Chibanos, a new sandwich shop is set to replace the recently-shuttered Effie’s in Washington Square West, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Evan Fong Jaroff plans to open the inaugural brick-and-mortar location for his new sandwich shop concept in 2025.

He finalized the sale of the property in mid-August.

Jaroff is a Philadelphia native who worked in the financial services industry in Los Angeles and London before moving back to Philly in November 2022. He started Chibanos in 2023.

The Chibanos concept is inspired by Jaroff’s Chinese and Cuban heritage.

Beyond serving Chinese and Cuban foods Jaroff ate as a child, along with three main sandwiches, Jaroff hopes Chibanos will also provide a community gathering space for mixed-race individuals to convene.

“I wanted to create a physical space for people with mixed race or multicultural backgrounds to come together, to share experiences and to thrive,” Jaroff said.

He hopes to partner with local organizations to host community events at Chibanos that highlight the multicultural experience and opening up the second floor of the three-story building for events.

“I wanted a space that also felt like a home and that people can feel comfortable in,” Jaroff said.

Effie’s, the Greek BYOB, closed its doors in August after 27 years at the location.

Read more about the plans for Chibanos’ opening in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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