Love & Honey Fried Chicken will open a new location on Passyunk Avenue.
Love & Honey Fried Chicken, a popular dining establishment known for its regional comfort food, is set to take over the space previously occupied by Black N Brew coffee at 1523 E. Passyunk Avenue. The new location is expected to undergo significant renovations in preparation for its debut, projected for late this year.
Originating in Northern Liberties in 2017, Love & Honey has garnered a loyal following over the past eight years. The establishment has honed its menu and is now expanding its reach through franchising, with plans to open new locations in various neighborhoods across Philadelphia and beyond. The owners, Laura and Todd Lyons, emphasize their intention to have Love & Honey in multiple corners of the city, recognizing the growing demand for their offerings.
The expansion initiative includes a recently launched franchise in Newtown Square, with additional locations slated for Chestnut Street in University City, Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, and even extending to Cranston, Rhode Island. A total of 18 franchises have been awarded, and the coming year will feature openings in several locations including Cherry Hill, King of Prussia, Washington, D.C., Princeton, and Northern Virginia.
The menu at Love & Honey has been refined over the years; while the original sweet pies have been removed, banana pudding and Oreo chocolate chip cookies remain as dessert options. The restaurant offers a selection of fried chicken, including wings, tenders, and sandwiches, the latter of which has received high praise from local food critics. The recent review highlighted that it serves some of the best fried chicken in the area.
The upcoming Passyunk Avenue location will be more compact than the original venue, emphasizing takeout and delivery, with limited indoor seating and a few outdoor tables. This strategic choice reflects the changing dining preferences within urban environments.
Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corp. (PARC), which owns the building housing the new restaurant, is enthusiastic about the addition to the neighborhood. With a focus on enhancing the local retail landscape, PARC aims to provide residents with various dining options throughout the day. The creation of this restaurant further aligns with PARC’s mission to revitalize the area.
This development comes in the wake of Black N Brew’s closure, which was plagued by financial challenges and disputes that ultimately led to PARC not renewing their lease. The establishment, which had been a key fixture in the community, ceased operations in early 2024, leaving the storefront unoccupied until now.
As the community anticipates the arrival of Love & Honey Fried Chicken, this venture highlights the ever-evolving dining scene in Passyunk Avenue and the broader Philadelphia area. Local residents and food enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the new establishment will contribute to the vibrant culinary landscape.
