A smoothie and bowl concept with deep roots in Northeast Philadelphia is planning to open its first brick-and-mortar storefront at 5243 Oxford Ave. in early 2027. What's Blending, founded by Manny Benabe, is aiming to bring a menu of açaí bowls, salads and smoothies to the Northwood neighborhood, along with a live smoothie bar where customers can watch their drinks get blended.
According to WhatNow, the business is currently completing the permitting and licensing process ahead of the planned opening. The outlet reports that Benabe and his family have served businesses, churches, schools, families and organizations throughout the Philadelphia region for more than two decades, and that the family has long-standing ties to the Northwood neighborhood where the new shop will land.
A Menu Built Around Fresh, Made-to-Order Items
The reported menu spans açaí and yogurt bowls, customizable salads, burrito bowls, artisan melts, handhelds, signature entrees, smoothies and scratch-made cookies. The same report notes that What's Blending prioritizes fresh ingredients and prepares every order fresh rather than premade.
Benabe has said that great food brings people together, a sentiment attributed to the company's own website. He has also said he hopes the new storefront can give back to the community by serving as a gathering space for Northwood residents, not just a place to grab a smoothie and go.
What Philadelphia Requires Before a New Food Business Can Open
Before any storefront like this can serve the public, Philadelphia requires food business owners to have the right permits and certifications, according to the city's Department of Public Health. The city defines any business that sells and prepares food for public consumption as a food-related business, per guidance from business.phila.gov.
Philadelphia's licensing rules also specify that a food-establishment license is issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and the business's Philadelphia Tax Account, according to the city's permitting page. It is not independently confirmed what stage What's Blending's permitting and licensing process is currently at.
Fans of the business can follow its progress on Instagram at @whatsblending215, where the account posts photos and videos ahead of the planned 2027 opening. For now, Northwood residents will have to wait to see the live smoothie bar and the rest of the menu in person.
