Sushi Royalty Lands in Rittenhouse: Uchi’s Upcoming Debut At The Josephine
Chef Tyson Cole’s James Beard award-winning contemporary Japanese-inspired empire is bringing its coveted dining experience to 1620 Sansom Street.
Sometimes the most intriguing stories begin with the most unlikely foundations.
Picture this: a broke college kid who had never tried sushi lands a dishwasher gig at a Japanese restaurant. Fast forward two decades, and that same person becomes a James Beard Award winner revolutionizing Japanese cuisine across the country. If this sounds like the plot of a feel-good foodie movie, well, it’s actually the origin story of Chef Tyson Cole and his restaurant empire, Uchi.
Now, that empire is expanding eastward, with Philadelphia selected as one of the next chapters in what has become a coast-to-coast culinary narrative.
The House That Cole Built
Uchi – which translates to “house” in Japanese – began life in 2003 in a refurbished Austin bungalow. Cole’s approach to Japanese cuisine reads like a masterclass in thinking outside the (bento) box. His culinary philosophy centers on what the restaurant describes as “non-traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and seasonal omakase.”
The menu includes creations that might make less adventurous diners do a double-take: their signature hama chili features yellowtail paired with ponzu, thai chili, and orange supreme. Another standout, maguro sashimi, combines bluefin tuna and Fuji apple with local goat cheese, topped with sanbaizu sauce, pumpkin seed oil, and shiso garnish. It’s the kind of culinary mashup that could either be brilliant or disastrous – and according to seven successful locations spanning the country and more openings soon, it is apparently the former.
Location, Location, Location
The Philadelphia incarnation will occupy ground-floor space at The Josephine, the luxury residential tower we wrote about at 1620 Sansom Street. With a reported investment of over $5 million, the space will accommodate 165 diners across various seating arrangements: 24 seats split between the bar and sushi counter, plus a welcome 14-seat outdoor area, which is a wonderful addition to the alfresco options in Rittenhouse.
The design process involves a collaboration between Hai Hospitality’s in-house team and Philadelphia’s Rohe Creative, the local firm behind recent projects like Dear Daphni. While renderings aren’t yet available, the drywall is going up quickly, and the partnership suggests a thoughtful approach to marrying Uchi’s established aesthetic with Philadelphia’s architectural character.
The Service Philosophy
Tony Montero, Hai Hospitality‘s chief executive, explains their approach: “we take the sushi bar experience and bring it to the table. When you order, say, eight different types of nigiri pieces, they’re going to come out separately, or maybe two at a time, so that you feel like you’re at the sushi bar.” This staggered service model transforms the dining experience into something more akin to a curated tasting, where each piece gets its moment to shine.
A Japanese Renaissance in Rittenhouse
Uchi’s arrival coincides with what appears to be a significant expansion of Japanese dining options in the Rittenhouse corridor. Dancerobot, an izakaya concept from the team behind Royal Sushi & Izakaya, is targeting an August opening at 1710 Sansom Street. Kissho House is already open at 1522 Locust Street, featuring both a dining room and an omakase experience. Meanwhile, Teddy Sourias is developing a Japanese-influenced concept for the courtyard at 1515 Market Street.
This convergence of Japanese concepts within several blocks suggests that Philadelphia diners are ready to embrace a broader spectrum of Japanese culinary experiences – from comfort food to high-end omakase.
The Long Game
Todd Reppert, Hai’s Chief Development Officer, frames Philadelphia’s selection in strategic terms: “Looking at all the major cities, Philadelphia became our quick favorite because of its dense Center City neighborhoods that are representative of the idyllic Northeast city: narrow, local retail lined streets; a diverse mix of residents and daytime office workers and busy sidewalks.”
Cole himself adds: “Philly is perfect for us because the city has so much soul and character. Every block has a rich history, and we are eager to become a part of such an eclectic and highly regarded restaurant culture.” Rittenhouse is where everyone wants to be, and we’re here for it.
The timeline points to a Fall 2025 opening, which means plenty of time for anticipation to build. In the meantime, curious diners can experience Uchi’s approach at existing locations in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, West Hollywood, and Scottsdale. A Charlotte location is also in development for 2025, with expansion plans reportedly including the Washington (New York is now TBD)
Plot Twist: The Bigger Picture
Here’s where the story gets particularly interesting from a real estate perspective: Hai Hospitality’s growth is funded by KSL Capital Partners, the same private-equity group that acquired Hersha Hospitality in 2023. Hersha operates the Rittenhouse Hotel, creating an intriguing web of connections in Philadelphia’s hospitality landscape.
As construction progresses on The Josephine and Uchi’s team works through the design process, the restaurant represents more than just another dining option – it’s a significant investment in Philadelphia’s culinary reputation and a signal that national restaurant groups view the city as a market worth substantial commitment.
Whether Uchi’s non-traditional approach to Japanese cuisine will resonate with Philadelphia diners remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest that 2025 could be a particularly compelling year for Japanese food enthusiasts in Center City.
Follow us for raw construction updates here as they prep for a Fall 2025 launch.
