Philadelphia restaurant awarded .5 million state grant to expand into neighboring rowhouse.
In a significant development for Philadelphia’s fine-dining landscape, the Weekend Restaurant Group, which operates the acclaimed Friday Saturday Sunday restaurant located in Rittenhouse Square, has secured a .5 million grant from the Pennsylvania state government. This funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), is intended to support the expansion of the already popular Michelin-starred establishment. The total project, projected to cost approximately .5 million, aims to create around 100 jobs and further establish Philadelphia as a culinary hotspot.
The expansion entails an ambitious project that will connect Friday Saturday Sunday to a neighboring rowhouse, transforming it into a three-story dining destination designed to enhance the guest experience. Features of the new establishment will include an 18-seat chef’s counter, private dining rooms, and a post-dinner lounge for desserts. This venture is notably positioned to be the first minority-owned restaurant of its kind in the United States, as highlighted in the grant application by Chef-Owner Chad Williams.
Despite the promise of economic growth and job creation, the grant has faced criticism from some quarters. The use of taxpayer dollars to fund a luxury dining experience has elicited concern, with various voices on social media questioning the allocation of funds to an already successful restaurant. Critics have suggested that these funds might be better directed towards schools or other pressing community needs.
In defense of the grant, Williams stated that the funding is a crucial part of a broader initiative that aims to promote cultural impact through culinary excellence. He expressed optimism that the project would not only elevate his business but also bring economic benefits to the wider Philadelphia community. Williams and his wife, Hanna, originally purchased Friday Saturday Sunday in 2015 and have since transformed it into an establishment known for its diverse culinary offerings, fusing Caribbean, Asian, and soul-food influences.
The RACP program, which has been a subject of controversy in the past, is designed to support construction-ready projects that promise economic growth and cultural significance across Pennsylvania. Since its inception, it has funded various projects, ranging from private developments to community centers. However, due to the discretionary nature of grant allocations by the governor, questions regarding transparency and equity have persisted.
The Governor’s office has endorsed the project, contending it aligns well with the program’s objectives. As renovations are expected to commence soon, Williams anticipates a grand opening by September 2027, representing not only a crucial milestone for his restaurant but also a larger step for minority-owned businesses within the culinary sector in Philadelphia. The efforts may serve as an example, encouraging other restaurateurs in the area to explore similar funding opportunities.
