Chester County businesses large and small showed remarkable growth over the last year, writes Brooke Schultz for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Large corporations and smaller, independent businesses both opened their doors throughout the county in 2025. With more planned openings on the horizon, the trend is expected to continue into 2026.
As for the county’s vibrant culinary scene, several new restaurants debuted in recent months. Craft brewery Stubborn Goat Brewing opened their West Grove location this year, and the team has already planned an expansion into Kennett Square for 2026.
Our Deli & Café also opened a new location in Phoenixville after years in Paoli. In West Chester, entrepreneur Ariel LeVasseur opened Olive & Meadow, a new business focusing on charcuterie and food boards.
About her first year in business, LeVasseur said, “I love Chester County…I feel like everybody is very welcoming, and I know that a lot of people like supporting local businesses.”
Chester County Economic Development Council COO Mike Grigalonis described the uptick in Chester County businesses as a surge in “entrepreneurial spirit.” Debut start-ups made up the fastest-growing group that the council supported this year.
Larger retailers also expanded their local footprint in the last year. A new Sheetz location opened in Downingtown, and Trader Joe’s debuted two highly anticipated locations in both Berwyn and Exton to make for a successful economic year throughout the county.
Read more about the upward trend of Chester County businesses throughout 2025 in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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