Magee Hospitality Group is developing a new project in Ridley Park.
Although the name is still being finalized, the concept will take over the former The Gas Light space at 100 E. Hinckley Ave.
“This place was known as a place to hang out. Even if you didn’t get dinner there, you could go, have a martini. We want to try to bring some of that back. It’s an area that’s pretty popular. It has good foot traffic. They also just reopened the bridge that was over Ridley Park,” founder Joe Magee told Whatnow Philadelphia.
The new concept will mark the Delaware County restaurateur’s fifth establishment. He owns Marty Magee’s Irish Pub, Tumble Inn and John Morton’s in Prospect Park, as well as Captain Ron’s in Warwick, Maryland. Unlike his previous ventures, the new spot will offer a slightly different feel.
“It’s probably going to be my highest percentage of food in any of my locations. I think it’ll be closer to 60-40% alcohol and food. All my other businesses are 80% to 90% alcohol. I always joke around and say, ‘It’s much more fun to eat at a bar than it is to drink at a restaurant,’” he said.
Magee is still in the process of hiring an executive chef but plans to serve Italian-American cuisine featuring seafood and steaks. He envisions an elevated yet approachable dining experience, whether guests stop in for a quick cheesesteak at lunch or dress up for a steak dinner.
He also hinted at the possibility of adding a brick oven to make pizzas and breads.
“I have an amazing manager, Jessica Weiner. She’s director of operations for all our bars. I believe that, coupled with an amazing chef and talented kitchen team, we could do something really special in downtown, making it a place people go each week,” Magee said.
The space will undergo a complete buildout, with construction expected to begin next week. The design will embrace an industrial aesthetic, featuring exposed brick and metal and wood accents.
“We’re looking at close to between 90 to 100 seats inside, probably about a 60-40 split—we’re separating the two dining areas, and we’ll have a third we’re creating in the wine cellar,” he said.
Magee looks forward to unveiling the revamped space to the community, which holds years of memories for local residents.
Stay tuned!
