentic Molletes, a Mexican brunch dish of crusty bread layered with refried beans, melted cheese, pico de Gallo, and chorizo with eggs (or vegetarian). Plus all your favorites – tacos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, etc. Dine or order online.

Dope Botanicals, 257 S. 20th

Here you will find herbal lattes, teas, and tonics, smoothies, and elixirs that will put you on the road to plant-based wellness. This herbal shop is co-owned by sisters Nakia and Taahirah Stith who have curated a beautiful and welcoming space for people to learn about herbal medicine. They have a wide selection of fresh herbs available as well as merchandise and will soon offer consultations on herbal health, small group classes in plant-based health, and more. For more information on Dope Botanicals, read our recent tenant feature on them.

When you stop by any of our tenant’s businesses, tell them Solo sent you!

Featured Tenant: Time to Thrive

Posted on by Solo Team

In her Rittenhouse Square studio at 2016 Walnut, Solo Real Estate tenant Hally Bayer, founder of Thrive Pilates & Yoga and Thrive with Hally uses pilates, yoga, and meditation to help people of all ages achieve sustainable energy, increased strength, and improved posture based on her personal experience. 

“When I was fifteen, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I was hospitalized for a month and had three surgeries. It is a driving factor to this day to stay healthy,” she said.

Hally recovered but relapsed when she was twenty-five. “That is when I found a holistic health mentor who introduced me to meditation,” she said. “My meditation practice has brought me so much peace, gratitude, healing, light, energy, and insight. It helped me so much, I cannot go a day without it. Now, my seven-year-old son meditates with me.”

Certified in meditation training by Depak Chopra, Hally has incorporated the practice into Thrive with Hally, an online service separate from the studio. She admits meditation can be a struggle at the start but the rewards far outweigh the initial resistance. “There’s no such thing as a good or bad meditation,” she said. “The results are cumulative.”

Thrive with Hally offers meditation On-Demand, a series of online videos, five to twenty minutes, to find peace, relaxation, and resilience. “Our online meditations are accessible anytime, anywhere whether you are brand new to meditating or a seasoned practitioner,” said Hally. “With guided meditation, you will increase productivity, sleep better, improve relationships and move through your day with gratitude, optimism, compassion, and grace,” she said. 

Hally developed her appreciation for yoga and pilates through her own exploration of well-being. “I was a dancer and movement has always been a huge part of my life. I first fell in love with yoga. It’s just a great way to combine movement and meditation,” said Hally.

“I later gravitated towards pilates because it helped me get to know my body in a more balanced holistic way than any form of movement I ever experienced. It’s something I can do every day and feel strong, flexible, energetic, and calm,” she said. 

“Everyone should do pilates for health and longevity. It’s a lot of core work and it’s important for your spine, balance, and overall health. I have clients in their mid-eighties who had knee and hip replacements. There is no better form of exercise.” 

Hally recommends yoga, pilates, and meditation for all ages, including during pregnancy. “I did pilates and yoga while pregnant and it helped during labor, delivery, and the postnatal period,” she said.

Growing and Renovating

After over a decade, Hally outgrew the original Thrive Pilates & Yoga studio space on the third floor and went back to Solo for assistance. Rather than move out of the building, she relocated the Thrive studio to a larger space on the second floor and did a major renovation. “We just finished construction and totally remodeled the space,” she said.

Private pilates instruction, which Hally recommends for people who are new to the practice, is available in-studio and online. “Whether your goal is to achieve more strength or rehabilitation, these sessions are customized for your body and goals,” said Hally.

Thrive Pilates & Yoga offers regular classes in-studio, as well as outdoor, live stream, and on-demand classes. The studio also offers personalized private training and corporate classes. 

“Employees may be experiencing varying amounts of stress which weakens the immune system, making them more susceptible to illness which can equate to increased health costs for the organization and absenteeism,” said Hally.

“Providing opportunities for movement and meditation for your employees may not only mitigate the impact of stress, but also help them with focus, productivity, and creativity,” said Hally. 

We congratulate Hally and Thrive Pilates & Yoga on the transition to a new space to accommodate its continued growth. Thrive is one of many commercial tenants we are proud to work with and have in our community.  If you are seeking office or studio space, reach out to us to see how we can support your business goals.