The Owners of Johnny Brenda's and Standard Tap Are Expanding to Kensington

William Reed and Paul Kimport, trailblazers in both the Northern Liberties and Fishtown bar scene, have signed a bill of sale to the Shenanigan's Saloon at 1624 N. Front Street, according to a recent report by Billy Penn.

Reed and Kimport are the two guys behind the ol' faithful Northern Liberties gastropub Standard Tap and the Fishtown-famous Johnny Brenda's — two bars popular for their better-than-they-should be beer lists and bar food. For their third location, the two have decided to join in on the smoldering Kenzo-movement with a space smack in the middle of Philly's craft distilleries. And those distilleries will be the new bar's focus.

Billy Penn writes:

Proximity to the distilleries also helped inspire the as-yet-unnamed bar's focus. Instead of spotlighting local beer like they do at their other two establishments, the partners plan to showcase local spirits.

The new spot will definitely have a great beer program, but "in some ways we're flip-flopping the concept," Reed says. "We'll have the local spirits be the focus and go abroad for the beer."

The food, like their other two spots, will be high-quality, but nothing unapproachable.

Right now, Shenanigan's is still in business, but will close for a small bit of renovation before Reed and Kimport relaunch with their new concept.

The previous owners had already upgraded the building with new wiring, electricity and plumbing. Some of the interior will be redone, but some will stay the same — like the reclaimed wood from the flooring of the Palestra.

And because they won't be changing too much, expect a Fall 2016 opening.