Jorge and Jess Martinez, owners of Buena Vista, are bringing their Mexican restaurant to Old City, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

It will be the seventh location and take over the former bank building at 123 Chestnut Street that previously housed Han Dynasty, which recently moved to a smaller storefront further along the block.

Jorge is from Mexico, while Jess is from El Salvador. The couple opened their first restaurant in 2008 in Montgomery County. However, due to it being in the midst of the Great Recession, it closed soon after.

In 2010, they opened a location in Malvern, and eventually expanded throughout the suburbs to locations in Exton, Wayne, and Ardmore before entering Philadelphia earlier this year. The first two locations are in Bella Vista and Fairmount, respectively.

Martinez said the new Old City location will also have a bar, and should open in early 2025.

The newest Buena Vista location will be added to the stretch of Chestnut Street. The collection of 150-year-old buildings has been a restaurant row in Philadelphia since the 1970s.

The restaurant scene is fueled by the hope of more foot traffic.

Billy Creagh, a broker with National Realty Commercial, said the recent surge of residents in Old City and its overall walkability are helping lure restaurants today.

Read more about Buena Vista and Old City’s restaurant row in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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