About a year ago, we told you that Sunny Point had opened at 1824 South St., replacing the venerable Pinky’s. This change was more about ownership than anything else, as the new establishment was essentially the same as Pinky’s, but with a few additions to and subtractions from the menu (vegetarian options replaced Mexican options, essentially). A few weeks ago, we noticed that Sunny Point had reached its end after only a year, and wondering how long it would take for a new business to take over the space.

Turns out, not long at all.

New spot

Last week, Umai Cafe opened its doors. This new establishment serves Chinese and Thai food, along with breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. While a little cleaner, the space looks largely as it did in the Sunny Point and Pinky’s days, though a couch and coffee table have been added.

The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Michael Buble! Perfect while waiting for some Pad Thai or a waffle.

As we’ve covered ad nauseum, South Street West is experiencing a ton of growth of late. New bars and restaurants seem to be opening every couple of weeks. Yet Sunny Point barely made it a year. Was it the concept? The execution? The location? Or does this space, last renovated decades ago, need a total makeover to be attractive to potential customers that have more choices than ever these days?

Whatever the problem was for Sunny Point, we hope that Umai Cafe has years of success here, and is able to pick up both business in the neighborhood and Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse across the street. They have some decent lunch specials, so we imagine be checking them out some time soon.