Partners in Love. Partners in Business. Leaders on Main Street.
By Janine Gasarowski
Photos by Melissa Kelly Photography
Love is alive on Manayunk’s historic Main Street, where many small businesses are run by couples. These partners share not just their lives but also the dedication, teamwork, and passion that keep the neighborhood thriving. Their businesses reflect their dreams, hard work, and commitment to each other and to the Manayunk community.
Here are seven incredible couples whose partnerships in life and business continue to shape the heart of Manayunk.
Chris and Kelly – Coworkers to Life Partners and Community Builders
Chris and Kelly Maguire are more than local business owners — they’re part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Chris Maguire is the co-owner of Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory, a shop that perfectly blends his two biggest passions: small-batch ice cream and video games. Kelly Maguire owns LaunchPad Fitness, located right around the corner. Both are deeply involved in the Manayunk community, serving on local boards and initiatives. Chris has served for many years as President of the Manayunk Development Corporation Board, helping guide the neighborhood’s growth and small-business community.
Before becoming small-business owners, Chris and Kelly both worked at Etsy — Chris was part of the early entrepreneurial team, and Kelly worked as a project manager. Their desks had just one person between them. The chemistry was unavoidable. When they eventually shared the news that they were together, the reaction from coworkers was, “We thought you already were.”
Their story is one of transformation — from corporate 9-to-5 careers to building businesses rooted in passion and small-town charm. Kelly says she’s “always impressed by how level-headed Chris is — staying calm and logical.” Chris admires Kelly’s curiosity: “I love that Kelly loves learning and digging into things. She’ll learn a new technique and dive into it for a month.”
These days, their mornings might include Kelly training clients while Chris walks the kids to school, catching up with neighbors along the way. Afternoons are spent at their businesses, Chris often making ice cream at the shop, and sometimes they’ll sneak away for a quick lunch together.
From coworkers to life partners, Chris and Kelly have built not only businesses but a life centered around community, creativity, and family. Raising their family in the local area, they adore everything Manayunk has to offer and hope to teach their kids that your passion can become your career. For them, that lesson isn’t theoretical; it’s something they live with every day.
Tina and Anthony – A Book Lover’s Romantic Dream
Tina and Anthony met through the online dating scene in New York City before eventually making their way to Philadelphia. What started as a humorous challenge between friends — Tina dared herself to date guys with quirky jobs — led her to Anthony, who claimed to be a ghost hunter. “I did ghost hunt,” Anthony laughs, “but it wasn’t my real job.” From the beginning, their shared curiosity, silliness, and creative energy sparked a connection.
“The real story,” Anthony says, “is that my wife and I are always thinking of ideas. We have a lot of hobbies — a lot of mine involve making websites, and she does the same. Early on, I mentioned business plans to her and how we could make these ideas happen.”
For Tina, the move to Philadelphia felt like destiny. “I always wanted to move here, and he did too. We explored the neighborhoods — the Main Street area, the canal — and it just felt like home. We could see a future here. We’ve been here about four years now.”
Tina ran an online shop selling Kindle Charms before finding her way to Manayunk and opening Cupid’s Bookshop, Philadelphia’s first all-romance bookstore, which quickly became a success. Their dynamic is complementary: Anthony is practical and hands-on, while Tina is the curator and idea generator.
“Anthony helped a lot with building it out, painting shelves, and handling the heavy lifting,” Tina says. The couple was there day and night, pouring themselves into building a life around books.
Anthony remembers witnessing Tina’s dedication firsthand. “A lot of people consider themselves hard workers, but to get Cupid’s Bookshop off the ground, I saw her working literally overnight. That was something to see.”
“He gets me to do things outside my comfort zone,” Tina says. “He always tries to make me laugh and brings me out of my shell.”
After the success of Cupid’s Bookshop, Anthony opened Thrillerdelphia, a horror-focused bookstore on Main Street. Together, they’ve built more than bookstores; they’ve created a shared life of creativity, partnership, and community, proving that a love of books can lead to a love story of your own.
JD and Su-Shan – A Shared Life of Creativity
JD and Su-Shan first met through mutual friends in 2004, long before either could have imagined the life they’d build together. After years of staying in touch, even while Su-Shan lived across the country in California, they eventually reconnected in Philadelphia. This time, it stuck.
Now married for ten years after tying the knot in October 2015, JD and Su-Shan have built a life rooted in creativity and partnership. Their marriage came shortly after JD opened JD’s Hero Complex, a comic shop born from his personal collection.
Su-Shan came from a creative background of her own. With experience in styling and acting, she first landed in Manayunk when she opened Starshine Salon. “I thought this was the most vibrant and artistic place,” she recalls.
Early on, their businesses operated in separate locations, but their days were already intertwined. JD recalls longboarding down Main Street to bring Su-Shan lunch. Starshine Salon went through many phases, including operating out of the back of JD’s comic shop, creating a shared space. “We would have people come grab something to read while they got their haircut,” JD says.
While Su-Shan describes JD as more extroverted, both agree that their goal has always been to create welcoming, inclusive spaces. “We make it a goal to be as welcoming, inclusive, and geeky as possible,” JD says. “For me, the shop is more than retail; it’s a place to make art, support other artists, and foster connection.”
Since moving her salon, Su-Shan is transitioning her career, including plans to be more involved with the comic shop, expanding its offerings with book clubs, game nights, and events for kids. “I think we’re both in what we do for a very human experience,” Su-Shan reflects. “We’re on this journey together. And it’s a beautiful thing.”
Now raising their son in Manayunk, their purpose feels even clearer. “This awesome kid came into our lives, and now he’s reshaping how we want to do things,” Su-Shan says. JD agrees: “I love that we get to see each other, have fun, and that our son gets to spend time in a place that promotes reading.”
Their son is already learning by example, picking up items and handing them to customers, sometimes prompting real purchases, mimicking the generosity he witnesses from his parents. “She is a wonderful mother,” says JD. “She is fantastic to be around and spend time with. It would be nice if we had more time.”
Jacob and Alex – Childhood Crushes
Jacob and Alex first met as children, friends, and early crushes. Nearly twenty years later, while Alex was living across the country, Jacob ran into her grandmother. The two went out to lunch, but her grandmother had a plan of her own — she wanted Jacob to convince Alex to come home to Pennsylvania. The plan worked. The two reconnected quickly, moved in together, and Alex moved home.
Alex says her family would call it kismet, meaning destiny. “At our wedding, she had glasses made that said kismet on them,” Jacob recalls.
During the global pandemic, the two had plenty of time at home to spend with each other. So, they spent their days baking. Alex’s idea was to season the bagels everywhere — on both sides and even in the hole. That simple idea grew from a hobby, to donating bagels, to selling them, and wholesaling.
When naming their bagel shop, it seemed obvious to call it Kismet Bagels. Within just a few years, their business has grown exponentially. Today, they have 50 employees and five locations, including the Main Street Manayunk shop, which opened in the fall of 2025.
“I can’t imagine having five stores and doing it by myself,” Jacob says. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Jacob describes their dynamic simply: “I’m the idea guy, and Alex is my voice of reason. Every relationship needs that.” He adds, “Alex is the heart and soul of our community-driven staff and is incredibly influential behind this brand.”
“My favorite part about working together is spending so much time together,” Alex says. “I also love that our kids get to be a part of it, too.”
Brendan and Mel – Partners in Life and Hospitality
Brendan and Mel, first met in 2006, back in the origins of Sunday Funday; when restaurant friends would visit different eateries and bars in the MNYK neighborhood. Mel came in to Bourbon Blue one Sunday, where Brendan was the General Manager. He sparked up a conversation with Mel and reached out later on My Space. It took a while to set a date, but once they did, there was no looking back. Mel had moved to Philadelphia from northern New York, and Brendan had settled in Manayunk in 2002 while attending St. Joseph’s University. Their shared passion for hospitality and community quickly turned their relationship into both a personal and professional partnership.
The couple started dating at the beginning of 2007. As the industry and their careers evolved, Brendan was offered the opportunity to purchase Bourbon Blue. He famously asked Mel if she ‘wanted a ring or restaurant’- she said restaurant. They poured themselves into the local restaurant scene and MNYK community” them continue at now, they are both part of the Voracious Hospitality Group, managing four restaurants; Mia Ragazza, The Daisy Tavern, and two locations of The Goat’s Beard.
Brendan is the creative force, constantly generating new ideas. “He is so driven, his brain is constantly going and coming up with new ideas. He is so motivating,” Mel says. She brings focus, organization, and care to their team. “Her concern for people — making sure they’re always good — is unmatched,” Brendan says.
“It is truly a large community, and with that, it is a large family,” Mel adds.
Mel manages events across all locations, coordinates staff, and ensures every detail is done right. “When I’m in the building, I can’t turn it off,” she says. “I’m happy to run food and bus tables.”
Despite the intensity of hospitality, the couple makes time for each other. They enjoy exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and traveling. Through business challenges and personal life challenges, Brendan and Mel credit their resilience to their partnership.
“I don’t think there are a lot of people in life who have that level of care from somebody else,” Brendan says.
Mark and Neal – A Legacy of Love and Hospitality
Mark and Neal have been together for over twenty years, their relationship rooted in friendship and shared community. They first met through a social LGBT men’s group organized by Neal. What began as a social connection blossomed into love, culminating in a historic marriage in 2008. During the brief six-week period when gay marriage was legal in California, the couple flew west to be wed. Ten years later, in 2018, they renewed their vows in Center City Philadelphia alongside about eight other queer couples on National Coming Out Day. Mark recalls being thrilled to have what felt like a true celebration this time around.
“I know that my soul needs a man like Neal in order to get peace,” Mark says simply, capturing the deep connection that has defined their lives together.
Mark comes from a culinary background, trained in culinary school, teaching pastry classes, and helping to launch a hospitality program at a school. He also worked as a pastry chef at award-winning restaurants. Neal praises his partner’s meticulousness: “Mark is the most detailed person ever. I love it because it makes everything easier. He always thinks of ways to make things work.”
Together, they combined their passions in Manayunk, running the cozy bed and breakfast, Manayunk Chambers Guest House. Neal’s family has deep roots in the neighborhood, with the house having been in his family for centuries, having only four property owners since 1877.
“Making it into a bed and breakfast made perfect sense,” Neal says.
By 2010, the transformation was underway: converting a floor into an apartment, renting rooms for longer-term guests, and slowly turning the historic house into a fully operational B&B with Victorian flair. They explored flea markets and estate sales to hunt for treasures and make their dreams a reality.
“As a couple, you have to work together, figure out who handles what and where you collaborate,” Neal explains. “It works the same in business: separate interests, but a shared vision.”
Hospitality isn’t confined to office hours. “With hospitality, it’s 24/7,” Mark says. “Guests get an experience, it’s not just a room. Anyone can have a house like an Airbnb, but we’ve made it a true experience. It’s about the feeling you leave with, not just heads in beds.”
Mark creates decadent pastry towers and upscale continental breakfasts. “He would make combinations that were unique,” Neal says. “Sometimes he even shared the recipes with guests.”
“It’s not about working; it’s about feeding your soul,” Mark reflects. Neal finds soul-feeding in preserving the family home: “This house was in my family for so long. We’ve taken care of it so others can see its beauty, rather than keeping it just for ourselves.”
Mark and Neal have turned centuries of family history into a living experience, blending love, hospitality, and creativity, while actively supporting LGBTQ+ rights in Philadelphia.
David and Sandy – Three Decades of Art & Love
David and Sandy have been together for nearly 30 years. They met in the mid-1990s while both were both working in Center City Philadelphia.
“Sandy once taught law across the street,” David says. “She was a customer at first,” Sandy remembers noticing him from her classroom window. “I would look out the window and think, ‘Who is that guy with his feet on the counter?’”
Sandy is a lawyer by training and also holds an MFA. She taught law at a paralegal school and has long had a strong interest in Contemporary American Crafts. Now retired from law, she works alongside David at Orbit Art Gallery on Main Street Manayunk, formerly Art À La Carte, which begun as Art A La Carte on Chestnut street before moving. “The gallery originally opened in 1981,” David says. “Sandy came on board in 1995.” In its early days, the energy of Main Street kept them open late. “Sometimes we stayed open until 11 p.m. — it was rocking.”
Sandy also runs Walk This Way, a dog-walking business she’s operated for about 22 years with roughly ten part-time walkers. Sandy says she has walked thousands of dogs since. Surprisingly, their two businesses overlap quite a bit.
“A lot of our dog-walking customers are gallery customers,” David notes.
Dogs passing by the gallery often recognize the two of them. “They’ll pull to come in,” he says. “We always put water and treats out front,” Sandy adds. During Manayunk Main Street events, Sandy often sets up outside the gallery for the dog walkers, further blending the two businesses.
Inside the gallery, David handles sales while Sandy manages inventory, paperwork, and display. “If one of us feels really strongly about something, we’ll take a chance with it,” David says. Sandy tracks trends and reorders, while both stay informed through magazines. “We want to offer value,” Sandy says, “but also pieces that have meaning for a lifetime.”
Their shared approach extends beyond the gallery. “We’re all ambassadors,” David says — a role rooted in care for their customers, their neighborhood, and each other.