PHILADELPHIA - A familiar favorite at Reading Terminal Market has a new name that better captures its full culinary scope. Butcher's Pantry, the unique butcher shop and prepared food counter, has officially been renamed Chef Beth's Kitchen.
Owned by Chef Beth Esposito, the stand has long been more than just a traditional butcher. The new name, "Chef Beth's Kitchen," aims to signal to customers that its offerings extend well beyond custom-cut meats to include a wide array of gourmet prepared foods, signature sandwiches, and options for all types of diets.
While still a prime destination for specialty raw meats seasoned with in-house spice blends, the stand has become a go-to for its "heat and eat" options. The counter features a rotating selection of soups, stews, meat rolls, and pasta dishes, all designed for a quick and easy gourmet meal at home.
The rebrand also highlights the kitchen's commitment to dietary inclusivity, offering a variety of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and pescatarian-friendly choices—a rare find at a stand with "butcher" in its original name.
One of the stand's biggest draws is its sandwich menu, which includes a "Philly-style" Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich that can be customized with various cheeses, toppings, and sauces. Customers can also pick up signature spice blends, such as the popular "Every-Thang Spice" and "Make it Dirty." To drink, the stand offers unique homemade beverages, including butterfly pea-infused lemonades.
Chef Esposito, the culinary force behind the stand, is a well-established name in the Philadelphia food scene. In addition to her Reading Terminal Market kitchen, she also runs a private catering business called Pink Garlic and offers both private and group cooking classes.
Chef Beth's Kitchen remains in its longtime location at Reading Terminal Market (51 N. 12th Street), serving as a one-stop shop for a quick gourmet lunch, a "heat and eat" dinner, or high-quality specialty meats.
