Penn Herb Co. Ltd.

History (2012-Present)

In the years leading up to 2012 we studied our store at 2nd & Spring Garden to see if we could improve it even more. Although our customers loved the old store and especially our friendly service, more space was needed. There were some problems with the buildings that could not easily be remedied. Being over 100 years old, and originally built as townhomes, they were not really suitable for a store. And, in our efforts to improve the neighborhood, we wanted to make better use of the property, create a new Penn Herb Company "Nature's Wonderland" Flagship store, and also provide some apartment living space for area residents to enjoy.

Although we tried to accomplish this without removing the old buildings, doing so was not possible. The buildings were old and crumbling. So the decision was made. Tear down the old store and build a brand new one! So in August of 2012 the old store was closed and shortly thereafter the old buildings were torn down.

The new building is known as "Liberties Gateway", and is on the southern end of the thriving Northern Liberties community. It features the new Penn Herb Company Flagship store which opened in September 2015, and also 14 luxury apartments with underground parking and elevator access.

Here are some artist renderings of the new building before constructon. The new store was planned to be almost 4 times as large as the old store, in anticipation of the addition of a greatly expanded healthy foods section, including refrigerators and freezers.

The building process was to be completed in about one year, but took longer than expected. We appreciated our customer's patience during the process! Here are some of the concrete foundations that were poured in 2013.

There were over 1500 yards of concrete that needed to be poured. This took about a year to complete due to complexity of the job and weather delays. All of the concrete inside the building was completed by the end of January 2014.

The apartments on the 2nd and 3rd floors were built modularly and were installed by a crane on site in early 2014. All of the kitchens, cabinetry, bathrooms, plumbing, tile, fire sprinklers and electric were already installed. Even the windows were installed, as well as the balconies on the outside.

Walking inside the downstairs we started to get a feel of just how large the new store was going to be. There are huge windows on the exterior walls that flood the space with lots of light. And the ceilings are almost 20 feet high, making the space feel open and spacious. Soon we began installing the shelving, cabinetry and fixtures.

The Betz family enjoyed using their building skills to help complete this project. With the oversight and assistance of Meli Group, the general contractor on the project, the Penn Herb Company Flagship Store was reopened in September 2015. (Pictured at left: Ron Betz, Bill Betz III, Bill Betz Jr.)
For information on Liberties Gateway Luxury Apartments, click here LibertiesGateway.com.

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The new Penn Herb Company Flagship Store is located at 2nd & Spring Garden Streets in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. It is almost 4 times as large as the old store. We have information kiosks with tablet computers throughout the store where customers can learn about herbs and natural remedies for many health concerns. There is also a greatly expanded healthy foods section, including refrigerated and frozen foods. Also featured are fresh cut flowers, herb and exotic plants, and a selection of fresh and organic produce. And of course, we still offer our extensive line of herbs, spices, natural vitamins, essential oils, special herbal blends and more. We invite you to come and visit us in the new "Nature's Wonderland!" The Betz family and our friendly sales staff look forward to your visit!

For store hours and directions CLICK HERE.

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William P. Betz, Sr. 1930 - 2014

We are sad to report that on January 29, 2014, our father William P. Betz, Sr. passed away. Dad was a great inspiration to everyone. His tireless efforts in the family business, his kindness and good nature, and his lifelong devotion to his ministry are only a small fraction of what we will miss. His loving concern for his "families", not only ours, but also his "Penn Herb Family", and "spiritual family" is something all of us will cherish in our hearts forever. One of Dad's favorite sayings was "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

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As we move into the next chapter of Penn Herb history, the values that have been the cornerstone of Penn Herb Company, Ltd. since 1924 have not changed. As always, an extensive selection of quality herbs, formulas and natural remedies, along with complete customer satisfaction continue to be our goals. The business is now in the capable hands of the next generation. William Betz, Jr. and Ronald Betz, sons of William Betz, Sr. They are active on a daily basis overseeing the company. And the next generation is also now on board! We welcome your comments and suggestions. Contact us anytime and let us know how we can help you.

Healthfully Yours,

The Betz Family