Glu Hospitality is putting the finishing touches on a grand new restaurant offering combining the best of seven different venues under one roof. Built in a 9,500-square-foot, two-story space at the Lofts of Brewerytown, the Brewerytown Food Hall will bring a main dining room, three bars, lounge, arcade games and a private event space around a giant two-story mural by Alloyius Mcilwaine.
Glu owners Tim Lu and Derek Gibbons are realizing a dream that began to take shape before the pandemic threw the entire restaurant industry into chaos. After navigating uncertain waters for many years, Brewerytown Food Hall is the ultimate expression of their philosophy.
“We want Brewerytown Food Hall to be a gathering place for the community,” Gibbons said. “This neighborhood is growing fast with new families, new neighbors and new foodies, but the dining options have been slower to catch up. With this food hall concept, we will bring food and drink from seven other concepts we have around the city — with menus for every taste and a variety of diverse cuisines.”
Fishtown’s Izakaya by Yanaga (1832 Frankford Ave.) and Northern Liberties’ Figo Ristorante and Figo Pizzeria (1033 N. 2nd St.) and Hunnies Crispy Chicken and Tiny’s Burger Joint (1031 Germantown Ave.) are among the restaurants that will contribute to the Food Hall concept. The hall is scheduled for a spring opening with indoor and outdoor seating for up to 295 people.
“We walked into the space and immediately said this would be the perfect spot for a food hall,” Gibbons said. “We want to create a new breed of food hall that celebrates our food and drink concepts, while offering unique aesthetics.”
Brewerytown Food Hall, 1363 N. 31st St., is a key component of Glu’s larger plan for the Philadelphia restaurant space — creating a place to celebrate them all by bringing a food destination and hall to life.
The goal is to create a space that guests feel comfortable, no matter the occasion.
The atmosphere will be relaxed and inviting, and industrial yet stylish. The most notable part of the design will be a striking mural by famed Philadelphia artist Alloyius Mcilwaine. on the main level wall that extends to the second level that is 25 feet high.
Glu has been working on this new concept since May 2022. Brewerytown Food Hall is one of several new projects it plans to announce in the coming year.
“Glu Hospitality as a whole embodies growth,” Lu said. “We are an ever-expanding company. We plan to offer every stop along the hospitality path in the future. As we open new properties don’t be surprised if you see offerings from our new concepts to pop up in Brewerytown as well.”
