Times haven’t exactly been easy breezy lately, in fact, it’s safe to say that times have been tough for everyone on some scale. When social distancing due to COVID-19 first came to be, the restaurant industry certainly took a huge hit, but luckily this past weekend many establishments have been able to open outdoor seating—the first step to getting the city back open and functioning on all cylinders. This past weekend also marked a special occasion for South Street hotspot Miles Table. The restaurant and catering venue has transformed its brick and mortar in Graduate Hospital into a part-time Ice Cream pop-up just in time for summer. The sweetest part about this new establishment however, is not just the refreshing treats being served up, but why the pop-up was opened in the first place.
Both Miles Table and Sweet Molly Mels is named after owners Michael Lynch and Marybeth Doherty Lynch’s two children, Miles and Molly Melissa. That familial touch has helped set the hotspot restaurant apart, and will now also offer Philadelphians a fun and family-oriented way to spend the summer in the city with Sweet Molly Mels.
Michael Lynch gave Metro the scoop on what will be served up at this new ice cream pop-up and what they’ll be doing to still ensure the safety of ice-cream seeking Philadelphians for the summer of 2020.
Before we dive into Molly Mels, for those who don’t know Miles Table, can you give me a brief description of what that business is about? How did you get started?
Miles Table has been a staple of the Graduate Hospital area since 2013 serving breakfast, brunch and lunch classics [and] a low key favorite of families and professionals from the neighborhood along with students from nearby universities. In 2008, we created a catering company and wanted to create a quick and simple place to eat breakfast. Miles Table is 400 feet from our home.
Where did the idea come from to open Molly Mels as a pop-up for the summer?
Molly Mel, our daughter! She loves ice cream and always wanted her dad to open a shop. With the kids home and away from all their friends, dad finally listened to her. We had team meetings and a retreat to discuss the name and flavors. The children fully participated in the “business plan.”
What can people expect from Molly Mels? What do you offer? Are there any specials that people should know about?
Sweet Molly Mels is a simple ice cream shop with hand dipped local treats from Bassetts ice cream. The Mol-Witch which is an all butter chocolate chunk cookie sandwich filled with a scoop, [and] creamy milkshakes and Weckerly’s Ice Cream sandwiches are among the current treats.
What’s the best way to order?
We are taking orders at the counter and bringing ice cream outside to guests. Cashless payment is suggested.
How are you following social distancing guidelines?
All seats have been removed [and] floor signage directs consumers.
As a whole, how has maneuvering COVID-19 been for you as a business owner?
COVID-19 has been the most challenging obstacle we have faced. The catering company and restaurant started in 2008 in the midst of the financial crisis but we slowly built a diverse company of people. It was heartbreaking to have to let employees go as this hit.
Is there anything else that you want people to know?
Sweet Molly Mels is all about fun. We have watched the last few days as people have begun to emerge from the fear and anxiety that has surrounded our city. Molly and Miles are both excited to see their friends who have come to get ice cream [and] we have watched as the feet tapped—ice cream is fun and children are smiling. We will [also] be working with local schools and organizations to collaborate and give back to the community [as well.]
Sweet Molly Mels is located at 1620 South St. and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 4-9 p.m. all summer long. For more information on Miles Table and Sweet Molly Mels, visit milestable.com
