PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's Rittenhouse neighborhood is welcoming a deeply personal culinary project. O'Morrey's, a highly anticipated gastropub, is slated to open in late [month], with hours to be announced soon, taking over the prominent 1720 Sansom St. location, bringing a fresh concept to a space rich with restaurant history.
O'Morrey's Brings Elevated Bar Food and Family History to 1720 Sansom Street
A Full Circle Moment
The building at 1720 Sansom St. is no stranger to Philadelphia diners. Most recently, it housed General Tsao's House, and before that, it was home to Susanna Foo's popular eatery, SuGa. However, the address holds a much deeper, sentimental value for Chef Kenjiro Omori, one of the driving forces behind the new O'Morrey's concept.
For nearly 30 years, Omori's parents owned and operated Genji, a beloved Japanese restaurant, out of this exact building. Omori himself started in the industry washing dishes in the family space, which may resonate with locals. The name "O'Morrey's" is a playful inside joke and a subtle homage—a pub-style spin on his own last name that evokes a sense of personal history and authenticity for the audience.
A Culinary Reunion
O'Morrey's is a collaborative effort between Omori and his longtime friend and partner, Biff Gottehrer. The two chefs, who met in high school and worked together at Stephen Starr's The Dandelion, bring a sense of camaraderie and local roots that can inspire community pride among Philadelphia residents.
After years of discussing opening their own place, the duo is finally teaming up to bring their vision to life. The gastropub will feature a menu centered on elevated bar food, including [specific dishes or ingredients]. It will be complemented by a highly curated cocktail program that offers a unique dining experience.
Revitalizing the Space
While the 1720 Sansom space still carries some of its older architectural character, Omori and Gottehrer plan to revamp the interior to create a fresh, modern gastropub environment. This renovation signals a new beginning that can excite locals eager for updated dining experiences.
The duo is incredibly busy this year, as they are also simultaneously working on a second Philadelphia concept: Tako Taco, a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant taking over the former Bing Bing Dim Sum space on East Passyunk Avenue. But for Rittenhouse locals, the arrival of O'Morrey's means the return of a legacy family to a historic block, wrapped in an exciting new gastropub package.
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