Stephen Starr, one of Philadelphia’s most acclaimed restaurateurs, announced the name and concept of his latest addition to the city: The Pelican Club.
The restaurant is in the works in Rittenhouse Square at 225 S. 18th St., taking over the former Devon Seafood Grill space, as previously reported by What Now Philadelphia. New details have since emerged.
“A new expression of Greek cuisine with a touch of Aegean glamour coming to Rittenhouse Square,” Starr Restaurants shared via Instagram.
The Instagram post highlights new signage being placed at the site. The temporary display features a collage of vintage-inspired photography, including images of Greek ruins and a statue of Poseidon. It also incorporates seaside elements such as blue waves and Mediterranean postage stamps and notes a fall 2026 opening.
The Pelican Club is already generating buzz in the comment section, with the Center City District welcoming it, stating, “Welcome to #CenterCity!”
The new spot follows the recent opening of Borromini, another Starr restaurant that debuted last summer and offers Italian cuisine.
Starr got his start at 21, opening Grandmom Minnie’s, where he served food by day and hosted comedy by night. Before becoming a full-time restaurateur, he also worked in the entertainment industry, opening Stars and Ripley Music Hall, according to the Starr Restaurants website.
Starr has earned numerous accolades, including “Restaurateur of the Year” from Bon Appétit and Zagat, and “Outstanding Restaurateur” from the James Beard Foundation.
Today, he operates more than 40 restaurants across Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., Florida and Nashville. The Pelican Club will join his expanding roster of Philadelphia locations, which includes notable spots such as Butcher and Singer, The Continental Mid-Town, El Vez, and the Ranstead Room.
Starr told The Philadelphia Business Journal he has no plans to slow down. “There’s a point where I might stop, but I want to do more, a little bit more here,” he said.
Follow The Pelican Club on Instagram for the latest updates on the build-out and grand opening. Stay tuned!
