Irish Goodbyes, March Madness & Hopeful Blooms: Springing Into This Month’s Fond Farewells, Friendly Hellos & Focus on the Future
We lost some friends, but we’re making new ones, and the list of incoming businesses and more continues to grow.
Breakfast, workouts, ramen: Is nothing sacred?!
We’re referring to some of the businesses we lost in March because, if predicting what businesses are closing were a bracket, this one would have been as badly smashed as our basketball one.
However, and we mean this! – While we miss so many of the businesses that have closed, the number of new retail, restaurants, dining options, residential projects, and more, that have opened and are slated to come to Rittenhouse and nearby, continues to expand.
- Four businesses closed in March, and we’ve included one that we recently learned about.
- We now have two businesses slated to close this year.
- Four businesses and one apartment building opened, including the neighborhood’s Mexican OG Tequila’s.
- In our section focused on the future, we added four new businesses slated to come to the neighborhood, added one that is reopening (hello again Walnut Garden!), another one that received an unasked-for bath, a recently-announced residential development, and shared what little we know about the two new food and drink options coming to The Josephine.
So read on for deets, and please feel free to send us your tips, 2 cents, typo-catches, and anything you want to share at rittenhouseramblings@gmail.com. We appreciate you!
Fond Farewells
Bagel & Co |📍1526 Sansom St
Unfortunately, we’re down on bagel options as Bagels & Co. quietly closed as part of the larger challenges facing parent company Glu Hospitality. We’re going to miss their staff, the iced coffee drinks, and that Cookie Monster bagel (it was truly unique)!
Brunchaholics |📍40 S 19th St
If you’re in the market for a rentable, fully equipped restaurant, we have good news for you. If you’re looking for additional brunch options, well, we have bad news for you: The Brunchaholics that opened up back in August closed at some point since it opened (possibly last year).
If you’re still in the mood for their Southern food offerings, know that the other Brunchaholics in Fishtown and Cherry Hill have been reborn as Sunrise Social. But we’re going to keep an eye out for this location’s next act.
Chika Ramen |📍1526 Sansom St
Is it too soon to ask for a Blade Runner reboot? Only because Chika Ramen, which opened with good reviews, also fell victim to the hubris that parent company, Glu Hospitality, was engulfed in. And with Bagels & Co also closed, there are now TWO great spaces open on a very busy and fun (IYKYK) section of Sansom St. Hoping everyone lands on their feet and the spaces aren’t vacant for long.
Physique 57 |📍1625 Walnut St
This one burned: NYC Pilates export Physique 57, known for its intense barre classes and being frequently mentioned in the book Primates of Park Avenue, quietly closed on March 22nd for reasons unknown.
Rumble |📍1520 Walnut St
March was a DOOZY for fitness enthusiasts with both Physique 57 AND Rumble, the studio known for HIIT boxing, closing. Rumble was popular, and its closure was very abrupt, as even the staff didn’t know until a few days before closure. Rumor has it that it was due to a rent increase, but never confirmed.
Soon-To-Be A Fond Farewell:
Brooks Brothers |📍1513 Walnut St
The Business Journal broke the news first about Mitchell & Ness moving to the Brooks Brothers space, BUT the Philly Inquirer confirmed that they’ll be leaving this location in June. This is their 2nd location in the area, by the way, however, they have not noted if they’ll stay in the area. The nearest other location is in Cherry Hill.
Shiroi Hana |📍222 S. 15th St
After 20 (!!) years, the owners of Shiroi Hana, a charming sushi and Japanese restaurant right next to Good Dog bar put the building up for sale as he plans to retire. ETA for closure is still pending, so enjoy the delicious sushi for as long as possible!
Friendly Hellos:
17 Market West |📍1701 Market St
1701 Market, the address for the former offices of law firm Morgan Lewis, officially entered its luxury era with residential rentals. Owner Alterra also owns The Versailles on Locust St, among other rental buildings. This project is one of the few office-to-resi conversions, so it’s considered a BIG deal. It looks really nice! There’s a pool on the rooftop, a fitness area that can accommodate pickleball, a sauna, a lounge, and more! Rents start at $2,235 according to Zillow.
Dave’s Hot Chicken |📍1731 Chestnut St
In cluckin’ good news, Dave’s Hot Chicken opened up in the former South Moon Under boutique space. Dave’s is a popular national Nashville hot chicken chain that joins Hangry Joe’s and Shaq’s Big Chicken, giving us a nice array of spicy and not-so-spicy chicken options.
Five Iron Golf |📍1717 Arch Street
The Logan Square Five Iron Golf that opened up in partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust is looking sharp! With (5) spacious bays, an outdoor patio, and tons of windows that let in the light, it’s differentiatin itself from its sibling Rittenhouse OG nicely.
Hair Vyce |📍1722 Sansom St
Sliding into the De Carlo hair salon space, right above Villekebab is a multicultural hair salon expanding from West Philly: Hair Vyce! Besides haircuts, Hair Vyce specializes in hair coloring and curly hair. They’re also hosting Yoga once a month and offer nail services – be sure to follow them on Instagram for updates!
Tequila’s |📍1602 Locust St
Long time coming, but it was truly worth the wait: The neighborhood’s Mexican OG restaurant Tequila’s opened up after 2 years after a fire shut them down, with a refreshed brand and menu that somehow, magically seems both familiar yet leveled up at the same time – no easy feat! Their new coffee and cocktail bar, La Jefa, will occupy he back of the restaurant.
Focus on the Future:
7th Avenue | 📍1427 Walnut St
Joining Rittenhouse JUST across from Crate & Barrel‘s more hip sibling CB2 is 7th Avenue. Their slogan, nicely lit over their door, proclaims them as “The World’s GREATEST Modular Sofa,” (emphasis theirs) so it’s likely going to go head-to-head with our other modular furniture store on Walnut, Lovesac. We’re just happy to have another sofa store join both Lovesac, Joybird, and Interior Define, in addition to the lovely store that is CB2, and one that gives residents of historic homes with narrow stairways another option.
Abercrombie |📍1702 Walnut St
The Retail Gods LOOOVE to taketh and giveth, and in this one case, they’re doing it in one fell swoop as Vans closed and Abercrombie picked up its existing lease. We love a good brand comeback story, and Abercrombie does have some pretty cool offerings.ETA is summer, and we’re tracking progress here.
All Aboard Candy |📍233 S. 20th St
If you’ve ever been to Boyd’s holiday market, then you’ve probably seen the colorful and fun candy brand that is All Aboard Candy. And if you’ve ever wondered why Rittenhouse doesn’t have a candy store, well, you’re in luck because they’re opening their first brick-and-mortar store in the former Tortorice’s eatery, right next to 1-900-Ice-Cream. Current ETA is this spring.
Amma’s II |📍1500 Walnut St
The former home of Max Brenner’s will house Amma’s, the popular South Indian restaurant that is currently on Chestnut Street. The new space is pretty big, so it’ll likely be the biggest Indian restaurant in the neighborhood and the first one with a liquor license to boot. ETA is TBD, and construction has not begun, as far as we can tell.
Ayat |📍2021-23 Sansom St
The New York to Philly (and vice versa) love continues with the impending arrival of Ayat, a Palestinian restaurant, replacing the long-vacant Roxy Theatre space. This will be their seventh location and first for PA. Construction has begun, albeit slowly, and their ETA is still this summer!
Bond Vet |📍2101 Walnut St
In a surprising twist, moving into the former storefront for Carlo’s Bakery is NYC’s veterinary chain, Bond Vet. The best thing is they also offer emergency pet care, something that no city (we feel) can have enough of. ETA is still this spring.
Borromini |📍1809 Walnut St
Construction is continuing to move along really nicely for Stephen Starr’s highly anticipated Italian restaurant on the Square, informally known as Italian Parc, in the former Barnes & Noble. We’re sure they’re hustling so they can get started on Starr’s next project: The former Devon Seafood & Grill space!
ETA is still this summer – sending good vibes to the construction team!
Botld Expansion |📍119 S. 18th St
Botld opening up in 2023 was pretty unique if you know how weird and antiquated PA’s liquor laws are. Freestanding spirit stores are NOT the norm. Not surprisingly, Botld did well (being the official Eagles spirits brand doesn’t hurt either) expanding to other locations, and now they’re taking it to the next level with a sexy cocktail bar in the current location. ETA is TBD.
Cake & Joe |📍1735 Market St
Cake & Joe is slated to come to Market Street, offering a dessert option for a street that’s been hurting since the pandemic, because, WFH. Known for their gorgeous mousse desserts and drinks, this will be an intimate Cake & Joe store with “roughly 1,200-square-foot ground floor facing the garden area between the 1701 and 1735 Market St. buildings”. They anticipated opening up this spring and we haven’t heard anything to indicate otherwise.
Catbird | 📍109 S 18th St
New incoming store alert for the girlies who love itty-bitty, layerable jewelry: Brooklyn-based brand Catbird is coming to the neighborhood! ETA is THIS spring, and we’ll be providing updates on its construction and progress here, promise!
Dance Robot | 📍1710 Sansom St
Getting a Japanese comfort food place to replace The Foodery (RIP) is great news, and even better with its snazzy new name, Dance Robot. However, hearing that it’s an offshoot from Royal Izakaya, one of the best chefs in the country, makes it even better. ETA is still TBD, but construction is underway so a 2025 opening is DEFINITELY in the cards!
Di Passare |📍151 S. 24th St
This old Sotto space has been empty for soooo long. So a dual-functional space with a juice bar open during the day and a downstairs restaurant lounge open to guests in the evening sounds great! ETA was last year, however, their Instagram notes that it will now be Fall 2026.
Flight Club Darts |📍1417 Walnut St
The UK export Flight Club Darts coming to Rittenhouse is making progress! It’ll join Puttshack, Spin, 5 Iron Golf, Cellar Dog, and Garage Bar in offering the neighborhood places to eat, drink, and play (“eatertainment”). They are debuting this spring – possibly as soon as April! And we’re tracking construction here.
Greyscale | 📍 1608 Latimer St
We finally have a name for the mysterious hair salon debuting in the former Commonweal Gallery space, right next to La Jefa – Greyscale! They’re a “modern-day barbershop” from founder Vlad, who has a shop in Highland Park NJ. The booking site is live, and their Google profile is coming along. So thinking they’re opening soon, and possibly just in time for a spring refresh!
Harper Square |📍113-119 S. 19th St
The old Cavannaugh’s and other businesses on Sansom by 19th Street are thoroughly gone as demolition is now fully completed to make way for Pearl Properties‘ Harper Square: A residential building with plans for 215 units over 54 stories. OCF Realty has a nice deep dive into the project. Completion is a LONG way off: 2027, to be exact, and there’s been zero progress on the site. Nothing! Nada! So we’ll see.
HRG’s “Quirky” Wine Bar |📍1534 Sansom St
Things in the news that catch our eye: “quirky” and “wine” together. Is it hard to believe? Maybe, until you know it’s coming from Hawthorne Restaurant Group, the team behind Wine Dive and Sonny’s Cocktail Joint. The wine bar is replacing the long-closed Nails by Anna D on the fun street that is Sansom. And because they leased the entire building, Rittenhouse will also get a 2nd drinking spot called Liquorette. They were planning a 2025 debut, but when exactly is still TBD.
Jordan Brand’s World of Flight |📍1617 Walnut St
When the news dropped that the Jordan Brand was opening its first US World of Flight store after Tokyo, Seoul, China, and Milan in Philly and NOT New York, it was – and remains! a pretty BFD. But their incredibly classy move with the Love, Hurts banner is even bigger in our humble opinion – one of the best things to have happened to Walnut Street retail displays this year.
Alas, it is now gone, but luckily, the construction crew is in there and forging ahead. We’ll continue to share meaningful construction updates here.
Kissho House | 📍1522 Locust St
The “Law Offices of Thomas More Holland” is being reborn as a multi-level modern and luxury Japanese restaurant, with a “vibrant” first-floor bar and a basement “sanctuary” that houses an omakase room from Royal Izakaya and Hiroki Chef Zhengmao “Jeff” Chen, per The Inquirer. We can’t wait to see it, and hopefully, it will be soon as the ETA is this year!
La Jefa |📍1605 Latimer St
The electrical fire that affected Tequila’s, and forced it to shut down allowed the Suros family to re-envision what the space could be. Welcome to La Jefa, a Guadalajaran-inspired coffee and cocktail cafe in the area that was formerly the back dining room. ETA is this April!
Liquorette |📍1534 Sansom St
Sometimes, when you plan to launch a “quirky wine bar” on the first floor, you may also plan to launch a bar bar on the second floor. However, if you’re the team behind local faves like Grace & Proper (vintage European vibes) or Sonny’s Cocktail Joint (“where high brow meets low brow“), you know you’re making a bar that’s probably going to be a unique and cool one. The current ETA is the first half of 2025.
Madis Coffee Roasters | 📍1441 Chestnut St
Madis Coffee Roasters announced last year that they were expanding to this side of the Schuylkill with 2 locations: one of them is planned for the corner of 15th and Chestnut, at the base of The Element Hotel, which has never been occupied. Since then, they’ve JUST opened up the other location in Washington Square Park. We confirmed that they still plan on opening up the Rittenhouse one this year, because we’re unashamedly biased.
Malai |📍 260 S 18th St
Another NYC gem on its way to our neighborhood: Malai ice cream, right next to Starbucks on 18th in the former David David art gallery, and fitting for what looks like an elegant ice cream parlor. You can find more about them and track their progress in our article here – ETA is May!
McDonald’s |📍1604 Chestnut St
In a highly anticipated comeback story, McDonald‘s is returning to the neighborhood. Only this time, it’ll be on Chestnut Street, replacing the old Portabella that moved into bigger, nicer digs just the next block over. It’ll give the new Taco Bell Cantina a run for its money and us more options to pick from at 1 am.
Since construction hasn’t started and this is a big brand with lots of red tape, we’re thinking this is more of a 2026 opening.
Mitchell & Ness | 📍1513 Walnut St
In yet another example of one business taking over the lease of another, one of our favorite sports stores, Mitchell & Ness, is reportedly moving into the gorgeous Brooks Brothers store. And it makes sense on so many levels because with the incoming Jordan World of Flight, the new New Balance store, and JD Sports not too far (plus the many athleisure stores on the street) it’s really a perfect fit.
ETA is TBD, but with Brooks Brothers moving out in June, we’re thinking this ETA may move into 2026. However, we are really, really, really hoping to be pleasantly surprised with an earlier opening.
Mr. Edison |📍 200 S Broad St
After years of renovations, it’s been great to see The Bellevue coming back to life with a beautiful new look. And that journey back to its former grandeur continues with a brand new restaurant called Mr. Edison from famous restauranteur Jeffrey Chodorow. It’ll slide right into the former Polo store on Walnut and keep the incoming Flight Club Darts across the street company.
The concept and vibes have not been shared, but based on his previous well-known restaurants, such as China Grill, and Asia de Cuba, and the new ones he’s been launching, you know it’s going to be as equally fabulous as the refreshed Bellevue. ETA is this year but we’re not seeing signs of construction.
New Balance |📍1619 Walnut St
Rutro: In a coincidence with a crazy, short storm, the new New Balance got flooded by either a pipe burst or something else: people mentioned water coming down the walls from the empty space above it. The store has been emptied while construction begins AGAIN. ETA for reopening is TBD but teams are working non-stop to restore it.
Rhythm & Spirits |📍1617 JFK Blvd
If you’ve ever been to the Rhythm & Spirits in AC, well, you’re in luck as it’s making its way over to the former Classic Cake Cafe in Suburban Station! Rhythm & Spirits Philly will be similar, i.e., Italian food with no rules (must find out more about that), live music, and best of all – brunch! That’s a great area for tourists and visitors to Dilworth Park, so it’ll be sure to be in demand. ETA is fall!
Saints Restaurant |📍1901 Chestnut St
Cocktail place Noche quietly closed last year, and the space was immediately snapped up to be re-envisioned as an African restaurant and lounge by the owners of Pepper Fish Bar & Restaurant, and “will serve African dishes along with American and Italian menu items.” They nixed their plans for a late-night lounge, however, the restaurant is slated to open this year for sure.
Stephen Starr’s 3rd Restaurant on the Square | 📍225 S. 18th St
Like Zendaya and Tom Holland, Stephen Starr also made it official: He’s taking over the former Devon Seafood & Grill space (the rumors were swirling for a while).
And if you ever had the chance to go to Devon, you likely remember the beautiful arches in the ceiling, the tiles, and the expansive space in the back, down the steps. It wasn’t a cookie-cutter space at all, with a story and vibe in itself. We’re excited the Starr team will be taking on the space because if there’s one thing they know, it’s how to make a splash around the Square. ETA is 2026.
Sandbox VR | 📍1712 Walnut St
Someone asked Santa or that Genie in a bottle for a full-body VR experience, and voila! Sandbox VR heard and will be arriving in Rittenhouse in late April, and just in time to provide a fun option for a friend’s, bachelor’s, or bachelorette’s party! BTW, this and Team Mission are from the same company that also own the Museum of Illusions.
Taco Bell Cantina |📍1634 Chestnut St
LATE SPRING – That’s (still) the latest ETA we’ve heard from the franchise owner for this particular Taco Bell that will be a Cantina. We think it’ll be a hit, judging by the reception of our post. Construction is quietly happening, but we will continue to monitor progress like a (hungry) hawk.
Tacodelphia |📍2051 Walnut St
Fellow Rittenhouse rambler jessierose1 tipped us off that a new food place was coming to the former Chase location at 21st and Walnut, which Philly_junebug confirmed was Tacodelphia, a fast-casual restaurant formerly known in the area as Illegal Tacos. Work is progressing, and it’ll likely open this year.
Teddy Sourias Project | 📍 1515 Market St
We still don’t know more than this: Teddy Sourias, the founder of Craft Concepts Group, who has many restaurants you’d recognize in Center City, including Uptown Beer Garden, is planning a Japanese-inspired restaurant at 1515 Market that includes a 4,000-square-foot patio.
Time Mission | 📍 1534 Chestnut St
That escalated quickly: Time Mission, a social gaming experience where teams travel “through time to save the future,” is joining Sandbox VR to give us two experiential options in the neighborhood. Per a review of the Cali one:
“At Time Mission, each new portal took us to a different destination with a new challenge to solve together as a team. This over-world tied together a collection of artistic, unusual rooms filled with creative contraptions or other physical or mental playgrounds.”
Time Mission will live above JD Sports, which used to be a 2-level H&M. ETA is this spring!
Uchi | 📍 1620 Sansom St
We finally know the name of the high-end sushi place coming to The Josephine: The award-winning, Austin-based restaurant Uchi. Their Miami and other locations look stunning, but they’ve hired the same designers whose creativity can be seen at Schulson’s restaurants. So you KNOW the vibes will be amazing, and while the food looks stellar, we hear it’s even more delicious than it looks.
ETA is 2025, and we’ll keep you posted on the progress.
Unnamed Italian Bakery @The Josephine | 📍1620 Sansom St
Good news: Every commercial space within The Josephine is taken! Next to the incredible-sounding Uchi we’re hearing will be a Philly-based Italian bakery, which will continue to make Sansom between 16th and 17th pretty awesome. ETA is this year but we haven’t seen any signs of construction, sadly.
Unnamed Sports Bar @The Josephine | 📍1620 Sansom St
LET’S GO SPORTS BAR! No, seriously, this is going to be pretty cool: The entire 2nd floor of The Josephine will be a known-brand name sports bar. ETA is this year but don’t hold us to it!
Unnamed Residential Project | 📍26 S. 21st St
Newly added project to the residential construction projects in (slow) progress: A 200-luxury apartment building is being planned for a current parking lot, plus:
The project would be outfitted with underground parking, a second-story restaurant with an outdoor patio, and a 16,000-square-foot ground-floor retail space, which they anticipate attracting a national retailer.
There’s no current ETA but they do plan to break ground this year!
Veronica Beard | 📍 1709 Walnut St
And just like that, the final empty ground-level store on Walnut, in the former rockstar spot occupied by Allbirds is going to be filled by the cool, chic, and classic brand Veronica Beard! ETA is this spring, and we’ve seen construction moving along nicely.
Walnut Garden | 📍1708 Walnut St
Forget that groundhog: The true sign of spring is when Walnut Garden announces its opening date! The tables are set, the tent is up, and the date is confirmed: April 3rd!
Wonder | 📍1600 Chestnut St
Finally, something more valuable than a bank is opening in a former bank space! Wonder, a unique and buzzy food delivery, takeout + dine-in brand, is coming to town. ETA is this year, and we’re tracking its progress here.
Weckerly’s | 📍 1600 Spruce St
Fishtown ice cream darling Weckerly’s is joining all the great new sweet things we have in the neighborhood at the perfect time! They’ve confirmed that they are aiming to open up in April, and we’ll continue to post updates here.
Know of anything else coming or in the works? Shoot us an email at rittenhouseramblings@gmail.com so we can watch their progress together!
