When will they open?
What's up with the Blockley/Mary Oaks in University City? With Brauhaus Schmitz? Shank's? TJ Smith's in Warrington?
We seem to be in the middle of a restaurant boomlet. Here are updates on a few long-in-the-works projects.
The Blockley Pourhouse, a bar and live-music venue, and its adjacent Mary Oaks pub at 38th and Chestnut/Ludlow Streets -- which were on tap for March-April -- are now supposedly about two weeks out. Owner Ned Taddei ran into construction hangups and the customary/obligatory city red tape.
Brauhaus Schmitz, the bierhall planned for 718 South St., has hired its front-of-house management and is talking about a soft opening June 20, with public service June 22, says co-owner Kelly Schmitz. Liquor license should be in place today. Preliminary health department inspection is for up next week.
Shank's & Evelyn's revival on 15th Street near Sansom is being aimed at July, says co-owner Pam Poppa, who's ordering equipment.
The new Famous 4th Street Deli at 38 S. 19th St. is pegged for end of the July, says owner Russ Cowan, who seems to be in no great rush as that is the height of the summer deli doldrums anyway.
TJ Smith's, replacing the former Luigi's on Easton Road (Route 611) in Warrington just south of Doylestown, was supposed to open last September. Owner Michael Smith, who also has Dolce Carini and Friends Bar & Grill, says he believes that the construction delays are behind him. He hopes to open this month.