La Jefa to Open Behind Fire-Damaged Tequilas Restaurant
Restauranteur David Suro is bringing "Guadaladelphian" fare to Rittenhouse Square
If you have stepped foot in Philly to grab a bite anytime over the last forty or so years, you are likely familiar with Tequilas Restaurant, a stalwart of the food scene in the neighborhood since opening back in 1986. After an early move, the restaurant had been in the historically protected building at 1602-04 Locust St. for years before a fire in February 2023 caused the restaurant to close up shop. Much to the chagrin of those fond of Mexican fare and tequila (*dislocates should from raising my hand so enthusiastically*), the space remains closed to this day.
While we wish we had some news regarding this lovely structure/restaurant, our focus today is actually on the back side of this very building. Thanks to a submission today to the Sign Committee of the Art Commission, there appears to be plans for 1604 Latimer St., on the less grand but still prototypically Philly block.
The news here is even more exciting than the celebrity guest at the DNC! Restauranteur David Suro - owner of Tequilas - is planning a new concept, called La Jefa, Spanish for The Boss. This new spot will offer a taste of Guadaladelphia: a Guadalajara/Philadelphia infusion that sounds as delicious as one could possibly imagine. The website indicates that the restaurant will be open every day (!) from 9 am to 1 am (!!) and the menu, while streamlined, looks pretty darn incredible. Oh, and the sign (from Mexico-based Sede Studio) is going to fit in perfectly with the existing streetscape.
This is very awesome news, and hopefully is a sign that some of the staff that have been impacted by the previous closure might have a new future gig. We aren’t sure when this is slated to open, but the existence of a website, menu, hours and branding leads us to believe that they will be pumping out tortas ASAP. Seeing the dining scene in Rittenhouse continue to thrive is a great sign for the food scene in the city as a whole. Now let’s get that dang streetery thing figured out and bask in a marg or two outside.
