PENNSYLVANIA - The "House of Cheese" is getting a whole lot smaller. Di Bruno Bros., the legendary specialty grocer that has defined Philadelphia’s gourmet food scene for nearly nine decades, has confirmed it will close three of its five physical locations this February.
PENNSYLVANIA - The "House of Cheese" is getting a whole lot smaller. Di Bruno Bros., the legendary specialty grocer that has defined Philadelphia’s gourmet food scene for nearly nine decades, has confirmed it will close three of its five physical locations this February.The move marks a dramatic contraction for the 87-year-old brand, coming just two years after the business was acquired by Brown’s Super Stores (a prominent member of the Wakefern/ShopRite cooperative).
The "Strategic Reset": What’s Closing
In a move described by company leadership as a "positive reset," the following locations are scheduled to cease operations by mid-February 2026:
- The Franklin Residences: The Center City hub at 9th and Chestnut Streets.
- Wayne: The Main Line location in the Strafford Shopping Center.
- Ardmore Farmers Market: The long-standing stall at Suburban Square.
The Survivors: Back to the Roots
While the suburban footprint is disappearing, the brand is doubling down on its most iconic "flagship" experiences. The two locations remaining open are:
- The Original 9th Street Italian Market: The historic South Philly shop where it all began in 1939.
- Rittenhouse Square: The sprawling, two-level gourmet destination on 18th and Chestnut Streets.
Why the Cutbacks? The "Trading Down" Trend
The decision to shutter over half of the retail footprint comes as high-end retailers nationwide face a cooling market. According to company spokespeople, the closures are a response to a significant shift in consumer behavior known as "trading down."
As economic pressures mount, even affluent shoppers have become increasingly cautious, swapping premium imported meats and $40-per-pound cheeses for more affordable alternatives at traditional supermarkets. By trimming the underperforming suburban outposts, Brown's Super Stores aims to stabilize the brand's finances and pivot focus toward its growing online business and wholesale distribution.
The Human Cost
Despite the scale of the closures, the company has emphasized a commitment to its workforce. Approximately 69 staff members affected by the shutdowns have been offered positions at other locations within the Brown’s Super Stores network, which operates several ShopRite and Fresh Grocer stores across the region.
A Storied History Faces a Modern Reality
Founded in 1939 by Italian immigrants Danny and Joe Di Bruno, the shop became a world-renowned culinary landmark. It was famously championed by the late Anthony Bourdain, who once marveled at its "amazing soft, smelly, runny, wonderful cheeses."
However, since the acquisition in early 2024, the brand has struggled to balance its artisanal heritage with the realities of corporate scale. While the new owners initially discussed plans for expansion, the 2026 closures suggest a "leaner" future for the Philly institution.
