Herb and Frances Rosa are the owners and operators of Rosa’s Bakery, a shop located at Fifth Street and Girard Avenue that originally specialized in their delicious pretzels.They still sell pretzels at Rosa’s--and plenty of the--) but the shop has expanded into a deli that also sells fresh fruit, a variety of candies and even water ice. The door is constantly being opened by customers who love Rosa’s pretzels, but some customers appreciate something different--something that cannot be purchased at the shop.

“I love coming here because Herb and Frances are kind people
who have been in this neighborhood for decades,” said Joe
Desuvio.

“I really like that when I come in here they know me, and they take the time to say hello and ask how my day is going. You don’t get that anywhere else.”

Even so, you cannot discount the pretzels.

“Most people come in strictly for the pretzels, but you can’t blame them, they are the best around!” Herb Rosa said with a smile. “I would try to sneak bites, but my wife yells at me.”

Unfortunately, the Rosas recently decided they will be retiring soon-- sometime in the next year or so. Frances Rosa attributes their decision partially to the changing economy, but said it ultimately came down to a family-related decision.

“Our kids live in Tennessee and we don’t want to be far away from them and their children,” she said. “We’ve been working here awhile and I think we’re ready for a break. I think it’s time.”

The Girard Coalition was established as a project of the Philadelphia Empowerment Zone to serve Girard Avenue from I-95 to the Philadelphia Zoo. The Girard Coalition consists of over 50 neighborhood groups and businesses on Girard Avenue, whose mission is to draw attention to the street through commerce and the arts. The coalition deals with tasks to help increase the overall appeal of Girard Avenue in the 12 surrounding neighborhoods, including Ludlow.

Lavelle, a Temple University graduate and volunteer at the Girard Coalition, believes the coalition’s work is important because it will help remove the stigma given to the surrounding area.

“I believe there is a negative image of the neighborhood, but that’s what we’re trying to get rid of,” she said. “We want restaurants and nightlife, a positive place where people think to come to have a good time.”

The coalition is working to create and to promote an arts and music strip on the Girard block, something it feels will draw in attention. The coalition is looking to not only beautify the area but also create a stronger sense of unity within the city. The re-opening of the historic SEPTA Route 15 trolley is a key aspect in the revitalization of the street.