Gennaro’s officially open in Passyunk Square
Last month we told you that Grace & Pat’s and Gennaro’s would be combining under one roof at 1533 S. 11th St.
Gennaro’s has officially left their Jackson Street location, bringing their “Best Pizza in Pennsylvania” to East Passyunk Avenue.
The name Grace & Pat’s has been dropped, so the restaurant is now called Gennaro’s. The menu is blend of the offerings at both restaurants. There is square pie from Grace & Pat’s, along with the much-loved pizza from Gennaro’s. Some, but not all, of the pasta dishes from Grace & Pat’s will still be available.
Decor is changing slightly, with different artwork on the walls. You can see the interior of the space as Grace & Pat’s here.
Gennaro’s is open at 1533 S. 11th St. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
Went to Grace and Pats a few weeks back because every other place was packed and we didn’t want to wait. It was almost empty and when we got the menu we figured it was because there were only like 3 choices. I wasn’t optimistic. But we got an order of meatballs and a square pie and between 3 of us, almost licked the plates clean. It was so delicious so I think adding more options will only improve it.
They are going to be very busy now that they offer the thin crust pie.
Went last night. The tomato pie (thin crust) was excellent. Couldn’t be happier with this change. Best of luck to them!
@Anthony: was is the same as the Jackson St. pie?
@Lou_110X – It was very very close (97%). Spoke with the owner and he said they’re working the kinks out, which is completely reasonable (different oven, different setup). All-in-all, very happy.
Love the location but they absolutely need to remove all the frosted windows so that patrons have a view of the fountain. It’s all about the ambiance. They have, again, one of the best locations and, to date, they have eliminated the best part of it by frosting the windows…..
So true!
Excellent news.
The Pizza is amazing but I just don’t see how they survive in this prime location with a space that size. They’re only open 25 hours a week. They don’t do delivery. They don’t sell alcohol. I mean the rent on that space can’t be cheap. And to be honest the atmosphere in there is not great. I’ve gotten take out from this location 5-6 times and have never seen more than 1-2 tables full. Maybe they do a lot of take out but I think they can be much more successful in a smaller location. Or add more hours/delivery.
@Nem, there’s no rent when you own the building. With offering the original Gennaros’ thin pizza, they’ll be selling 10 times the pies. Also, they mentioned booze is in the future.
FWIW, the dude owns/runs what is arguably the most famous pizzeria in NYC. I doubt a few “slow months” in Philly is gonna pinch his pocket much.
It’s unclear who owns the building as it was transferred to a holding company earlier this year for $700,000 in seller financing on a 15 year loan. So rent or mortgage they are making payments, if they in face purchased the building. The previous owner who is providing the financing is the same person who owns the Chiarella’s building.
Did takeout this weekend. $26 for a large pie. Easily solidified my allegiance to FrancoLuigi.
While I’m a big fan of F&L, it’s apples to oranges. They don’t correlate.
And, yes, they own the building. And when you have the capital available to buy a property of that cost, you’re now sweating monthly payments. Try to think of the difference in cost between E. Passyunk Ave and Manhattan….
Not according to public records they don’t own it free and clear. They have a $667,500 15 year mortgage. Even using a very favorable 2.5% rate, with taxes and insurance their monthly payment would be over $5000 a month. If they have so much money to spend why not open a space on EPA right away instead of a tiny hole in the wall at 15th and Jackson.
The difference in cost is irrelevant since they clearly own their Manhattan building free and clear.
It’s a hobby, that’s why Jackson St.
As for the financing, and the new corporation, hat seems pretty obvious. Taxes.
*not sweating…..
So are they still not kid friendly? i.e. no highchairs?
@joe -> Chuck-E-Cheese @ Snyder Plaza.
@lou…i understand that highchairs may not be appropriate at some fine dining places like fond or noord. but for a pizza place? i would much rather walk my kid a block away to get good food and support a local business than schlep him in a car down to chain-store chuck-e-cheese for something crappy.
The type of food is irrelevant. It’s not “just a pizza place”.
Get take-out.
I went in again the other night and ended up chatting to Mike the owner. He mentioned to me that there’s a lot of misunderstanding around people with kids not being welcome or accommodated. While he doesn’t have high chairs, he made it very clear that he welcomes people with children just as much as he welcomes those without. In my opinion, he’s a purist, which is why his product is so excellent, but people are sometimes turned off to that kind of focus. By the way, the place had at least three tables with children and everything seemed to be going just fine.
He’s been nothing but friendly to me and my wife when we’ve been in there, and I will continue to go back.