Hi-Lo Taco, the former Fishtown pop-up concept from Chef Jeff Newman, is set to open in its new, permanent Center City home at 1109 Walnut St, ideally by year’s end according to a recent article in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Newman did not immediately return What Now Philadelphia’s request for comment.
The restaurant, which once housed New York-based fast-food chain Bareburger, is a 3,000-square-foot building that Newman plans to deck out with a 15-seat bar, 50-seat dining area, takeout counter, and window.
However, its defining element will be a “Feature Wall,” showcasing the dozens of players who have helped Hi-Lo Taco become a reality, including staff, local vendors, and suppliers.
Newman, who began the Feature Wall concept at his Fishtown pop-up, told the Business Journal, “Restaurants take an army to build. And I think that’s something, for my career in restaurants, that I don’t think is necessarily portrayed out there and talked about enough.”
Whereas Hi-Lo’s former pop-up and delivery menu rotated from Sunday breakfast tacos including Burnt Ends, Chorizo, and the Dexter to various staples such as the BBQ Chicken, Mushroom Asada, and Crunchy Shell Red Chili Supreme, a final menu for the permanent home is still in the works. Nevertheless, it does call for “more than a dozen tacos, as well as house-made queso, barbecue, bowls, and salads.”
