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Who says summer is the slow season in the restaurant industry? There’s been nothing but action all summer long across Pennsylvania, and this week is no different. From donuts on Philly’s South Street, to a coffee roastery and beer brewery in Exton, to a new American craft beer bar in Pittsburgh, there’s plenty of new restaurant stuff to get excited about:
Pittsburgh
Chef Chris Bonfili, of Avenue B and B Gourmet, recently announced a new concept, Bonfire Food & Drink, to open this fall in South Side in the space left vacant by Mullen’s on Carson. With two stories to work with, expect a ground-floor restaurant with an upstairs wine and cocktail bar with a separate menu. A wood-fired oven on site means lots of tasty comfort food and grilled meats. 2100 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmTg00Tgarr/?taken-by=cbbonfili
The Milkshake Factory will open its third location this fall in East Liberty. With the expansion (part of a national growth push for the company), comes a cool new tech feature (a touchscreen ordering system!) and a commitment from the brand to use local dairy from Rivendale Farms for its house-made ice cream. Corner of Penn Ave. and Highland Ave., Pittsburgh.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl81SogA6gN/?taken-by=themilkshakefactory
Though it’s not quite ready yet, it looks like Lincoln Avenue Brewery is inching closer to an opening date. Fingers crossed, it’s not too long now! 538 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhPu2gglaI/?taken-by=lincolnavenuebrewery
Lancaster
The Bread Pedaler has started to tease its Instagram followers with dishes from its forthcoming menu. Though no opening date has been named yet, with windows, lights, counters and tables installed, it looks like a soften open for this bakery/cafe could be coming any day now! Hours will be every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 116 W. Orange St., Lancaster.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmgLBDOAaTB/?taken-by=thebreadpedaler
Exton
We’ve just gotten news that Stolen Sun Craft Brewing & Roasting Co. is finally about to open in Exton! Co-owner Deirdre Zangwill reports that the coffee roasters are up and running, and Stolen Sun hopes to be brewing beer this week. Coffee service will likely begin first — as soon as next week! — with beer and food coming in mid-September. Stay tuned for more details! 342 N Pottstown Pike, Exton.
Philadelphia
Federal Donuts shared the good word that it will be opening its seventh location on 6th and South. More crispy fried chicken and sugar-crusted fresh and fancy donuts? We’re all in! Look for an opening in late September. 540 South St., Philadelphia.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bma0t5MnBqL/?taken-by=federaldonuts
Glory Beer Bar and Kitchen, the new project from Dave Crudele (of Eugology Tavern fame), opened in Old City on Thursday, August 16. Obviously, the beer program is impressive, with 36 taps of local and international brews on offer. Looking for Pa. beers? Pours from Tired Hands, Neshaminy Creek, Highway Manor, Free Will and more are on offer, as well as national craft brands, like Bell’s, Oskar Blues and Founders, and global names, like La Chouffe, Mikkeller and Weihenstephaner. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kevin Wieman (formerly of The Concordville Inn, among others), expect high-end comfort food. Think: prime rib sandwich, farmer’s pot pie and burrata salad with grilled peaches. 126 Chestnut St., Philadelphia; (267) 687-7878.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmgXMj1hdQD/?taken-by=glorybeerbarandkitchen
In the heart of the Italian Market, South Philly Barbacoa open its new location last weekend. Behind the beautiful mosaic-covered store front, find tortas and guisados (stews) from owners Ben and Chef Cristina Martinez, both outspoken activists around issues of immigration and undocumented workers’ rights. 1149 S. 9th St., Philadelphia; (215) 360-5282.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmVkJQHBikw/?taken-by=barbacoachef
Chef Bobby Saritsoglou and Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou will open a “casual eclectic BYO” on 17th St. and Snyder Ave. this fall, likely in late October or early November. The concept, called Stina (named after Christina), will feature 28 seats and a menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, including handmade pasta and pizzas, making good use of a wood-fired oven. Stina will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays for lunch and dinner with dine-in, takeout and delivery, and will support the community with neighborhood events and programs, and through a monthly donation program for local charities. 1705 Snyder Ave., Philadelphia.
Chef Bobby Saritsoglou and Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou
Come early September, Stats on 17th will take over the enormous space formerly occupied by Clubhouse, 1925 and G Lounge. The 10,000-square-ft. space will have space for up to 450 people and will be a new hot spot for catching local sports games, with entertainment and DJs on weekend nights for additional nightlife vibes. An elevated VIP area will look like a baseball dugout, and the space will feature over 20 TVs, so you can watch all the sports, all the time. 111. S. 17th St., Philadelphia.
Stats on 17th owner Justin Veasey
While not a new restaurant, per se, the recent announcement from restaurateurs and power couple Chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, of their new company name, Safran Turney Hospitality, points to certain future growth. Currently comprised of 11 businesses (including city favs like Barbuzzo, Jamonera and Bud & Marilyn’s), the newly-minted group promises to “expand its veritable restaurant and lifestyle empire to South Philadelphia, and further into Center City.” In this process, Safran Turney Hospitality has also named acclaimed chef George Sabatino as its Culinary Director. We can’t wait to see what moves the group makes next!
Chef Marcie Turney & Valerie Safran
Victory Brewing Company is hosting a pop-up beer garden this weekend (Friday, August 17 through Sunday, August 19, and again on September 14 and 15) at the German Society of PA on 6th & Spring Garden. Come on out for beers, live music, food trucks and local craft vendors. Hours are Friday from 3–10 p.m., Saturday from noon–10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 611 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlrToREnkht/?taken-by=victorybeer
- Stats on 17th and Stina owners photos: Kory Aversa
- Safran Turney Restaurant Group photo: Neal Santos
