Would-be NYC import Calexico never even got off the ground, but South Street will still get some new Mexican.
By Carly Szkaradnik of Eater Philadelphia
Any remaining hopes for two long-stalled local outposts of NYC-based Calexico were snuffed out this month, as the still-dormant South Street West location-to-be has officially changed hands. (The landlord filed suit over a reported $77,000 in back rent; the second Calexico-that-never-was, at Penn Treaty Market in Fishtown, is back up for rent.) Progress had been troubled seemingly since the expansion was announced back in 2013.
But South Street neighbors will get a new Mexican restaurant nonetheless, as PhillyLiving.com’s blog first announced that the space has been taken over by locals Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico (Hawthornes, The Cambridge). (PhillyLiving.com is building developer Noah Ostroff’s site.) According to a follow-up from Michael Klein, they’re calling it Tio Flores, and targeting a late summer opening. Expect relaxed (but “not uber-divey”) vibes and, owing to the expertise of its owners, an impressive beer selection.
Fetfatzes and Annechiarico had reportedly been in talks for the space before the Calexico deal came through, making this something of a second chance. PhillyLiving.com has more on the story and a few additional menu teases here.
Tio Flores, 1600 South St., opening summer/fall 2015.