As we enter the holiday shopping season, it’s important to support local businesses this Small Business Saturday and beyond. As a trusted advisor to businesses in the community for nearly 200 years, WSFS Bank associates understand the importance of entrepreneurs, including businesses that have been around for years like the Conshy Girls Restaurant Group and new favorites Curry Pizza House and Hidden Tap and Barrel.
This Small Business Saturday, WSFS celebrates the businesses that offer more than a tasty bite to eat, place to shop, or service; they are crucial members of our community.
A Future-Forward Focus: The Conshy Girls Restaurant Group
For more than 20 years, Conshy Girls Restaurant Group has helped define the suburban Philadelphia dining scene with two Conshohocken restaurants, Gypsy Saloon and Southern Cross Kitchen, alongside full-service catering company, Conshy Girls Catering. Gypsy Saloon, a lively restaurant in the heart of the borough, hosts an eclectic menu with Italian flair, and across the river, Southern Cross Kitchen boasts a southern comfort brasserie menu with an upscale twist.
The “Conshy Girls” behind the brand, Kim Strengari and Marianne Gere, became instant best friends in 1990 while bartending on the Main Line. Now, more than three decades later, they have turned that friendship into a long-running partnership. In 2014, they added the “Conshy Guy,” Michael Golden, to the team to bring in capital and business management expertise.
Beginning a relationship with Bryn Mawr Trust, a WSFS company, Golden turned to the bank for all of their financial needs, a decision driven by WSFS’s commitment to service. The WSFS Business Banking team offered more than financial services; they supported their growth and best positioned their balance sheet to be resilient while preserving flexibility for growth opportunities.
“A huge milestone we are proud of is completing the purchase of the building that houses Gypsy Saloon,” said Golden. “When we started the business, we were at the mercy of landlords. Owning our buildings gives us leverage and optionality over our future.”
Beyond serving delicious food to the greater Conshohocken area, the restaurant hosts annual Reindeer and Halloween events, supports the community, the police and fire stations, and hosts drives and donations for the Colonial Neighborhood Council and food pantries.
“The Conshy Girls are a great example of the powerful impact of local business,” said Ed Morris, Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager at WSFS. “They have become pillars of the community and represent what a successful business and brand looks like. They excel in providing a great dining experience and serving amazing food.”
To celebrate Small Business Saturday, the Conshy Girls are offering 20 percent off gift cards that are good at both restaurants. The sale, which launches on Black Friday, will be available on their website.
Fueling Local Flavor: Curry Pizza House
Called a hidden gem in Dover, Nik Patel and Chirag Bhavsar’s new restaurant is reinventing the traditional flavor of pizza. Curry Pizza House blends American pies with Indian flavor.
“We make our dough in-house daily, prep our vegetables every morning, and keep our ingredients simple and clean,” said Patel. “People usually walk in curious, try something new, and then come back with friends because they didn’t expect the combination to work this well.”
Beyond a menu filled with familiar favorites and tasty fusion surprises, guests can enjoy a connected bar, Hidden Tap and Barrel, featuring cocktails, mocktails, and local beers for a relaxed, lounge-style experience. Opening earlier this year, Patel said WSFS’s local feel, combined with stellar customer service, allowed him to take on such a large project.
“WSFS takes time to understand the people behind the business instead of just the paperwork in front of them,” said Patel. “The entire team has supported us from day one, keeping everything clear and consistent.”
Starting as a commercial real estate agent and business owner, Patel always wanted to enter the food industry, but he had high standards. Once he tasted the pizzas and learned about the Curry Pizza House franchise, he knew he could build something special and convinced his partner to take the journey with him.
“Nik and his business stand out for its disciplined, hands-on leadership,” said Margie Crouch, WSFS Bank’s SBA Relationship Manager. “He is in the restaurant everyday making sure the daily operations are going in a positive direction. He knew his market and believed in the concept.”
Patel gives the same advice to other business owners: “Be realistic with your time, your budget and your patience. Build something you’re willing to show up to every day.”
Curry Pizza House will run holiday specials and Small Business Saturday promotions, while Hidden Tap and Barrel will roll out seasonal cocktails and mocktails. The team is also planning options for families who may not celebrate traditional holidays but still want somewhere to eat.
A Combination for Success
WSFS’s team of trusted advisors can help you grow your business or work with you to get your ideas started. Connect with one of our associates to talk about financing, cash flow, or growth strategies.
________________
Candice Caruso is Senior Vice President, Chief Business Banking Officer for WSFS Bank. She is responsible for Small Business, SBA Lending, and SBA Relationships. She joined WSFS in 2018 as Senior Vice President, Director of Government Guaranteed Lending and brings more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 15 years as a business funding expert.
