PHILADELPHIA - This summer has seen a noticeable shift in Philadelphia's culinary landscape. A wave of changes is sweeping through the city, with a rash of older, longtime favorite restaurants either hitting the real estate market or closing their doors for good. This era is marked by the departure of two significant regional institutions that have served generations of Philadelphians.
The End of an Era at Steve Stein's Famous Deli
Northeast Philadelphia is losing its last traditional Jewish delicatessen. Steve Stein's Famous Deli, located in Bustleton's Grant Plaza, is officially shutting its doors this coming Sunday.
- A Decades-Long Legacy: The closure brings an end to a family business whose roots stretch back to the late 1950s.
- The Final Slice: For decades, the establishment outlasted a landscape that was once crowded with Jewish delis, bakeries, butchers, and specialty shops.
- Community Impact: The closing marks the end of a long run for corned beef fans in the area. Customers have been flocking to the store to stock up on house-cured corned beef, smoked fish, and rye bread before the final day.
Mamma Maria's Officially on the Market
After being shuttered for the last six years, a former South Philly staple is now officially up for sale. The Chiavatti family, who ran Mamma Maria's for nearly 30 years after originally opening the restaurant in 1992, has placed the properties on the real estate market.
- The Properties: The sale encompasses three adjoining structures situated on East Passyunk Avenue and Jessup Street, each featuring residential apartments above the commercial spaces.
- Listing Details: Two of the properties—1637 E. Passyunk Ave., which contains one of the dining rooms, and 1632 S. Jessup St., which holds the fully equipped kitchen—carry a combined asking price of $1.5 million. The third property, at 1639 E. Passyunk Ave., with a second dining room, is listed separately for $2 million.
- A Storied History: Before its closure in 2020, Mamma Maria's was celebrated for its handmade gnocchi, tableside flaming sambuca, and a welcoming atmosphere that felt akin to attending a family holiday meal at home.
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