The White Dog Cafe has changed hands, but don't expect much else to change about the 26-year-old restaurant on Sansom Street.
A contract between founder Judy Wicks and new owner Martin Grims will ensure the restaurant will continue its "socially-responsible business practices," Wicks said.
Such practices include buying from local, certified, humane farms and sustainable fisheries and using only electricity from renewable sources, among others. Wicks noted that the White Dog was the first business in Philadelphia to use exclusively renewable energy.
Wicks, who will retain a minority share in the restaurant, said the contract will establish "a certain standard that the White Dog will adhere to over the years."
"It's not just resting on the laurels of what the White Dog has been in the past," she added, pointing out that the cafe will be required to continue its leadership in the realm of ethical business practices.
She was quick to point out that the contract was "very much mutually supported" by herself and Grims.
Grims, who owns several other restaurants in greater Philadelphia, such as Moshulu and Du Jour Cafe, said his team's primary focuses are kitchen and service operations.
In addition, a second White Dog Cafe will open in Wayne, Pa., which will adhere to the same standards as the original. The second location is slated to open this spring.
The restaurant formally changed hands three weeks ago and closed for a week of kitchen renovations, but it has since re-opened.
Wicks said the management change would allow her to focus on her nonprofit work with the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, which she founded in 2001, as well as with White Dog Community Enterprises, founded in 2002.
Wicks is also working on a book about the White Dog Cafe and the local living economy movement. The book will be called Good Morning, Beautiful Business.
In 1970, she co-founded The Free People's Store, which eventually became Urban Outfitters. She is no longer involved in the business.
The Black Cat gift shop - also founded by Wicks, and located next to the White Dog Cafe on Sansom Street - is currently for sale.
Wicks said she is looking for a buyer, but she has yet to receive any offers.
She said the Black Cat will likely close if a buyer does not materialize.
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