127 Layers Is Our Kind of Extra: Somedays Bakery Is Bringing Its Cult-Fave Croissants To The Former Republic Bank
The NYC based bakery with a devoted following for next-level artisan croissants is setting up shop at 1601 Walnut Street—bringing sophisticated pastries and that slow-down-and-savor vibe right to Rittenhouse’s main shopping thoroughfare.
Exciting news for anyone who’s EVER wished Rittenhouse had a 100% dedicated croissant shop or is obsessed with buttery, flaky pastries: we’re getting one, and it’s coming from one of NYC’s most buzzed-about baked goods destinations. Somedays Bakery, who has built a genuine cult following for their next-level artisan croissants, is transforming the former Republic Bank space at 1601 Walnut Street into their very first Philadelphia location.
The Perfect Walnut Street Location
The location couldn’t be more perfect—right in the heart of Walnut Street’s bustling retail corridor, where Republic bank operated for YEARS before closing in 2024 due to both a water pipe burst AND regulators. Luckily for us, the transformation from financial institution to French pastry paradise is already underway, with construction crews working to create what promises to be a sophisticated bakery experience right where we walk every day.
For those unfamiliar with Somedays, this isn’t your typical neighborhood bakery. Founded in Queens, Somedays has earned serious recognition from foodies for elevating the humble croissant into something extraordinary. We’re talking croissants that people plan their mornings around—and now Rittenhouse is getting them too.
A Vision for Community & Connection
Peter Phillips, CEO of Somedays Bakery (and Chip City!) shared his vision for the Rittenhouse location:
“Bringing Somedays Bakery to Philadelphia is an exciting step as we continue to grow. Entering our third state marks a meaningful milestone for Somedays Bakery. Philadelphia’s incredible food culture and strong sense of community make it a perfect home for our from-scratch pastries and welcoming neighborhood experience. We want to create a place where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy something truly special.”
That mission—creating a space where people actually slow down in our busy neighborhood—feels particularly welcome on Walnut Street, as we sometimes rush between shops and appointments.
The Aesthetic: Sophisticated But Warm
The bakery’s aesthetic is exactly what you’d hope for: clean, modern, and focused entirely on showcasing their gorgeous, decadent-looking pastries. The warm wood elements and globe lighting create an inviting atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and approachable—perfect for grabbing a quick croissant on your way to work or settling in for a proper pastry moment.
But honestly, it’s what’s in their display case that has us most excited.
Beyond Your Average Croissant
Somedays doesn’t just make regular croissants (though they do those beautifully too). They’ve built their reputation on inventive flavor combinations that sound almost too good to be real: Pistachio Latte croissants, Chocolate Hazelnut Praline, Pain Suisse, and even Passion Fruit Croissant Pudding. Each pastry is made with the kind of technical precision that turns a simple croissant into something genuinely special.
What This Means for Rittenhouse
What makes this particularly exciting for Rittenhouse is the location itself. Walnut Street loves its bakeries right in the thick of things (e.g., Levain, Metropolitan); somewhere you can pop in between shopping at Anthropologie, Aritzia, Lululemon, Brandy Melville. etc, etc. Sophisticated pastries right on our main shopping drag? Feels like exactly the kind of upgrade the neighborhood deserves.
ETA is still TBD we’re thinking spring 2025 is looking likely, if the Construction Gods decide to play nice. We’ll be tracking progress closely and will update you the moment we have more info!
Have you spotted any other construction or development we should be tracking? Drop us a line at rittenhouseramblings@gmail.com—we appreciate every tip from our fellow Ramblers!
