Times may be tough, but you wouldn’t know it from the barrage of restaurants slated to open in the next few months.
Blue Angel: Come March, Stephen Starr plans to revive his casual French in the same storefront the original occupied until 2003 (706 Chestnut St.).
Chifa and Village Whiskey: The ubiquitous Jose Garces (Amada, Distrito and Tinto) has two new restaurants in the works: the Peruvian-Chinese blend Chifa, expected by February (707 Chestnut St.), and Village Whiskey, a casual bar/restaurant set to sidle up next to Tinto later this year (20th and Sansom St.).
Doghouse Gourmet Burgers and Fries and Firecreek Restaurant + Bar: Jose Garces isn't the only one juggling two openings. Tom Deignan and Kevin Silverang of 333 Belrose are working on a March debut for their inexpensive burger concept in Downington (24 East Lancaster Ave.; www.doghouseburgers.com). But first the duo plan to launch a midrange steakhouse two doors down by the end of February (20 East Lancaster Ave.; www.firecreek-restaurant.com).
Du Jour Cafe & Market: Expect a fourth branch to open on Market Street in Commerce Square this spring.
Ladder 15: Early March will see the opening of this upscale gastropub located in a historic firehouse. Mike Stollenwerk of highly rated South Philly seafooder Little Fish is said to be designing the menu (1528 Sansom St.).
Max Brenner: The chocolate-inspired chain will open next to Butcher & Singer in Center City by late spring or early summer (212 S. 15th St.).
S&H: South Street residents can expect this BYO Turkish kebab place to open in the old Overtures space by the end of the month (609-611 E. Passyunk Ave.).
Saute: This French BYO from Alma de Cuba vet Nicholas J. Cassidy is shooting for a late January opening (775 S. Front St.).
Smokin' Betty's: Susan Schlisman, who owns Devil's Alley near Rittenhouse Square, is expected to open her barbecue-centric haunt in February (116 S. 11th St.).
Union Trust: Center City's much delayed steakhouse is hoping for an early February opening. Fingers crossed (717 Chestnut St).