South Philly beery brunch spot Hawthornes closes after 15 years

After 15 years as a staple of South Philadelphia’s brunch scene, rising from the ashes of a fire that almost wiped them out, and pushing through industry-wide challenges in the early stages of the pandemic, Hawthornes is now closing.

But its owners say this isn’t goodbye forever.

“We will find a new home for Hawthornes when the circumstances are perfect while imminently resurrecting Sonny’s & Wine Dive along with some other dope [stuff],” the owners wrote in a social media post. “We can’t say thank you enough for all the love and support over the years, and we hope to see you during the next few weeks so we can show our appreciation.”

Since opening in 2009 at 11th and Fitzwater Streets, Hawthornes Cafe has been a go-to for its gourmet American brunch dishes, such as chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, paired with a rotating selection of hundreds of craft beers. After a fire shuttered the café for 11 months in 2014, it returned with the same dedicated staff and atmosphere that made it a favorite among locals, restaurant critic Craig LaBan wrote in a 2015 review.

Those dedicated staffers would end up staying with them for years to come, with part-time servers turning business partners at later restaurant and bar concepts.

Hawthornes was founded in what was once the childhood home of owner Chris Fetfatzes. His parents, immigrants from Crete and Portugal, built their American dream in the 1970s, running a hot dog cart business from the Fitzwater Street apartment.

“Hawthornes was one of the firsts for a lot of things,” he said of Hawthornes legacy. “We were one of the firsts that brought growlers into the city of Philadelphia. One of the first to actually have a proper beer cafe serving brunch. We actually got the law changed to allow ‘quick sip’ beer and wine delivery. Many things that we did, that you now see a lot of other neighborhoods doing.”

Fetfatzes and his co-owner and wife, Heather Annechiarico, told The Inquirer they are focusing on other ventures, including the reopening of Sonny’s Cocktail Joint (closed since 2022 due to a fire), operating Grace & Proper, a Euro-inspired bar, and Wine Dive, a casual wine bar. They’re also planning a bagel shop in Haddonfield and two new restaurants in Rittenhouse, according to The Inquirer’s Let’s Eat newsletter.

“I enjoyed so much about Hawthornes. Their cozy vibe and ambience always made you feel like you were at home,” said Ciarra Bianculli, a longtime customer and Philly-based food writer at Broke But Hungry. “I loved their big cups of perfectly brewed coffee and eating any of their breakfast items. Actually, what I’ll miss most of all are their breakfast potatoes! I always left feeling so full and satisfied, and I loved being among their atmosphere.”