Yesterday's Bellevue news was the changeover at Bliss.
Today's scoop: The new occupant of the downstairs space at Broad and Walnut, last occupied by Zanzibar Blue, will be J.L. Sullivan’s Speakeasy, a sports bar restaurant from East Coast Saloons, which operates McFadden's.
Consultant Harry Hayman emphasizes that J.L. Sullivan's -- named after East Coast Saloons owner John Sullivan -- will be considerably more polished than a McFadden's. Hayman knows the space well, as he helped open Zanzibar Blue there in the mid-'90s. Among East Coast's holdings is Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge in Louisville, which has expansion plans into Kansas City, Houston and London.
Otto Design Group, retained for J.L. Sullivan's, is aiming for cool lighting and a slick feel.
Opening is on tap for "spring" -- deliberately vague.
Some Food & Drinq trivia: Name as many previous occupants of that basement space as you remember.
Answer:
Mick's was in the Bellevue from 1993-96. Before that:
Broadway Deli (1990-1993)
vacant from 1987 to 1990
O'Brien's (1979-1986)
The Bellevue-Stratford Coffee Shop (back into the 1950s)
Tip o' the hat to the Bellevue's Anna Iredale for the research.
Photo: Zanzibar Blue's former entrance. from www.gusto.com
Comments (5)
Great. Just what we need. Another sports bar. But of course this one will be "more polished," like polishing a pair of dirty sneakers to wear with your tux.
I hated to see Zanzibar go, but was hopeful to see another music enterprise take its place eventually. This is very disheartening.
Posted by Chris | February 28, 2008 12:01 PM
Posted on February 28, 2008 12:01
I think Mick's was there before Zanzibar.
From Michael Klein: Right! That's one!
Posted by Sil | February 28, 2008 1:29 PM
Posted on February 28, 2008 13:29
wasn't it Warmdaddy's for a while?
From Michael Klein: Ahh. No. Warmdaddy's, same owner as Zanzibar, was on Front Street near Market before it moved to RiverView Plaza.
Posted by mattanz | February 28, 2008 4:55 PM
Posted on February 28, 2008 16:55
There's like 1 solid sports bar in town. One. You're really complaining about another?
Posted by Dan | March 1, 2008 1:13 PM
Posted on March 1, 2008 13:13
When it means the death of a great venue for jazz, yes I am complaining about converting this fabulous space to a Joe Schmoe beer and wings joint. There are plenty of those here in Philly. Plenty.
Posted by Chris | March 6, 2008 10:23 AM
Posted on March 6, 2008 10:23