Chef Townsend Wentz moving Townsend bistro to Rittenhouse Square

Chef Townsend Wentz is making moves all over town now.

He just bought the Irish Pub’s 1123 Walnut St. location to install The Pearl Tavern this fall. And now, days after acquiring the restaurant space at 2121 Walnut St. that briefly operated as TALK, he tells me that he will use it to relocate Townsend, the bistro he opened five years ago on East Passyunk Avenue.

It’s a larger space with easier access not only to the suburbs but to parking. Wentz and his crew are making the formerly noir-ish space cozier.

This will be a quickie changeover, as Wentz plans to open the new Townsend in time for Center City District Restaurant Week, which starts Sept. 15. It will offer a three-course prix fixe menu, featured cocktails, and a selection of wines that pair with the menu.

After restaurant week, Townsend will prepare for an official grand opening.

Wentz promises the same level of cuisine, service, and quality at Townsend, which Inquirer critic Craig LaBan awarded three bells.

Last day at 1623 E. Passyunk Ave. will be Sunday, Sept. 1. That space will be used for private events in the short term.

Townsend also owns A Mano, an Italian BYOB at 23rd Street and Fairmount Avenue, and Oloroso, at 1121 Walnut St., next door to the future Pearl Tavern.