Restaurant notes: Chipotle getting closer; Puck coming; a grill closes
Construction heats up at the former Susanna Foo space, and the celeb chef signs on to do a resto in the Kimmel Center.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is well under construction at 1512 Walnut St., in the World War I-era Italianate brownstone that formerly housed Susanna Foo. A Chipotle rep tells me that the company is aiming to open in late October.
Not only will celeb chef Wolfgang Puck partner with the in-house catering at the Kimmel Center. From my colleague Peter Dobrin comes word that Puck will open a restaurant next year in the current gift shop. No name or concept.
It's "86" for the Sam's Grill on Old York Road in Jenkintown, a casual mainstay of 21 years. Owner Susan Schlisman still runs a Sam's in Wynnewood, Devil's Alley near Rittenhouse Square, and Smokin' Betty's in Washington Square West.
And it might be an involuntary 86 for Prive, the Mediterreanean lounge at 246 Market St. Court records show that the building owner has filed for eviction, and filed a judgment seeking $37,000 in unpaid rent. Owner Billy Lavdas did not return my phone call. Under the law, Prive (aka Lavdas Inc.) still has the keys for about 30 more days. MealTicket today suggested that a Japanese restaurant was poised to take over. The prospective operator, who has managed an Old City nightclub, is not talking yet.