Building Bridges Philadelphia's Citywide Fundraiser for Immigrants

The idea for the fundraiser was sparked by a casual conversation between Francis Cratil-Cretarola and Cathy Lee (owners of Le Virtù and Brigantessa), with immediate support and collaboration from their friends Casey Parker, Joe Gunn and Adán Trinidad (owners of Jose Pistola’s, Sancho Pistola’s and Pistolas del Sur), along with David Suro (owner of Tequila’s Restaurant) and Steven Larson (Executive Director, Puentes de Salud).

 “Philadelphia is experiencing a new economic and cultural vibrancy, population growth, and revitalization of neighborhoods, and much of this can be connected to the city’s newest inhabitants,” says Cratil-Cretarola. “Immigrants from all over the world are fueling Philadelphia’s renaissance, providing labor, needed skills and passion and opening businesses that contribute to the vibrant mosaic that makes this a special place to live. Our industry, in particular has profited from the arrival of immigrant workers and entrepreneurs that make our scene what it is and our own businesses possible. How many of us have marveled at and benefited from the work ethic, constancy and resilience of our newest neighbors?”

On Saturday, September 15, the group will spearhead Building Bridges, serving one chef-driven dish each that is representative of the restaurants’ missions and their immigrant origins. Participating restaurants will be donating 100% of the profits to Puentes de Salud, an organization funded solely by private contributors, and the group is actively recruiting more bars and restaurants to join the effort.

 Cratil-Cretarola and Lee are extremely passionate about Puentes de Salud’s mission and wanted to give back in a meaningful way to the immigrant workers and entrepreneurs that have helped transform the city’s food scene. Their work is ongoing and this is the first step in raising awareness. Restaurants and bars interested in participating in Building Bridges are encouraged to contact Cratil-Cretarola directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional information, including an expanded list of participants and sample dishes and drinks from participating restaurants, will be available as the date gets closer.

 Confirmed restaurants participating in Building Bridges will include:

• · Brigantessa (1520 East Passyunk Avenue, 267-318-7341)
• · Le Virtù (1927 East Passyunk Avenue, 215-271-5626)
• · Tequila’s (1602 Locust Street, 215-546-0181)
• · Saté Kampar (1837 East Passyunk Avenue, 267-324-3860)
• · Bing Bing Dim Sum (1648 East Passyunk Avenue, 215-279-7702)
• · Stargazy (1838 East Passyunk Avenue, 215-309-2761)
• · Pistolas Del Sur (1934 East Passyunk Avenue, 267-519-2329)
• · Jose Pistola’s (263 South 15th Street, 215-545-4101)
• · Sancho Pistola’s (19 West Girard Avenue, 267-324-3530)
• · El Compadre (1149 South 9th Street, 215-694-3797)
• · Tria Cafe Rittenhouse (123 South 18th Street, 215-972-8742)
• · Tria Cafe Wash West (1137 Spruce Street, 215-629-9200)
• · Tria Taproom (2005 Walnut Street, 215-557-8277)
• · The Franklin (112 South 18th Street, 267-467-3277)
• · El Rey (2013 Chestnut Street, 215-563-3330)

 Puentes de Salud is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the underserved needs of the immigrant community, particularly healthcare and other basic services. They have been featured in an HBO documentary and The New York Times for their work. Their name, which means “Bridges of Health,” belies their worthy mission: ensuring that Philadelphia’s immigrants have access to physical and mental healthcare, as well as English language instruction and a food bank. Funded solely by private contributions, they rely on events like this one to power their efforts. As long-time advocates for immigrants’ rights in Philadelphia, Le Virtù and Brigantessa are proud to lead Building Bridges, and look forward to welcoming additional members of the city’s famously tight-knit restaurant community on board.