Philadelphia Michelin-starred restaurant receives .5 million state grant to expand into neighboring rowhouse.
In a notable development for Philadelphia’s dining scene, the Weekend Restaurant Group, which oversees the highly regarded fine-dining establishment Friday Saturday Sunday, has been awarded a state grant of .5 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). This funding aims to support the expansion of their Michelin-starred restaurant, a project that promises to create approximately 100 new jobs and further solidify Philadelphia’s reputation as a culinary destination.
The RACP grant, announced in July, represents a significant portion of the overall multimillion-dollar budget required for the expansion. According to the grant application, the ambitious project will convert a neighboring rowhouse into a three-story dining venue, which will feature an 18-seat chef’s counter, private dining facilities, and an innovative post-dinner dessert lounge. This expansion is particularly notable as it aims to be the first minority-owned restaurant of its kind in the United States, as highlighted by Chef Chad Williams, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Hanna.
This venture follows their agreement to acquire the adjacent property at 2048 Rittenhouse Square, a move that has garnered enthusiastic support from local residents. The plans for the expansion were unveiled last summer, just months before Friday Saturday Sunday achieved the distinction of earning a Michelin star, a milestone in its culinary journey.
Williams has eloquently stated that the expansion seeks to generate substantial cultural impact by creating high-quality jobs and attracting visitors from beyond the local region. He emphasized that renovating the historic restaurant demonstrates a commitment to the city and aims to establish a “generational anchor” in its vibrant neighborhood. Despite the ambitious plans, the announcement of the state grant has faced scrutiny, with critics questioning the appropriateness of taxpayer money being allocated to support a luxury dining establishment.
The grant application reveals that the expansion is projected to cost .5 million overall, with Williams noting that he intends to fund more than half of the project through loans. He described the financing process as challenging, noting that securing funding often poses significant hurdles for Black entrepreneurs, a sentiment echoed by various studies indicating systemic barriers to accessing financial support for minority-owned businesses.
Historically, RACP has been contentious, having been criticized for its lack of transparency and possible favoritism in grant allocations. The program was established in 1986 to facilitate construction projects throughout Pennsylvania that promise economic growth and cultural enhancement. Notably, this year, more than 170 projects from Philadelphia alone sought funding, with only a limited number receiving full support.
Looking ahead, Williams expressed his optimism regarding the project’s future, projecting a September 2027 opening, signifying a significant expansion and an enhancement to Philadelphia’s culinary landscape. This initiative, blending culinary tradition with groundbreaking opportunities, underscores the potential for growth within the local dining industry while navigating the complexities of securing necessary funding resources.
