Galdo’s Catering & Entertainment, which has been a South Philadelphia staple for the last 25 years, has been sold to SEPTA for $3.34 million, writes Jake Blumgart for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Galdo’s had been a hub for neighborhood events, as well as a popular event hall for politicians rallying supporters and raising funds.
“Most of the political events in Philly were held at my place,” said Louis Galdo, who retired in December. “Just about every politician and judge has walked through there. But we did everything: funerals, seminars, weddings, fundraisers for people in need.”
It, however, closed its doors at the end of 2024, allowing SEPTA to acquire the property as the transit authority expands its southern depot.
The property was previously owned by the Philadelphia Transportation Co. — one of the private-sector antecedents to SEPTA — long ago.
In 2023, Galdo approached SEPTA about selling his one-acre site after deciding he wanted to spend more time with his six grandchildren and at his Margate house.
“It’s a nice cost savings for us,” said Jody Holton, SEPTA’s chief planning and strategy officer. “We are hyper-focused on our fiscal constraints and our funding shortage, so this project helps us reduce operating expenses from circling the block.”
SEPTA plans to preserve the space as a training spot for operators.
Read more about SEPTA’s acquisition of Galdo’s at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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