Great news! After working diligently for more than 18 months, I have finally signed a lease for a second restaurant. The new space is at 424 S. Bethlehem Pike, in Ft. Washington, near the convergence of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and 309 and just four miles from Alison at Blue Bell. I expect to open the second, yet-unnamed restaurant in Spring 2008.
Don’t worry, the first restaurant will stay open too. I envision the new restaurant as a place where there will be enough space for you to walk in without reservations and get a table or just come to relax and enjoy a drink and snack at the bar. We’re designing this second space to have many of the amenities that you’ve been asking for – a full bar with a large selection of wines, beers and liquors, personal wine lockers, a private dining room, acceptance of credit cards and more.
And the icing on the cake is a much larger kitchen, planned by Mark Stech-Novak, who has designed some of the top restaurant kitchens in the world. This will allow me to offer tasting menus and maybe even a raw bar. There are lots of things on my wish list. Almost everything in the first restaurant is made from scratch, except the ice cream. Now, we can make that in-house as well. While it is still in the design stage, I’m even considering placing a chef’s table in the kitchen. Check this blog for frequent updates about our new space.
Photos © Courtney Grant Winston
It looks great so far. We think it will look beautiful when it is finished. The whole family can’t wait to come in and try the food.
Good luck!!!!
Allison, Best of Luck in your new endeavor! Anything I can do to help, give me a holler. Sincerely, Rich Rosenau, owner of Rich’s Deli. (Your New Neighbor)
How awesome – best of luck – and maybe you’ll see us more often since it’s closer to home! It looks great – so exciting – can’t wait – hope you’re planning an opening night bash!!! Wendy – n – Gary
You go, girl!!!
Alison, Looks great! We can walk to your new place… We are looking forward to the spring opening… Keep up the good work and good luck, J
Alison – I can’t believe the time is going so quickly. Only a while before the new restaurant opens. The “in process” photos are awesome and I am excited about my first meal and of course, a drink at the new bar! Congratulations.
Alison saves the day !!! Thank goodness for you building a nice new restaurant at the old Marita’s (which was a dump, sorry to say. )
Alison,
Congratulations on the new restaurant. It’s so nice to see something done with the old hotel. My husband & I look forward to visiting!
Tina
I love the name of your new restaurant!!!! Can’t wait to bring in the family and try the new food. I bet the restaurant will be unbelievable!! Gotta go! Going to the Alison’s at Blue Bell tonight.
I love the name of the new restaurant!!!!!!!!!!!! The name is very catchy! We will be there to try the food and anything else that is there. We are going to Alison’s tonight. Can’t wait to see the new restaurant.