Metropolitan Bakery‘s neighbor is reluctantly moving out of its Rittenhouse address, a move that may have been necessitated by the bakery’s desire to expand. Avanda Flower Shop, at 264 S. 19th St. and a half a block from the square, is closing up shop and moving to 16th & Pine. The business, always with a window full of orchids, is currently settled between Metropolitan Bakery and Villa’s Shoe Repair, and has been at this location for over 17 years.

Avanda, today

Night time displays

The flower shop doesn’t seemed thrilled to be leaving, and while yet unsubstantiated, rumor has it that Metropolitan Bakery will be the new tenant in their space, with an expansion to make room for table seating and coffee. Perhaps this is a pre-emptive move by the bakery because of potential competition (Starbucks alert!) a block away. Avanda will be re-opening at their new location, 401 S. 16th St., right across the street from La Citadelle coffee shop, on April 2nd.

–Lauren Summers