In Pottstown Foodie: Family-operated TeeCee Foods serves a Nigerian menu at its new Sanatoga location. El Guacamole Mexican Restaurant just opened too, on Wednesday (Sept. 4) in Lower Pottsgrove. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Royersford offers a familiar-but-new flavor. Applebee’s restaurants present a boneless wings deal for football game dining.
TeeCee Foods Open in Sanatoga; It’s A Family Affair
SANATOGA PA – All four members of the Obikwelu family were preparing Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 3, 2024) for the early evening customers they knew were coming.
Chef Clem Obikwelu stood in the kitchen of their TeeCee Foods restaurant, 2162 E. High St., grilling chicken. His wife Chinelo talked with a patron outside, ensuring she was satisfied with her meal. Daughter Kamsi and son Ikem patiently waited behind the reception counter, ready to serve anyone who walked through the door.
“It’s such a pleasure to be here,” Chinelo Obikwelu says.
The restaurant has been operating for take-out of its Nigerian-based menu from another kitchen location since 2022. On Aug. 27 (Tuesday), the family officially opened in Sanatoga.
During just their first seven days in the place, they have already developed an operating rhythm. Now they’re gaining insight on what times customers begin pulling into their parking lot for lunch and dinner.
The Obikwelus had hoped to seat patrons inside from the start, but the arrival of tables and chairs was delayed. That put their plans to operate as a BYOB with seating on temporary hold. However, the take-out and delivery business, which been growing in recent years, continues. Customers are attracted to the restaurant’s different and varied menu items.
TeeCee features grilled chicken dishes seasoned with West African spices, jumbo grilled chicken wings; 1-, 2-, and 3-piece turkey wings; steak strips, beef chunks, goat chunks, and salmon. Its egusi soup, created with melon seeds, palm oil, and traditional spices, is accompanied by yam fufu and a choice of either beef or goat.
Sides include joloff or white rice, quinoa, fried yams and plantains, moi moi (made from beans, onions, peppers, spices, and other ingredients), salad, coleslaw, a fruit cup, and sauces.
Although his parents operated food service businesses in the past, Clem has a lengthy history as a former construction worker. He particularly credits his mother for convincing him to use his talent, and the culinary knowledge of his culture, to open a kitchen himself. He followed her advice, and hasn’t looked back since.
The expansion of TeeCee Foods is the result, he explains with a smile.
The dining audience seems happy too. “I ordered the fish and it was the best grilled fish I ever had,” one wrote in a review. “Chicken is fantastic! We will definitely be back!,” another stated. “I couldn’t believe just how good and fresh this food was. And my container was PACKED,” a third offered.
TeeCee is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. To order or for more information, call 484-300-4210
Photos by Travels With The Post
El Guacamole, in Lower Pottsgrove, Officially Opens
POTTSTOWN PA – Patience and perseverance paid off Wednesday (Sept. 4), as the El Guacamole Mexican restaurant opened for business at 1192 N. Keim St. after several months of preparation.
Pottstown Foodie reported during May on the restaurant’s plans to open in a former pizzeria location in Lower Pottsgrove Township. It followed up in July with news of its addition of a large covered dining deck on the restaurant’s north side, and its interior renovations.
As its doors opened, hungry potential patrons spread the word on social media. A steady stream of customers pulled Wednesday afternoon into its parking lot at the southeast corner of Keim Street and Buchert Road.
“After so much waiting, the day has arrived, and it is a pleasure to be able to see you there, to serve you as you deserve,” its management happily wrote on Facebook.
The restaurant has received its first glowing review, as well. A patron posted Wednesday night that “The guacamole is fantastic. You get a massive portion and it is so fresh. Everything was delicious. Definitely give it a try.”
El Guacamole’s operating hours, as posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page, are Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Photo from the El Guacamole MX Facebook page
In Royersford, Handel’s Scoops Up A PB&J Sandwich
ROYERSFORD PA – Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, which operates locally at 627 Main St. in Royersford, is introducing a new flavor that may make kids happy as they return classes and homework. It it could bring back memories for some adults, too.
The chain’s “Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream” is available during September while supplies last, but will go off the menu by the month’s end, QSR Magazine reports. The company describes its creation as “a widely loved and craveable lunchtime favorite.” It features peanut butter ice cream, with strawberry ripple and shortcake pieces.”
Research shows why, although short-lived, the flavor is likely to be popular. “PB&J” sandwiches are said to have been packed into school lunchboxes since 1910 or so. Data also indicates the average American has eaten more than 1,500 PB&J sandwiches before the age of 18.
“Now more than ever, guests seek familiar, indulgent flavors with a modern twist,” Handel’s CEO Jennifer Schuler says. “Our new flavor offers a universal appeal.”
Photo provided to Travels With The Post by Handel’s Ice Cream
Applebee’s Restaurants Offer Boneless Wings Deal
PASADENA CA – Applebee’s Grill + Bar is kicking off a new affiliation with the National Football League (NFL) by offering dine-in, to-go, and delivery patrons its boneless chicken wings at 50 cents each. It also is promoting an NFL-themed beverage deal.
Its “crispy breaded pieces” of boneless chicken come tossed in any of six flavored sauces. Patrons can choose from Classic Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Asian Chile, Garlic Parmesan, Extra Hot Buffalo, or Honey Pepper.
The limited-time promotions coincide with the company’s first year as the league’s “Official Grill + Bar Sponsor,” it said Tuesday (Sept. 3). Applebee’s operates at locations in Pottstown, Royersford, Audubon, Lansdale, Reading, and West Chester PA.
Photo provided to Travels With The Post by Applebee’s Grill + Bar
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