Popular restaurant Friday Saturday Sunday to expand with a second kitchen and introduce a new exclusive tasting menu.
Chad and Hanna Williams, the culinary duo behind the acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant Friday Saturday Sunday, are embarking on an ambitious expansion project that will take place right next door. This venture aims to enhance their already celebrated dining experience, which earned the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurant accolade in 2023.
Instead of establishing a completely new eatery, the Williamses plan to incorporate the adjacent property at 2048 Rittenhouse Square into their existing restaurant space. Their vision includes the construction of an 18-seat chef’s counter, which will showcase a new show kitchen, designed to elevate the dining experience into what they describe as a “more top-tier” format. This new setup, they believe, will particularly appeal to Michelin judges, who have recently expanded their reach into Philadelphia.
With plans to breach the walls between the two properties, the second floor of the new location will host the advanced kitchen, while the first floor will serve as a private dining area. Although details for the third floor remain unfinalized, the couple intends to keep much of the existing layout in the original restaurant unchanged, including the popular Lovers Bar on the first floor. Notably, both buildings will maintain separate entrances, and the exterior of 2048 Rittenhouse will undergo only minor modifications.
Last week, the Williamses presented their expansion proposal to the Center City Residents’ Association (CCRA), seeking community support for the necessary zoning variance from the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with neighbors expressing admiration for the couple’s contributions to the neighborhood since purchasing and renovating the landmark building in 2015.
Current estimates suggest that Friday Saturday Sunday accommodates approximately 200 diners each evening, with the expansion projected to bring an additional 40 to 50 patrons. Addressing potential concerns about increased traffic, the Williamses assured community members that their operations would remain smooth and manageable.
As part of this expansion, Chad Williams announced plans for a higher-end tasting menu at the new chef’s counter, while the traditional offering will still be available in the existing space. In a city known for its vibrant dining scene, the competitive pricing for their tasting menus positions them alongside other high-end establishments.
The couple’s longtime search for additional space ultimately concluded with the decision to purchase the neighboring property, presenting an opportunity to develop a way to operate two interacting spaces harmoniously. As they prepare for a zoning hearing set for September 10, the Williamses are optimistic that their vision for expansion will not only preserve but also enhance the dining heritage of Friday Saturday Sunday.
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