The Deep Freeze Edition Edition: January’s Fond Farewells, Friendly Hellos, And Focus On The Future

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While Rittenhouse was digging out from the snowstorm, the neighborhood said goodbye to long-time neighborhood fixtures, hello to exactly two new arrivals, and “coming soon” to enough projects to fill every snow day through spring.

January pulled the classic winter move: arrived cold, stayed cold, and made us question why we didn’t book that flight to somewhere tropical when we had the chance.

But we digress. Overall, the month started slow, then hit us with a flurry of announcement activity and that black ice that made the 31 days feel simultaneously endless and action-packed, even it it was relatively quiet on actual openings (because apparently building permits don’t care about our need for instant gratification, booooo.)

This month we said goodbye to some serious neighborhood veterans—decade-plus neighborhood fixtures, such as DFTI, Revolution Taco, and Scarpetta, plus farewells to two owners who decided retirement was calling louder than morning service: Shiroi Hana closed after an incredible 40-year run (read that again: forty years), and Eyesite hung up their optometry tools after a decade of keeping Rittenhouse seeing clearly.

The arrivals category was sadly sparse but Lululemon executed some impressive retail chess by temporarily relocating while they build out their expanded flagship, and Mac Mart proved that downsizing can actually be an upgrade by transforming into a Mini Mac Mart kiosk.

But here’s where it gets interesting: While the actual openings were hibernating, the coming soon announcements dropped like snowflakes during that snow-ice storm. We’ve got Ellen Yin bringing Italian to The Josephine (but not 100% sure where in The Josephine), a Jazz Age steakhouse planning its grand entrance (with an Afro-Caribbean residency as an appetizer), Yemeni coffee culture arriving via Haraz, The Juice Pod claiming the former Joe’s Coffee space, and – surprise! A NYC croissant specialist called Somedays Bakery resurrecting the shuttered Republic Bank building off of Walnut.

It’s like the universe decided that if we’re going to be stuck dealing with snow in late January, we should at least have something exciting to look forward to when spring finally arrives.

Oh, and we’re making a change to the list this month that you may like: Residential construction projects have officially graduated to their own spotlight feature because they move at a pace that makes our lingering snow piles look positively speedy.

This month’s roundup:

• Fond Farewells: A decade (or four) is a good run—DFTI, Eyesite, Revolution Taco, Scarpetta, and the legendary Shiroi Hana all closed their doors in January.

• Friendly Hellos: Lululemon’s strategic relocation and Mac Mart’s kiosk transformation prove that sometimes the best moves are the smallest ones.

• Focus on the Future: New to the list: Ellen Yin’s Italian restaurant at The Josephine, The Ruxton steakhouse (with The Ocho Supper Club residency bridge), The Juice Pod, Haraz Coffee, and Somedays Bakery, bringing us up to 34 projects in the hopper, so as to speak, and not all launching in 2026.
  

Scroll for all the details, and as always, hit us at rittenhouseramblings@gmail.com if you spot something we missed—or if you have intel on when this snow is actually going to melt!

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Fond Farewells :

DFTI | 📍2032 Chestnut St

After 11 years of being Rittenhouse’s go-to for “I have nothing to wear” emergencies and perfect outfit moments, DFTI Boutique closed its Philly doors as the owner and style guru took her magic south to Charleston. In her tearful goodbye Instagram post, she reflected on a decade-plus of dreams realized, friendships forged, and helping countless customers find looks that made them feel like the main character in their own life—and that personal touch is what made DFTI so special. So thank you for 11 years of making Rittenhouse more fabulous.

Eyesite | 111 S 18th St

Another beloved neighborhood fixture recently closed its doors: Eyesite, the intimate eyeglasses boutique that called the same cozy shop on 18th Street home for about a decade. Word on the street is the owner retired to Portugal, and as we’re checking our weather app showing single-digit temperatures, we’re definitely feeling slight twinges of jealousy. But honestly, nothing but good wishes for someone who took such wonderful care of everyone’s vision (literally and figuratively) for all those years.

Fun fact: the space was previously a tea shop called appropriately Steap, so we’re officially manifesting both the return of a cozy tea spot and warm weather to Rittenhouse.

Scarpetta | 210 W Rittenhouse Square

After a decade of serving up Italian elegance, NYC’s Scarpetta at The Rittenhouse Hotel is closing its doors—but don’t worry, something equally exciting is taking its place. The storied dining room that’s hosted countless anniversary dinners and power lunches will transform into The Ruxton (more deets on that below!)

Shiroi Hana | 222 S 15th St

After many decades of being a Rittenhouse fixture Shiroi Hana, the charming sushi restaurant right next to Good Dog, closed on January 24th. The owner had long planned to retire and put the building up for sale back in December 2024, per the Business Journal. Our deepest thanks to fellow Rambler Sam for letting us know, and sending the Shiroi Hana family and their staff all the best vibes.

Revolution Taco | 📍2015 Walnut St

Normally, we’d be sad because Revolution Taco wasn’t your standard taco joint—for 10 years owner Carolyn Nguyen’s menu read like a passport stamp collection, blending chorizo with Peking duck, Korean BBQ beef, and other international riffs that made every order an adventure, born from her food truck days during Philly’s mobile food scene heyday. However, from Revolution Taco will be Nguyen’s next adventure: Carolyn’s Modern Vietnamese (more below!)

Friendly Hellos:

Lululemon Pop-Up | 📍1515 Walnut St

Lululemon just pulled off what might be the one of the smoothest retail transitions we’ve seen on Walnut Street—opening a temporary popup at 1515 Walnut while their Philly flagship gets built down the street at 1718 Walnut. It’s the kind of “I’m not leaving, I’m just upgrading” energy that keeps your Align leggings accessible while construction dust settles. We broke down the whole strategic play in our full deep-dive here, but the TL;DR is our athleisure needs remain uninterrupted, and honestly, that’s the kind of customer service we can get behind.

Mini Mac Mart |📍18th & Arch

In news that will warm your icy heart, er, hands rather, know that the MINI Mac Mart has officially opened at 18th & Arch as part of The Concourse at Comcast, down the street from the Biederman’s Caviar booth. After nearly a decade serving Rittenhouse from their original storefront, they may have downsized the physical space but upsized the offerings—now they’re a one-stop shop for local faves like Huda’s cinnamon milk buns, Sweet Box Philly cupcakes, Dillonades‘ fresh fruit lemonades, and Marinucci’s Deli hoagies and wraps. With the amount of snow and ice we’ve been seeing, maybe this is a sign from the Weather Gods to stock up on tasty and indulgent treats.

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Focus on the Future:

Ayat |📍2021-23 Sansom St

The New York to Philly (and vice versa) love continues with the long in the making arrival of Ayat, a Palestinian restaurant with many locations in the even longer-vacant Roxy Theater space. Construction has hit MANY snags, however, they are still focused on Philly and the new ETA is April! Sending them all the good vibes for smooth sailing from now on.

Bar Caviar | 📍256 S. 16th St

File this in news that would have thrilled Robin Leach if he was still with us – Per The Inquirer, Rittenhouse is getting its own champagne wishes and caviar dreams fulfilled as boutique hotel The Dwight D will be debuting Bar Caviar. An intimate hotel set in an 1840s row home, they’ll have a wide array of champagne bottles and by the glass, varieties of caviar, oysters and crudo, plus small plates. We’re thinking they may transform the living room but either way, we know it’ll be gorgeous, and a GREAT addition to an area that has Monk’s Cafe, Enswell, Super Folie, and Weckerlys in close proximity to each other.

ETA is Spring!

Bathhouse | 📍1414 Walnut St

Walnut by Broad had been empty for some time before Flight Club Darts opened last year, joined later by 7th Avenue. And now the scaffolding around The Bellevue is down, construction for Mr. Edison continues, and in other great news, New York wellness cult favorite Bathhouse is coming to town! Moving into the beautiful and over-5-years-empty PRIOR Tiffany’s location, Bathhouse isn’t your average cucumber-water-and-whisper spa. Full details on what to expect here. ETA is this summer!

Biederman’s | 📍276 S 20th St

Expanding on the caviar kiosk outside The Four Seaons, Lauren Biederman is bringing her hand-sliced smoked fish empire to Rittenhouse this spring, claiming the iconic corner that once housed Audrey Claire, and then Charley Dove. Expect smoked salmon, sable, gravlax, caviar, bagels, and lox, now a five-minute walk from Rittenhouse Square instead of a schlep to South Philly.

ETA is Spring 2026, so the Caviar kiosk at 19th and Arch for now is still your best bet!

Botld Expansion |📍119 S. 18th St

Anyone who’s tried to navigate Pennsylvania’s liquor laws knows they make the SEPTA schedule look straightforward by comparison. So when Botld opened in Rittenhouse back in 2022, it was already kind of a flex. Then back in fall of 2024 they announced that they’re transforming about 1,000 square feet of the 1,800-square-foot space into a cocktail bar, similar to their Midtown Village location but with the bottle shop still present. Expected arrival: sometime in 2026 because good things take time.

Cake & Joe |📍1735 Market St

Cake & Joe is still slated to come to Market Street, offering a dessert option for a street that’s beginning to blossom once again. Known for their gorgeous mousse desserts and drinks, this will be an intimate Cake & Joe store. Construction is moving slowly BUT moving so 2026 looks very likely!

Carolyn’s Modern Vietnamese | 📍 2015 Walnut St

After a decade of serving tacos that somehow made sense with Peking duck and Korean BBQ (the food truck era was wild, you guys), the Philly Inquirer shared that owner Carolyn Nguyen was closing Revolution Taco to open something she’s been wanting: Carolyn’s Modern Vietnamese. The concept is Cajun Vietnamese food from her Louisiana (!!) childhood —think seafood boils, slow-cooked grits, curry duck with handmade gnocchi. For the first time, her name’s on the door and her story’s on the menu—and honestly? We’re ready for it.

ETA is any day now!

Friday Saturday Sunday Expansion | 📍 261 S 21st St

Last year Friday Saturday Sunday bought the home behind them, adding space for about 40-50 more diners in what they’re calling a “higher-end chef’s table” experience. Think of it as the VIP lounge of an already-VIP situation. They’re targeting a summer 2026 opening, so if getting into FSS now feels like cracking the Da Vinci Code, this chef’s table is going to require CIA-level connections, given their recent accolades (cough, Michelin Star, cough)

Haraz Coffee Shop |📍1822 Chestnut St

Michigan-based Haraz Coffee House is opening their third Philly location in the Elon Dunbar House, bringing specialty Yemeni coffee to our caffeine-obsessed heart. The space has been empty since ToBox closed in 2019—so we’re trading dress shoes for coffee beans, and honestly? We’re not mad about it.

Haraz specializes in traditional Yemeni coffee roasting with light roasts, plus spiced coffee drinks and date-sweetened options. This will be our third Yemeni coffee shop, and construction permits are already up, so it may be the first to open. We’ll keep you posted!

Jabal Coffee House | 📍1524 Chestnut St

Philly is beginning to see an influx of Yemeni coffee shops, and fortunately Rittenhouse will be getting 2, one of them being Jabal Coffee House. Jabal specializes in premium Yemeni-grown coffee blends sourced directly from Yemen’s high-altitude mountains—the name translates to “mountain” in Arabic—and the cafes are distinctive.

Yemeni cafes are distinctive for their beautiful designs, late hours, spiced coffee drinks, and desserts ranging from kunafa cheesecake to chocolate-dipped cakes. So expect a luxurious coffee experience that’s designed as a destination and community space. ETA is this year but construction has not begun so we’ll keep you posted!

Liquorette |📍1534 Sansom St

Sometimes when you open a WineDive downstairs, you go full Jekyll and Hyde and open a high-end cocktail bar upstairs—because why not? Liquorette is positioning itself as a “technique-driven cocktail bar inspired by luxury European cocktail bars, and it’s the perfect contrast: downstairs you’re vibing with natural wines and cheese boards, upstairs you’re sipping clarified citrus cocktails that require three types of bitters.

They’re aiming for early 2026, so our New Year’s resolution to become a cocktail connoisseur will finally have a destination.

Lululemon Expansion | 📍1718 Walnut St

Remember when we told you about Lululemon’s expansion plans? Well, phase one is officially underway as they’ve moved into the former North Face space a few blocks down on Walnut Street while construction begins on their mega-store. You can find full details here, and while the construction timeline and final move-in date are TBD, but we’ll keep you posted as this saga unfolds!

Matcha Panda |📍2033 Chestnut St

In great news for matcha lovers EVERYWHERE, Matcha Panda is lumbering into the former Black Market CBD and Kratom store. So it’s a different kind of chill! And this off-shoot of the Chinatown OG will not only have matcha, it also offers cream puffs, crepe cakes, and more to tempt any diet plans you may have.

As for when you can get your hands on that Instagram-worthy matcha latte? The ETA has shifted to “TBD” thanks to those ever-mysterious “unforeseen circumstances”—which in restaurant-opening speak could mean anything from permit delays to construction gremlins to Mercury being in retrograde. But it’s still in the works – sending them all the good vibes!

McDonald’s |📍1604 Chestnut St

In the comeback story absolutely nobody saw coming—except maybe Ray Kroc‘s ghost—McDonald’s is staging its Rittenhouse return, swooping into the former Portabella space, as the menswear spot had upgraded to bigger, fancier digs just one block over. It’s like watching your ex move back to the neighborhood, except this time we’re actually kind of excited about it because, let’s be honest, sometimes you just need those McNuggets at 11 PM on a Tuesday.

Permits and zoning notices are plastered on the building, but don’t get too excited just yet—construction hasn’t even broken ground, which means it could be late 2026 or even 2027 before we can McFlurry our way through a post-work slump.

Mitchell & Ness | 📍1513 Walnut St

In the ongoing Rittenhouse real estate game of musical chairs, Mitchell & Ness, the beloved sports gear haven, is moving into the former Brooks Brothers space, and we’re talking a SERIOUS glow-up here. This bi-level beast gives them roughly triple the room to do what they do best: drowning us in Birds green, Phillies red, and every other piece of Philly sports merch our hearts desire.

They’re targeting spring 2026 for the big move, which gives you plenty of time to make room in your closet—or just accept that you’re going to need a bigger one.

MOTW Coffee & Pastries | 📍2101 Market St

The now third of the Yemini coffee shops coming is MOTW Coffee. Born from an Instagram initiative called “Muslims of the World” during the owner’s college days at Butler University, the project became a platform for sharing stories across the global Muslim community, and evolved into a coffee shop. The menu leans into specialty lattes, iced refreshers, traditional chai, and Arabic pastries, blending premium coffee culture with cultural authenticity. So..options!

ETA is 2026 – month tbd!

Mr. Edison |📍 200 S Broad St

The Bellevue‘s return to being the Grand Dame includes a brand new restaurant, Mr. Edison from famous restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. It’s sliding into the former Polo store on Walnut and keep Flight Club Darts, which is across the street, company. We heard construction is moving albeit slowly so we’re holding out hope for a launch in 2026. And once you’ve seen the sexy renderings here you’ll be joining us in those prayers, promise!

O’Morreys | 📍1720 Sansom St

This was one of the neatest stories from The Inquirer: Chef Kenjiro Omori and partner Biff Gottehrer – who first worked together as sous chefs at Dandelion about a decade ago – are reuniting to launch O’Morrey’s. The building once housed Genji, a Japanese restaurant Omori’s parents ran for nearly 30 years and most recently was home to General Tsao’s House. Now he’s taking over the family space with a name that’s part homage, part inside joke – just throw an apostrophe in “Omori” and shuffle the spelling. The concept is elevated bar food paired with a curated cocktail program.

ETA is Spring 2026!

Ocho Supper Club | 📍210 W Rittenhouse Square

If you’ve been trying to score a seat at Chef RJ Smith’s impossibly elusive Ocho Supper Club, your luck just changed—kind of. Coming in February and running through July, Ocho is setting up shop at The Rittenhouse for a six-month residency, held every other Sunday with just 26 seats per service in what was Scarpetta for 10 years, and which will be Ruxton, the steakhouse from Baltimore, in the future.

OlfactoryNYC | 📍1501 Walnut St

In great news for the space on Walnut that’s been empty since a Septa bus crashed into it, OlfactoryNYC is moving in! The brand that takes over from Redwing who declined to come back, it offers a hands-on, customizable perfume-making experience where you can create unique scents and personalize pretty much everything: the name, label, and possibly even the bottle!

We reached out to them and heard that their `ETA is February!

Palm Vintage | 📍 1414 S Penn Sq

The area around City Hall is having a moment, and Palm Vintage might be its most intriguing addition yet. Opening in the former Waterfront Gourmet Deli space, this spot will be pulling double duty: cafe by day, tropical cocktail lounge by night.

From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., expect pastries, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Then at 4 p.m., it goes full Jekyll and Hyde—transforming into an island-inspired cocktail and sushi lounge with caviar, oysters, and light bites until 10 p.m. The tropical vibes promise a much-needed escape from our gray winter reality. Originally slated for December, construction had other plans (shocking, we know). But things are moving, the menus are up here, and the ETA is February!

Rally House | 📍1628-36 Chestnut St

FINALLY! The good-looking Rite Aid with the vaulted ceilings and chandeliers has a tenant and it’s none other than Rally House, the sports apparel and fan gear temple per the Business Journal.

Because it’s a historical site there won’t be any changes to the exterior so, as you can see from the renderings they shared with the city, it’ll look pretty much the same as it always has. On the inside though, we’re sure it will be filled with a TON of sports and Philly merchandise. Which is exactly what you’d expect and want from your local Rally House. With this and Mitchell & Ness making it’s way over to this side of Broad, we’re going to quickly run out of excuses to not have new sports gear.

ETA is, at the time of this posting, is early February per their Google Business listing!

Ruxton Steakhouse | 📍210 W Rittenhouse Square

The Rittenhouse Hotel is getting a serious makeover, and if you appreciate a good steakhouse with enough vintage glamour to make Gatsby jealous, this one’s for you. After Scarpetta takes its final bow on January 31st, the space is making way for The Ruxton—a Jazz Age-inspired steakhouse from the same geniuses behind Loch Bar. Picture velvet upholstery, walnut millwork, custom Murano glass chandeliers, and those iconic Rittenhouse Square views that turn dinner into an event. But here’s the twist: before construction starts in fall 2026, Ocho Supper Club is swooping in for an eight-month residency.

The Ruxton’s grand entrance is slated for spring 2027, which means we’ve got 18 months of watching this space transform from Italian fine dining to Caribbean pop-up to Jazz Age steakhouse. It’s the restaurant equivalent of a costume change montage, and we’re here for every course.

Sev Laser | 📍1525 Chestnut St

Right next door to the Five Guys that’s been slinging burgers on Chestnut for, like, forever, something decidedly more zen is moving in. Say hello soon to Sev, a boutique med-spa with a a location in Liberty Place and Fishtown. Sev will be breathing new life into the Pomerantz building, which has been sitting vacant for over 18 years, and will now be home to a hotel above. So while Five Guys keeps feeding our burger cravings, Sev will be right there ready to handle our skincare goals, because balance is important and self-care comes in many forms (sometimes it’s fries, sometimes it’s facials, no judgment).

Judging by how construction is now hustling, ETA may be as soon as February!

Somedays Bakery | 📍1601 Walnut St

The paper’s up at the former Republic Bank which in Philly real estate speak is basically the Bat-Signal for “something delicious is coming”—and according to The Inquirer, that something is Somedays Bakery, a NYC-based croissant wonderland that’s about to make your carb-loving heart very, very happy.

Founded in 2024 by a Chip City Cookies co-founder, Somedays has built a cult following for their next-level artisan croissants in flavors like pistachio, chocolate hazelnut, and prosciutto with gruyere—basically the kind of pastries that make you understand why people set alarms on weekends. They’re moving into the former Republic Bank branch that closed after a catastrophic water main break (ironically in 2024, when Somedays as founded). Who knew the silver lining to municipal infrastructure failures would be artisanal-class croissants paired with La Colombe coffee?

ETA is TBD – we’ve reached out and you know we’ll keep you posted!

The Juice Pod | 📍1845 Walnut St

Wellness is coming to the corner that caffeine built, and the transformation feels perfectly timed. The Juice Pod—already literally crushing it at Comcast Center—is squeezing into the former Joe’s Coffee space. Joe’s held down this Rittenhouse real estate for six years before closing all their Philly locations in 2019, and before that, Venditore briefly ran their coffee and produce stand here. Now The Juice Pod is writing the next chapter, bringing cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and wellness shots to a neighborhood that’s been missing a solid grab-and-go health option on this side of the Square.

ETA is March!

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, joining a growing number of desired late late-night/early morning options in the neighborhood. ETA was 2025 but haven’t seen anything announced just yet.

Unnamed Ellen Yin Restaurant @The Josephine | 📍1620 Sansom St

Well, well, well—looks like The Josephine is becoming the center of Rittenhouse’s most delicious game of Clue! Buried in this list of what’s coming was the tantalizing mention that Ellen Yin was returning to Rittenhouse to bring an Italian restaurant to the building. According to The Inquirer, this Italian venture is eyeing a spring 2026 debut, though anyone who’s watched a construction timeline knows that “spring” is more of a vibe than a hard deadline. The real mystery? Whether Yin’s claiming the ground-floor bakery space or the substantial second-floor sports bar location.

Either way, at least one piece of The Josephine puzzle is about to click into place!

Unnamed Italian Bakery @The Josephine | 📍1620 Sansom St

In the great Josephine building real estate shuffle, there was once talk of a Philly-based Italian bakery joining Uchi on the ground floor—a combo that would’ve made the Sansom Street stretch between 16th and 17th absolutely delicious. But now that Ellen Yin’s Italian restaurant has entered the chat, we’re wondering if the bakery concept got absorbed into her larger vision, ghosted us entirely, or is still lurking somewhere in the wings waiting for its moment. Until we get official word, consider this bakery dream in Schrödinger’s oven—simultaneously rising and deflating until someone confirms what’s actually happening.

Unnamed Sports Bar @The Josephine | 📍1620 Sansom St

And finally, the second-floor sports bar that was possibly happening at The Josephine back when 2025 felt like the future. This upscale sports haven was supposed to give you craft cocktails, premium bar bites, and all the screens your Eagles-obsessed heart could desire. But then Ellen Yin happened, and suddenly this concept went quieter than a library during finals week. Is it still in play? Did it evolve into something else? Are they divvying up the huge space evenly?

We’re keeping our eyes on this space like it’s fourth-and-goal, but for now, it’s all speculation and vibes, like our fitness goals (RIP 2026 resolutions).

Unnamed Starr Restaurant on the Square | 📍225 S. 18th St

As Borromini enjoys its day in the sun, Stephen Starr is HOPEFULLY turning his attention to the former Devon Seafood space. And if you ever had the chance to go to Devon, you probably remember the beautiful arches, the ceiling print, the tiles, and the expansive space in the back, down the steps – it was a story and vibe in itself. ETA is 2026 for the concept confirmation and possibly the opening date.

Vita Sana | 📍2319 Walnut St

Vita Sana PHL, a healthy fast-casual restaurant, is opening right next door in the space formerly occupied by Good Karma Cafe, next to CityCoHo. Think açaí bowls, fresh salads, wraps, and coffee; basically everything you need to fuel those long work sessions without having to venture far from your desk. The Fitler Focus has more deets here and ETA seems to be any time soon!

Vrai | 📍132 S 17th St

The 2nd floor shop at 132 S 17th St across from Gomo Nails has had more costume changes than a Broadway understudy but we think it’s finally found it’s perfect tenant with high-end jewelry brand Vrai moving in! This will be the 10th location for the global and celebrity-loved brand that’s known for its lab-grown diamonds.

ETA is Spring 2026 and you can get more deets on them here.

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Spotted something we missed? Have intel on any of these projects, or new ones coming into the neighborhood? Hit us at rittenhouseramblings@gmail.com so we can track its progress, together!