Stephen Starr Debuts a Rotisserie Chicken Ghost Kitchen on South Street

Philly’s pandemic-era takeout scene just got a boost with the arrival of a rotisserie chicken-focused ghost kitchen from mega restaurateur Stephen Starr and chef Pete Serpico.

Chicken Scratch opened Monday, January 18, out of Serpico (604 South Street), Starr’s sleek Asian spot that remains temporarily closed. The virtual poultry place takes to-go and delivery orders from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Chicken Scratch joins Pete’s Place, the “kinda Korean” noodle ghost kitchen that went live in October out of the same address.

“Takeout and delivery continue to support the industry’s survival during this challenging time,” says the James Beard Award-winning restaurateur.

Serpico’s Chicken Scratch menu for one to four centers around quarter, half, or whole rotisserie chicken that diners can dip in accompanying red, yellow and green sauces. Comforting sides include mac and cheese, fried plantains, and crispy potatoes.

In other news...

• Center City’s chic 51-story W Hotel and its retro Roman restaurant Dolce are on track to open in March, per Business Traveller. The 90-seat restaurant on the ground floor will serve regional Italian dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Inauguration Day specials at NYC celebrity chef Franklin Becker’s new pair of late-night Philly ghost kitchens include buy two square-shaped pies, get the third free at Benny Casanova’s and a $8.99-per-person meal deal at Shai with pita, falafel, and hummus for up to 12 (3300 Fairmount Avenue), from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Benny Cassanova’s/official photo

• Bouquet-shaped fruit and chocolate shop Edible Arrangements is targeting Philly as its next major expansion market. Fueled by a record-breaking year with 46 locations reaching million-dollar status, the novelty chain plans to open a whopping 40 stores this year.
• FCM Hospitality’s two-year-old beer pad Craft Hall returned to Northern Liberties last weekend as a brand new indoor/outdoor barbecue venture that relies on a 700-pound smoker, reports Philly Metro. The retooled menu includes brisket, pork spare ribs, smoked chicken, barbecue pizzas, pulled pork, and more.
• Rittenhouse drinking destination a.bar transitioned into a takeout spot for natural wines, cocktails, and at-home bar essentials to go along with pâtés and sausages from chef Eli Collins (daily from noon to 8 p.m.).

a.bar/official photo