Both of Kevin Sbraga’s Philly Restaurants Are Closed

The Shutter

To say the least, Kevin Sbraga has endured a rough few years in the restaurant industry — Philly’s and beyond. Last night after service, the Top Chef season 7 winner closed the last of his two Philadelphia restaurants: Sbraga, forever, and The Fat Ham (University City location), temporarily. In July, Sbraga & Co., his southern belle in Jacksonville, Florida, shut down over night, though Sbraga assured it wasn’t a decision made by Sbraga Dining, rather, the result of a dispute between his landlord and developer. Back in 2015, he closed his ‘80s-themer Juniper Commons after just six months of service.

Currently, the only Sbraga restaurant left standing is the new Fat Ham inside the King of Prussia mall. In a statement the chef posted via Instagram, he assured his followers of a new concept on the way and that University City’s Fat Ham will “reopen at a later date”.

Coming Attractions

Brewerytown, a neighborhood going through a real restaurant resurgence lately, is getting a taproom and grill from the crew behind Tavern On Camac (plus UBar and Tavern Restaurant). Otto’s Taproom and Grill will take over the former Sarah’s Place at 1216 N. 29th Street sometime next winter (2017), styled after the saloons of yesteryear.

Up For Grabs

Cider is ready for its close-up in Philly, and The Good King is leading the charge with a new bi-monthly dinner series called Cider Supper. Six ciders — some local (Bullfrog Brewery and Hale & True), some from far away (Massachusetts's Downeast Cider), and some from really far away (imported from France) — will match six plates by Good King’s chef Nicholas Bazik. The first of the series is on February 1; seats are limited to 12 people and dinner is just $55 a person (not including tax or tip). Reservations are accepted by phone at 215-625-3700.