• Philadelphia’s Fast-Food Revolution Began with Horn & Hardart Automats Over Century Ago

    Philadelphia’s Fast-Food Revolution Began with Horn & Hardart Automats Over Century Ago

    The fast-food revolution began in Philadelphia on June 9, 1902, when Joe Horn and Frank Hardart opened their first Automat on Chestnut Street, writes Tommy Rowan for The Philadelphia Inquirer. This approach to food appealed to the new, faster-paced society. Horn, a Philadelphia native, started his own restaurant at age 27. He partnered with Hardart,…

  • Kismet Bagels to Open Four New Locations, Including Two in Philadelphia

    Kismet Bagels to Open Four New Locations, Including Two in Philadelphia

    Kismet Bagels has been in operation for about five years and with four existing locations, that number is expected to double by this summer, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Owners Jacob and Alexandra Cohen have signed leases to open four new locations, including two in Philadelphia. The two new Philly locations will be…

  • South Philadelphia Chef Wins 2025 James Beard Award

    South Philadelphia Chef Wins 2025 James Beard Award

    The winners of the 2025 James Beard Awards have been announced and one Philadelphia chef has been named the city’s only honoree, writes Jason Sheehan for Philadelphia Magazine. Phila Lorn of Mawn was announced as the winner of this year’s Emerging Chef award. According to the Foundation, the award recognizes a “chef who displays exceptional…

  • At Majdal Bakery, Kenan Rabah Weaves Identity and Tradition Into Philadelphia’s Food Scene

    At Majdal Bakery, Kenan Rabah Weaves Identity and Tradition Into Philadelphia’s Food Scene

    Kenan Rabah is bringing the soul and culture of Golan Heights to Philadelphia with za’atar-dusted flatbreads, potato fataye, and other delicious creations at Majdal Bakery, writes Katie Smith for Philadelphia Magazine. When he first arrived in the United States to attend the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, Rabah’s immigration documents listed his nationality as…

  • These Philadelphia Eateries Make Inquirer Food Critic’s Top  Restaurants

    These Philadelphia Eateries Make Inquirer Food Critic’s Top Restaurants

    Philadelphia’s dining scene is thriving with many exceptional options, but these restaurants stand out the most in 2024 for their innovation, quality, and unique offerings, writes Craig LaBan for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Mawn, a freewheeling “noodle shop with no rules,” is one of the toughest reservations in Bella Vista, and wider. Pietramala in Northern Liberties…

  • Longtime Owners Put Desmond Hotel in Malvern Up for Sale

    Longtime Owners Put Desmond Hotel in Malvern Up for Sale

    Following a strong post-pandemic recovery, the longtime owners have put the 194-key Desmond Hotel Malvern up for sale to see what the market is like, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal. The 37-year-old hotel was put on the market last week without a set asking price, but GVH Partners, the current owner, anticipates…

  • Malvern Buttery Expands to Bryn Mawr with New Café Concept

    Malvern Buttery Expands to Bryn Mawr with New Café Concept

    Beloved for its farmhouse charm and artisan offerings, Malvern Buttery is set to expand its footprint beyond King Street, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  The popular café will open a second location later this year in Bryn Mawr at 836 W. Lancaster Ave., the former home of Kindred Collective. Branded as Buttery Bryn…

  • Old City’s Cuba Libre Fans Now Have Three New Go-To Spots in the Philly Suburbs

    Old City’s Cuba Libre Fans Now Have Three New Go-To Spots in the Philly Suburbs

    Suburban fans of Cuba Libre in Old City now have three new spots to visit much closer to home, writes Erin McCarthy for The Philadelphia Inquirer. The popular restaurant’s parent company, GuestCounts Hospitality, recently took over three restaurants in Philadelphia’s collar counties, including King of Prussia’s Paladar Latin Kitchen and Bomba Taco + Bar in…

  • Couple Behind Chadds Ford Tavern Plans to Launch Franchising for National Expansion 

    Couple Behind Chadds Ford Tavern Plans to Launch Franchising for National Expansion 

    Five Star Restaurant Group, the hospitality company owned by Philip and Kate Ferro, plans to franchise its tavern concept as the couple sets their sights on national expansion, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal.  The Ferros have signed a deal with Franchise Creator, a Miami-based consulting company, to help them franchise the concept…

  • Big Changes and Big Bets Coming to Valley Forge Casino Resort

    Big Changes and Big Bets Coming to Valley Forge Casino Resort

    A major transformation is underway at Valley Forge Casino Resort, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal. The King of Prussia mainstay rolls the dice on a multimillion-dollar, multi-year renovation aimed at refreshing its offerings and drawing new crowds to Montgomery County. The first wave of upgrades is nearly complete. The 261-room Stardust Tower…

  • $2 Million Makeover Coming to Bluebird Distilling in Phoenixville 

    $2 Million Makeover Coming to Bluebird Distilling in Phoenixville 

    Bluebird Distilling makes plans for a $2 million renovation of its distillery in Phoenixville, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal.  The project includes a full remodel of the indoor cocktail bar, featuring the addition of a new bar, a full-service Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria, and an expanded retail area. Once renovations are completed, the site…

  • West Chester’s Wonder Food Hall Features Fifteen Restaurants All in One Place

    West Chester’s Wonder Food Hall Features Fifteen Restaurants All in One Place

    West Chester’s newly opened Wonder offers residents meals from over fifteen restaurants all in one place, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News. The chain food hall houses a variety of cuisine from a range of restaurants, with both eateries run by both local restauranteurs and celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay. Takeout, delivery, and…

  • Almanac Offers Japanese-Style Speakeasy Experience With Thoughtful Cocktails in Old City

    Almanac Offers Japanese-Style Speakeasy Experience With Thoughtful Cocktails in Old City

    Almanac, one of the newest additions to Philadelphia’s cocktail scene, is an ambitious Japanese-style speakeasy known for its incredibly thoughtful cocktails, writes Alisha Miranda for Bon Appétit. The bar is located above Ogawa Sushi & Kappo, an omakase restaurant in Old City serving Japanese cocktails and snacks. Guests follow a host to the second-floor walk-up,…

  • Doylestown Borough to Welcome Three New Eateries

    Doylestown Borough to Welcome Three New Eateries

    Doylestown’s dining scene is set to become even more dynamic, with three new eateries expected to open in the coming months, writes Jeff Werner for the Patch. The Snarky Tea House, an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea house cafe and retail space, has put up its sign at 24 North Main Street, marking this as its…

  • As 2026 Demand Looms, Love Park ‘Flying Saucer’ Scouting for New Restaurant Tenant

    As 2026 Demand Looms, Love Park ‘Flying Saucer’ Scouting for New Restaurant Tenant

    With a busy 2026 approaching, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is renewing its search for a restaurant tenant to fill the long-vacant Love Park Welcome Center, better known to locals as the “flying saucer,” writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal. The city agency released a request for expressions of interest (REFI) earlier this week,…

  • South Philly James Beard Award Finalist Mawn is Led By Dynamic Husband and Wife Duo

    South Philly James Beard Award Finalist Mawn is Led By Dynamic Husband and Wife Duo

    Mawn, the Cambodian noodle house in South Philadelphia, is one of several food spots and chefs nominated as a 2025 James Beard Award finalist and is led by a dedicated husband and wife duo, writes Julia Binswanger for Billy Penn at WHYY. Phila Lorn, the 39-year-old chef behind the restaurant, is a finalist for the…

  • 4 New Breweries Will Soon Be Coming to Philadelphia

    4 New Breweries Will Soon Be Coming to Philadelphia

    Pennsylvania has the second-most craft breweries in the United States, and a big part of that growth can be attributed to Philadelphia, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal. The growth in Philadelphia is continuing, as four new breweries and taprooms are slated to open in various parts of the city soon. Future Days…

  • New Restaurant Offers Chic French Dining in West Chester

    New Restaurant Offers Chic French Dining in West Chester

    Jolene’s, a relatively new restaurant in downtown West Chester, offers residents a Parisian dining experience right in Chester County, writes Ed Williams for Maine Line Today.  Started by restaurateur Josh McCullough, Jolene’s features an authentic French menu with sleek interior design for an elevated dining experience. The name was inspired by McCullough’s wife’s favorite cousin. …