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Blackbird's Capasso lands a Rittenhouse Square spot

Alex Capasso and business partner Michael Franco are taking 267 S. 19th St.

Since Alex Capasso closed Blackbird Dining Establishment in Collingswood in favor of the much more casual Benny's Burger Joint, he had been vowing to revive Blackbird - and in Rittenhouse Square, no less.

He is making good on his promise.

Though the name is not set, Capasso and business partner Michael Franco are developing a bar-restaurant at 267 S. 19th St., just south of Rittenhouse Square. The spot was last C19.

Franco, who spent a few years at Le Bec-Fin as both a manager and sommelier, most recently was managing at Per Se in New York. The two met 13 years ago at Max's, a high-end restaurant in Cinnaminson.

Capasso says their new restaurant will be casual and bar focused. In addition to the first floor dining room, they're setting up the downstairs for dining, as well. They're exposing brick in the former townhouse and are crafting a new bar out of reclaimed wood and stone.

Expect a January opening, Capasso said.