The Old Boyd Theater in Rittenhouse Will Reopen This Month as Bankroll, a “Luxury Sports and Live Event Viewing Experience”
In case you were wondering what the old Boyd Theater at 1910 Chestnut will be converted to, the answer is finally here. The historic theater has gone under a complete renovation and will re-open as Bankroll and is slated to open this month, although no exact date was given at this time.
The historic theater opened its doors in 1928 and operated as a movie theater for 74 years when it was eventually closed for good in 2002. Since then many speculations and ideas for the theaters future has alway been swirling. Now, the theater will look to re-open this month under the name Bankroll. The new facility is described as a “luxury sports and live event viewing experience,” by its new owners. Bankroll’s 13,000 sq. ft. space will seat 400 across various rooms and will feature a formal dining room, event space and three bars. Guests will also get to enjoy “living room seating” that will feature individually controlled TVs as well as a full service kitchen and sports betting via mobile devices.
Bankrooll’s ritzy design was curated by international firm AvroKo whose past projects have included notable works such as 1 Hotel Central Park, Denver Union Station, as well as the their local project at the Canopy by Hilton in Center Center.
Director of Hospitality, Zach Seidman is lead the team, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in hospitality, entertainment and nightlife. Seidman will oversee the management and planning of special events and entertainment, as well as Bankroll’s VIP and Concierge Programs. He most recently held Executive roles at notable Atlantic City beach club and nightlife establishment, HQ2, as well as The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, DAER Nightclubs & Dayclubs, Hakkasan Group.
As far as food goes, Scott Swiderski joins the team as Corporate Chef to bring Bankroll’s luxury dining experience to life. With more than 25 years of culinary experience, including his most recent role as an Executive Chef for restaurateur David Burke’s restaurant group, Swiderski will look to deliver a world-class food and beverage menu to Bankroll. Chef Swiderki’s other previous positions included 15 years as an Executive Chef for Buddakan.
In addition, Bankroll has hired Olivia Mazza as Director of Events with events being an aspect to Bankroll and “elevates it far above typical venues in Philadelphia,” Bankroll states. Mazza’s background includes a decade of experience in private events, offsite catering, and hospitality, working in various positions for local hospitality groups like Schulson Collective, Jose Garces, and Ron Jaworski Golf.
Casey Corradin has been brought on as Associate Marketing Manager to spearhead Bankroll’s marketing and digital content strategy, starting with cultivating Bankroll’s brand through their social media channels @bankrollphl. Previously with Schulson Collective, Corradin has experience managing a large portfolio of brands spanning across Instagram and Tiktok. Before her role in the restaurant industry, Corradin worked in content creation for small businesses like Smak Parlour, a boutique previously in Old City, as well as creation for on air TV personalities for QVC.
All three join Bankroll under the leadership of CEO Padma Rao, a highly skilled engineer turned executive whose 25+ years of e-commerce and marketing experience includes senior leadership roles with GrubHub, GAP, Sephora, Zynga and Netflix. She also serves as an advisor to Bullpen Capital and a number of start-ups. Her accomplishments range from running marketing for Zynga taking them to over $1B in revenue and her time at GrubHub, and their $7B sale to JustEatTakeaway (JET). Rao’s success has come from her keen ability to predict and navigate the complex transitions that brands must undergo to keep their digital experiences relevant – a skill she’s now leveraging to build Bankroll this next-generation venue.
“We are thrilled to welcome this impressively talented group of people as we prepare to open our doors,” said Rao. “The city is riding an all-time high with the recent success of its beloved teams and we can’t wait to be the place where Philly fans can celebrate more wins in an environment like they’ve never experienced before.”
Bankroll will open its doors in February 2023. To learn more, please visit www.bankrollclub.com and follow Bankroll on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to stay in the know on new updates.
