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To some people it just doesn’t seem to add up.  Rapper Juelz Santana and H3 Enterprises plan to open up a second HipHop SodaShop in Union Square this fall.  We started following the launch of this chain of hip hop themed restaurants back in February and have seen the addition of celebrity investors and partners grow each month.  Presently Santana and NBA star Ben Gordon are named as the top two investors.

Originally, H3 Enterprises was slated to start the franchise with a flagship location on 125th Street near the Apollo Theater. However, last week’s Crain’s reported that they will first launch a 3500 square foot location in Union Square, a full 1000 square feet larger than the location in Harlem.  According to a company spokesman, the Union Square location will need less renovation.  The projected date of the grand opening is in two months, although the Crain’s article stated that neither location had finalized their leases yet. H3 Enterprises has already invested more than a million dollars into this project and has their sights set on a location in Florida next.

Kicking off this week is the Urbanworld Vibe Film Festival.  Locations around the city, including the Magic Johnson Theater, will be showcasing the works of independent filmmakers, as well as hosting workshops, panels and parties.  The festival will run from June 21 through June 25.  Check the website for further details.

Urbanworld [website] 

There are a number of hot spots with uptown flavor located downtown.  Check out the top 10 here:  Hot Spots Owned by Black Celebrities