The 2025 Halftime Report: June’s Fond Farewells, Friendly Hellos & Focus On The Future
With over 8 new business arrivals, and 28 MORE opening soon or on their way, we’d say Rittenhouse is feeling the GOOD kind of heat.
May delivered a scorching lineup of openings, but June burst onto the scene with an encore that busted both our diets and our wallets.
The neighborhood welcomed two equally delicious yet unique candy shops with All Aboard Candy AND Lil Sweet Treat, a collectibles sneakers and gear shop in Bullseye, the permanent jewelry and retail boutique GLDN Rule, a charming outdoor Summer Club, the sleek Japanese restaurant Kissho House offering Rittenhouse its first omakase space in recent history, an intimate European-style cafe with Musette, and even a serene Urban Oasis. There’s a bit of everything in the openings this month, which is lovely to both see and experience.
And in last minute updates (drumroll please)…The pool, plunge pools, AND hot tub are all open at Equinox, hooray!
The month wasn’t without its bittersweet farewells. Salty Paws bid adieu to familiar faces (and some genuinely confused four-legged patrons) as it crossed Broad Street for roomier digs. Meanwhile, Brooks Brothers closed its doors after nearly three decades, leaving us to scramble elsewhere for those last-minute professional wardrobe emergencies, and a tiny but mighty watch store closed shop quietly.
One of our favorite things that we saw this month? Entrepreneurs expanding and/or realizing their dreams with their first business – a trend we hope continues.
June at-a-glance:
- We lost two businesses, one that moved across Broad and another that left after nearly three decades in the neighborhood.
- There were eight – 8! – new business openings which spanned two delicious and each unique in itself candy shops, two retail stores, one European-style cafe, an outdoor pop-up, a spa, and the first of a few (and again, each unique) Japanese restaurant.
- Our future pipeline is still both full AND exciting! While eight incoming businesses launched, we still have 28 incoming (excludes expansions, moves, and residential construction projects) and some of them are HIGHLY anticipated restaurants and retail brands.
So read on for all the deets and if we missed anything, please do us a solid and let us know via email rittenhouseramblings@gmail.com or Instagram DM, and thank you VERY much for being part of our community!
Fond Farewells:
Brooks Brothers |📍1513 Walnut St
It’s truly the end of an era; Brooks Brothers has moved out of Rittenhouse after nearly 30 years, making room for what will be the new Mitchell & Ness flagship store. We’re truly sad to see them leave after being part of the neighborhood for so many years.
Liberty Time | 📍1701 Chestnut St
Quietly over the past month or longer, the long-established small watch shop Liberty Time closed, leaving a storefront in a hot shopping area of 17th and Chestnut open. We know this space will get snapped up quickly so we’re keeping an eye on it!
Salty Paws | 📍211 S 17th St
Cue some summertime sadness: Adorable doggo ice cream store Salty Paws moved across Broad over to South street. Deets here on why they couldn’t stay in Rittenhouse. Dogs are NOT a fan but we’re happy for them and can’t wait to check out their new digs which will also have a DIY doggie spa.
Soon-To-Be A Fond Farewell:
Shiroi Hana |📍222 S. 15th St
ETA for closure is still TBD for the owner of Shiroi Hana, a charming sushi and Japanese restaurant right next to Good Dog bar have the building up for sale (he plans to retire!)
Friendly Hellos:
All Aboard Candy | 📍233 S. 20th St
We’re SO glad nothing stopped this train from arriving because what’s not to love about a charming neighborhood candy shop that’s just pure fun from the moment you step in? Peek inside via deep dive here although we recommend you drop by in person to say hi and welcome them personally to the neighborhood!
Bullseye | 📍1509 Walnut St
Our neighborhood is quickly becoming a central hub for both unique AND trendy sneakers and clothing with the addition of Bullseye, the PA collectibles boutique. It’s gliding into the former Atmos space that’s on the same block as the soon-to-be relocated Mitchell & Ness flagship store, that happens to be a beautiful townhouse with some incredible woodwork. See our deep dive on it here.
Equinox Pool & Aquatics |📍1907 Walnut St
In FABULOUS news for all members, guests of members (ahem), and people thinking of joining, the pool, plunge pools, and hot tub are now all open at our first Philly Equinox! And the timing couldn’t be more perfect as we continue to battle a scorching summer heat.
Frankie’s Summer Club |📍355 S. 15th St
Summer may not have brought us a banger like last year’s Espresso or Guess, but we’ve lucked out in the summer club department with an adorable pop-up that’s a love letter to famous Philly architect Louis Kahn, with food and drinks programmed by none-other than Irwin’s.
GLDN Rule |📍1735 South Street
It’s been inspiring to see local entrepreneurs launch their dream business. One of them is Danielle, the proprietor of GLDN Rule, a permanent jewelry and accessories boutique that has transformed the prior Penn Pharmacy (literally, night and day!) – see how here.
Kissho House | 📍1522 Locust St
Kissho House, the luxe Japanese restaurant from Chef Zhengmao “Jeff” Chen, has officially debuted! Situated in a former lawyer’s office, we’re convinced that this is the best use of a commercial space as the team has transformed it into a dual-level sleek restaurant and what will be a first for the neighborhood in recent history – omakase! See our article here.
Lil Sweet Treat | 📍1527 Walnut St
The Diet Gods are really tempting us as they continue to rain down a plethora of treats on us. Not content with All Aboard Candy they also gave us Lil Sweet Treat, a globally-sourced candy viral TikTok fave and brand that’s expanded from NYC. But we’re okay with this! Get the deets here.
Musette | 📍238 S 20th St
There are very few things in life that are better than a cozy space that’s expanded from Fairmont. Case in point: Musette, the European-inspired cafe that’s become an instant neighborhood go-to for everything from coffee to small bites for pre-dinner, in the former Ultimo Rittenhouse location.
Urban Oasis | 📍1522 Locust St
On the 2nd floor of same building housing Kissho is Urban Oasis, a holistic spa that aligns with the tranquility and serene vibes of its neighbor. One of it’s key offerings is a Japanese “head spa,” a popular treatment, along with facials, eyelash extensions and more. Check out their opening specials here.
Focus on the Future:
15th Street Pizza* |📍254 S 15th St
Prepare to mangia VERY SOOL as 15th Street Pizza & Cheesesteak is thisclose to opening! It’s on a busy and fun block of 15th Street, so it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, one of the people listed on the permit apparently owns Vintage Wine Bar, Garage Bar, and Time so you know it’ll be interesting.
Abercrombie |📍1702 Walnut St
We love a good brand comeback story, so we’re PSYCHED that Abercrombie is returning to the neighborhood! Based on the progress we’ve been tracking here their ETA of 4th of July weekend looks VERY accurate!
Amma’s II |📍1500 Walnut St
Popular South Indian restaurant Amma’s on Chestnut Street is slated to expand to the shuttered Max Brenner space on 15th street along with a liquor license. They had mentioned wanting to open in June but we haven’t seen any progress made on the exterior…yet.
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 – ETA was this summer so we’ll see!
Banshee |📍1600 South St
Beloved Tio Flores may be gone, but its prime location didn’t stay empty for long. The Philly Inquirer announced that the team behind shuttered favorites Cheu Fishtown and Bing Bing Dim Sum has secured the lease. Their vision? Banshee, a bistro featuring clean Scandinavian design and an eclectic menu that defies easy categorization. ETA is summer.
Borromini |📍1809 Walnut St
Construction is almost done for Stephen Starr’s highly anticipated Italian restaurant on the Square in the former Barnes & Noble (RIP but please know, your sacrifice was not in vain). The sign on the door says August so we are thisclose to having a fun option on the Square for great people-watching.
Botld Expansion |📍119 S. 18th St
Botld opening up in 2023 was pretty unique if you know how lovely PA’s liquor laws are. Botld has done pretty well (being the official Eagles spirits brand doesn’t hurt!, expanding to other locations, and now they’re taking it to the next level with a cocktail bar in the back space. 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. When we passed by recently we didn’t see any progress made; ETA is TBD.
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 this year!
Friday Saturday Sunday Expansion | 📍 261 S 21st St
In super exciting news for everyone wants to but can’t easily get into Friday Saturday Sunday, news from The Inquirer announced that they’re buying the home behind them on Rittenhouse Square. Per the article, that’ll allow them to accommodate about 40-50 more people at what they’re saying will be a “higher-end chefs table.” ETA is next summer!
Greyscale | 📍 1608 Latimer St
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 so it’s likely open but we’ll confirm!
Harper Square |📍113-119 S. 19th St
The OG Cavanaugh’s and other businesses on Sansom by 19th Street are long gone to make way for Pearl Properties‘ Harper 2.0. Completion is a LONG way off: at the current rate of construction, which is nil for the moment.
Herman Miller |📍1615 Walnut St
Filing this under “retail stores coming to Rittenhouse not on our Bingo card”: The iconic and luxury furniture brand Herman Miller, which is sliding into the previous New Balance location. The window decal says the launch is summer 2025 but based on what we’ve seen when we’ve peeked in, it might be an early Fall fashionable debut.
Joan Shepp |📍1905 Walnut St
Don’t call it a comeback, but…the high-end fashion boutique Joan Shepp is making her fashionable way back to Walnut St, after having done a pretty long stint at 1811 Chestnut. ETA is September!
Jordan Brand’s World of Flight |📍1617 Walnut St
It feels like FOREVER since Nike announced that the first US “World of Flight” experiential retail store – a trend we’ve been seeing manifest itself here on Walnut Street – was coming to this gorgeous townhome. Based on our construction tracking here we’re really, really, really hopeful that 2025 is still in play!
Liquorette |📍1534 Sansom St
Sometimes, when you plan to launch a “quirky wine bar” aka Wine Dive on the first floor, you may also plan to launch a bar bar on the second floor that’s a “high-end, technique-driven cocktail bar that’s inspired by luxury European cocktail bars.” ETA is 2025 as the owners are focused on launching Wine Dive first.
Lululemon Expansion | 📍1718 Walnut St
Not only are new businesses arriving, and some shifting into larger spaces, we’re now also seeing the beginning of what may be a new trend: expansion! And setting the way is none other than Lululemon whose landlord, according to the Business Journal, is actively engaged in helping us get some extra Lululemon love by allowing next-door neighbor Indochino to exit their lease early AND helped find them their new digs at 1519 Walnut St aka the former home to Bonobos. ETA is 2026 should this be the plan.
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. ETA is still 2025 per last we heard!
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. Permits and zoning notices are up on the building but we’re thinking we won’t have some McNuggets to nibble on until late 2026.
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 moving into the (now former) Brooks Brothers store. This is a much larger, bi-level space which gives them plenty of room to give us even more of want we want – more sweet sports merch. ETA is TBD.
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 restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. It’ll slide right into the former Polo store on Walnut and keep Flight Club Darts, which is across the street, company. ETA is TBD.
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., food with no rules, live music, and best of all – brunch! ETA is this year.
Stephen Starr’s 3rd Restaurant on the Square | 📍225 S. 18th St
Stephen Starr may be a bit preoccupied at the moment as he preps Borromini for launch but we know he has great plans for the former Devon Seafood & Grill space that he snapped up. 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 was a story and vibe in itself. ETA is 2026.
Taco Bell |📍1614 Chestnut St
It might be no Más on the Cantina BUT we are getting our first Taco Bell! Construction is progressing VERY nicely – ETA is July!
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. The last we heard was that the ETA was 2025.
Teddy Sourias Project | 📍 1515 Market St
Teddy Sourias, the founder of Craft Concepts Group, who has many restaurants you’d recognize in Center City, including Uptown Beer Garden, was planning a Japanese-inspired restaurant at 1515 Market that included a 4,000-square-foot patio but haven’t heard anything about it recently.
Time Mission | 📍 1534 Chestnut St
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 summer!
Uchi | 📍 1620 Sansom St
The award-winning, Austin-based restaurant Uchi is coming to the Josephine, and construction is moving albeit slowly in the heat. Their Miami and other locations look stunning, and 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 late 2025.
Unnamed Diner | 📍1526 Sansom St
Upon Glu Hospitality’s closing of Bagel & Co and Chika Ramen, No Name Hospitality snapped up the leases. With Bagel & Co now Shay’s Steaks and More, we’re now just waiting to see who moves into the ex-Chika Ramen restaurant that’ll apparently be an “old-school” diner open until 3am on the weekends. Honestly, if you remember what it looked like with Federal Donuts and then Chika Ramen, then you know it can’t be anything BUT an old-school diner. However, we digress. ETA is this year!
Unnamed Italian Bakery @The Josephine | 📍1620 Sansom St
Good news: Every commercial space within The Josephine is taken! And next to the incredible-sounding Uchi will be a Philly-based Italian bakery, which will continue to make Sansom between 16th and 17th pretty awesome. ETA was this year so hoping we hear (or see!) something soon!
Unnamed Sports Bar @The Josephine | 📍1620 Sansom St
LET’S GO SPORTS BAR! Apparently, the entire 2nd floor of The Josephine will be a known-brand name sports bar. ETA was this year although we haven’t heard anything about it recently.
Unnamed Residential Project | 📍26 S. 21st St
The recent project added to the residential construction projects in (slow) progress: A 200-luxury apartment building is being planned for a current parking lot, and:
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.
WineDive | 📍1534 Sansom St
It’d been a while since we had any new updates on the quirky wine bar that was coming to the former Nails by Anna D space, so we were getting a tiny bit worried. But thanks to Wooder Ice we’re not worried anymore because Wine Dive itself is moving from South St. ETA is this summer so we’ll keep a close eye on it!
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.
Know of anything else coming or in the works? Shoot us an email at rittenhouseramblings@gmail.com so we can watch their progress together!
