Rocket Cat Cafe in Fishtown will not be reopening.
Residents and business owners in Fishtown, Philadelphia, are abuzz with anticipation as Shannon Leocata Figueras and Justice Figueras prepare for the opening of LeoFigs, a winery and restaurant located at the intersection of Frankford and Susquehanna Avenues. The establishment, which has been marked “coming soon” for several months, recently made headlines with the unveiling of a playful new sign featuring a cat in a space helmet observing a rocket circling the moon.
This whimsical display prompted speculation among locals regarding a potential revival of the former Rocket Cat Cafe, a beloved but scruffy establishment that shuttered its doors five years ago. However, Justice Figueras clarified that the sign serves a promotional purpose. They aimed to stir excitement in the community, acknowledging that whenever a new venture emerges in Fishtown, the question often arises about whether it will be yet another iteration of the Rocket Cat Cafe.
As LeoFigs prepares for a tentative mid-December opening, the Figueras are actively seeking to fill positions ranging from front-of-house staff to an executive chef. The transition from Rocket Cat branding has also inspired a rebranding strategy for LeoFigs, which has included a cleanse of their social media presence and a new logo crafted by their children.
The Figueras couple did not anticipate the intense community reaction to their promotional tactics. Shannon Figueras, a Bacardi executive, mentioned that the unexpected interest in LeoFigs has generated considerable buzz and questions about the restaurant’s future direction. Justice Figueras humorously noted the overzealous attention from the public, stating that it has forced them into the limelight in ways they had not foreseen.
The concept of LeoFigs has evolved significantly since its initial announcement in spring. Their winemaking operations have expanded, bolstered by a recent trip to New York’s Finger Lakes region where they acquired approximately three tons of grapes. This enhancement comes alongside infrastructure improvements, including a design overhaul that transforms the front counter into a showpiece for fresh pasta preparation, emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to scratch-made dishes.
Notably, while the ambiance exudes a café-like vibe, LeoFigs is not positioning itself as a brunch or café destination. Instead, the restaurant will focus on evening service, endeavoring to create a dining experience that merges culinary influences from Barcelona to Sicily. The Figueras envision it as a “food hall for wine,” where medium plates complement an exquisite selection of wines, setting the stage for Fishtown’s latest culinary adventure.
As their preparations continue, the Figueras are eager to contribute to the vibrant Fishtown community, blending their love for winemaking and innovative dining into a welcoming establishment for locals and visitors alike.
For further updates, residents can follow LeoFigs on social media to stay informed about job opportunities and the anticipated opening date.
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