Entrepreneur plans to convert Chinatown food court into a Black-owned market similar to Reading Terminal.

Chinatown Square, originally launched in 2017 as an Asian food hall housed in the former Shanghai Bazaar, has reopened under a new management structure, now referred to as the Square Food Court. This revitalized space, located at 1016 Race Street, comes after a challenging period in which the venue faced numerous vendor dropouts, resulting in it being largely abandoned for two years.

The new direction for the food court is spearheaded by Levell “Garci” Peterkin, a North Philadelphia entrepreneur who has made a name for himself with his establishment, Carter’s Steaks by Garci, which occupies one of the prominent storefronts. Alongside Peterkin’s venture, Surreal Creamery remains as a holdover from the previous iteration, maintaining a presence at the location.

Peterkin initially tested the waters by leasing the space for weekend pop-ups last year before consolidating his operations into a full-time business beginning in February. His vision for the Square Food Court is to create a vibrant, Black-owned culinary setting comparable to Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market. He emphasizes his commitment to showcasing a diverse array of food businesses, many of which he discovered through social media platforms.

The offerings at the Square Food Court feature an exciting mix of culinary delights. Carter’s Steaks serves halal rib-eye cheesesteaks with variations that include surf-and-turf options topped with shrimp or lobster. Other food vendors in the lineup include VaultSea Fusion, known for its seafood dishes, as well as Yummy Palace, Halal by Iman, Prettty Eatz, and 11 Eleven Lounge, each contributing unique menus that celebrate different culinary traditions.

While the food court has seen a resurgence, Peterkin acknowledges that it remains a work in progress, as he actively seeks additional vendors to further enhance the variety available to patrons. He maintains that the goal is to cultivate an inclusive environment for smaller entrepreneurs, ensuring potential operators are selected with careful consideration.

Miranda Jordan of Yummy Palace, a dessert business originating in Oaklyn, has also leveraged social media to establish a local presence. Her shop offers innovative desserts, including homemade water ice, ice cream, and unique takes like peach cobbler and apple pie egg rolls.

Peterkin’s journey to entrepreneurship is deeply personal. Growing up in North Philadelphia, he faced numerous challenges, including early encounters with the justice system. This difficult background fuels his determination to be a positive influence and to demonstrate to young people from similar neighborhoods that they can achieve success through entrepreneurship.

His aspirations extend beyond just the food court; he has also launched Garci Healthcare Education Group, aiming to provide meals to vulnerable populations across various sectors. Ultimately, Peterkin’s multifaceted efforts are designed not only to create business opportunities but also to inspire younger generations to strive for success through unconventional paths.

The Square Food Court is open daily starting at noon, providing a welcome destination for food enthusiasts and a testament to the resilience of community-driven entrepreneurship in Philadelphia.