Biederman’s announces plans to open a second location in Rittenhouse.
A new culinary venture is set to grace the Rittenhouse neighborhood in Philadelphia, as Lauren Biederman, the proprietor of Biederman’s, a Jewish-style “appetizing” shop, prepares to open a second location at the intersection of 20th and Spruce Streets. This new establishment is expected to debut early next year and will offer a variety of Jewish delicacies including smoked salmon, sable, gravlax, caviar, bagels, and lox.
This prominent corner has a history steeped in the local dining scene. It was previously home to Audrey Claire, a restaurant that debuted in 1996 under the leadership of Audrey Taichman. Taichman transformed the space from a five-and-dime store into a celebrated BYOB, known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu and vibrant sidewalk dining atmosphere that captured the essence of Center City life.
After Taichman sold Audrey Claire to restaurateur Rob Wasserman in 2018, it underwent a rebranding as Charley Dove in 2021. However, Charley Dove transitioned into a private event space and ultimately closed its doors to the public last year.
Biederman’s upcoming shop promises to replicate the successful retail format established at her original location in the Italian Market, which opened in 2021. This new venue will also feature hand-sliced fish and an expanded selection of prepared foods, thanks to its equipped kitchen. Biederman has previously demonstrated her entrepreneurial flair with the launch of a caviar kiosk near the Four Seasons Hotel last year and the recent opening of Tesiny, an oyster bar located in South Philadelphia.
Reflecting on the evolving culinary landscape of the Rittenhouse area, it’s also noteworthy that Taichman once managed three businesses on this block, which included the now-rebranded Twenty Manning Grill and a demonstration kitchen named Audrey Claire Cook. Twenty Manning Grill has since evolved into Little Water, a restaurant run by Randy and Amanda Rucker. The pandemic saw the closure of Audrey Claire Cook, which subsequently transitioned into a bottle shop called Cork.
As Biederman prepares to introduce her new concept, the anticipation surrounding her establishment underscores a resurgence in the Philadelphia dining scene, providing both local residents and visitors a taste of traditional Jewish flavors in a vibrant and accessible setting. The introduction of Biederman’s shop is expected to further enhance the culinary offerings and community spirit in the Rittenhouse area.
Media News Source
