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Chef Marc Vetri has a new role at Fitler Club, the members-only “lifestyle club” at 2400 Market in Center City. Vetri is on board as the culinary advisor, replacing chef Kevin Sbraga. Vetri’s longtime business partner Jeff Benjamin, who co-owns Vetri Cucina in Philly and Las Vegas, runs operations at the club.
Fitler Club, set in the same building as Aramark’s new headquarters on the Schuylkill River, is modeled after the Soho House chain. It’s 136,000 square feet, with a 14-room hotel, a gym, a spa, office space, and restaurants — the fancy Dining Room, the more casual Back Bar, and a bar/lounge area. There’s also a catering team for events (and a ton of event space).
This is the first one. Founder David Gutstadt has plans to expand and open several more across the country. Vetri will “lead the culinary direction of the brand,” according to an email from the club’s rep.
Sbraga was announced as the Fitler Club culinary director in November 2017. The Top Chef winner made a name for himself in Philly with his eponymous eatery on Broad and Pine, along with Juniper Commons and the Fat Ham, and Sbraga & Co. in Florida. All of his restaurants are now closed. When the club recently opened its first phase, Sbraga was still part of the team. Eater reached out to him to get more details.
Vetri and Benjamin opened landmark Philly restaurant Vetri Cucina in 1998. They later opened Pizzeria Vetri, Osteria, Amis, and Alla Spina, all in Philly. Everything but Vetri Cucina was sold to retail giant Urban Outfitters in 2015, with Vetri and Benjamin still attached to the restaurants. First Benjamin and then Vetri left Urban Outfitters in 2017. Osteria was sold to Michael Schulson and Jeff Michaud. Urban Outfitters closed Alla Spina.
Vetri and Benjamin opened a Las Vegas location of Vetri Cucina last year. Vetri also signed on as a partner in Primal Supply Meats and bought Fiorella’s Sausage.
