Jim’s South Street Just Announced Their Reopening Date and New Features Including First Floor Seating
Jim’s South St. at 400 South Street announces their reopening on Wednesday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m. On July 29, 2022, a massive electrical fire destroyed the restaurant, shutting it down for almost two years while the building, originally constructed in the late 1800s was repaired. Jim’s South St. is an important destination and staple of Philadelphia’s food scene, attracting more than a million visitors annually since 1976.
Jim’s President, Ken Silver says, “We’re almost there and can’t wait to welcome you back! You won’t believe the incredible transformation of our building (now two buildings) but we’re sure you’ll enjoy the same great sandwiches as always. We are grateful to the Philadelphia Fire Department (whose incredible work saved our building), the South Street community, the supportive Philadelphia media, Clarke and Cohen Property Loss Consultants, Polidori Construction, Worldwide Restoration, D’Narpo Electrical, John Devine Plumbing, Joseph Papaleo Tile, MW Mechanical, RCG Telecom, Ambit Architecture, Pennoni Engineering, BHG Consulting, and our loyal customers.”
The new Jim’s South St. was rebuilt bigger and better. President Ken Silver acquired and expanded into the famed Eyes Gallery building next door at 402 South Street. The second building added 1900 square feet and seating for an additional 60+ patrons.
The new iteration of Jim’s South St. will include an open kitchen with a Jade custom manufactured 12-foot griddle. As in the past, the restaurant will not have fryers. The restaurant remains cash only and the staff will be the same. The restaurant now offers first floor seating for 20+and second floor seating for 75+. The second floor is accessed through two staircases now and includes separate dining areas that can be reserved for private parties.
Jim’s South St. will continue as a late-night staple on South Street and will be open until 3:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 1:00 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays. The restaurant opens daily at 11:00 a.m. for lunch.
Jim’s South St. commitment to unique art and architecture extends inside the restaurant. Jim’s South St., In conjunction with the Magic Gardens, has lovingly restored and preserved several of the earliest mosaic works from the late 1960’s/early 70’s by world-renowned Philadelphia-based artist, Isaiah Zagar (creator of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens). Ken Silver says, “the transformation of the space is incredible to behold and will endure as one of our proudest endeavors.”
Jim’s South St. opened in the summer of 1976, when Ken’s father and a business partner opened Jim’s South St., bringing an iconic art-deco storefront and an even more distinctive cheesesteak sandwich to a neighborhood in the midst of a renaissance. Few would have predicted that over the course of more than four decades the shop would become one of the most celebrated restaurants in Philadelphia. Known as the “Hippest Street in Town,” the cheesesteaks and hoagies from Jim’s were part of the South Street magic.
Jim’s South St. is a five-time winner of Philadelphia magazine’s Best of Philly award and Zagat rated. Jim’s South St. team has over 200 years combined of cheesesteak making know-how and is the arbiter of the authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
