Bret Morgan has big plans for one of Avon by the Sea’s abandoned bank buildings. The entrepreneur’s plans for Sylvan Hall will transform the century-old building, located at 320 Main Street, into a unique dining oasis.
Sylvan Hall is still in the early development phases. Morgan is hoping to open the doors by May of 2024, telling What Now Philadelphia “Right now we are working on getting our site plan approved for the project with the Boro on Avon. Based on feedback from the planning board, we’ll adjust our final plans.”
Sylvan Hall has recruited local culinary expert Marilyn Schlossbach as its food and beverage operations leader. Sylvan Hall’s cuisine will highlight global street foods filtered through an elevated lens. Morgan states “We envision creating a restaurant and community space highlighting seasonal, organic fare. Personally, my inspirations draw from Southeast Asia, South Asia, and elevated plant based cuisine so while we’re still working on the final concept and menus, these elements will certainly shine.”
Sylvan Hall will feature a seasonal liquor license, allowing the establishment to serve beer, wine, and cocktails from May 1 through November 15th. The establishment will allow customers to bring their own drinks during the off-season.
The plans for Sylvan Hall maintain the building’s history and integrity. Morgan’s intentions are to restore, not destroy. He says “I love old buildings with lots of character.…When we were presented with the opportunity to do something at the Bank, it all seemed to align.”
Sylvan Hall’s ground floor will provide communal seating and feature a full service bar as well as various food concepts for guests to order from. The building contains a mezzanine that will offer additional seating, as well as a space that can be rented out for private events.
Morgan shared a sample menu with What Now Philadelphia that highlights the varied nature of offerings planned for Sylvan Hall. The cuisines included a burger with fries, South Asian Panang curry, and Spanish mackerel curry with fried bread.
Sylan Hall does not have a determined timeline yet. However, Morgan hopes when the eatery opens to the public, it will provide a welcoming environment for its neighbors. He adds “We think Sylvan Hall will serve as a community hub for residents of Avon to gather. Community is important to me… One of my goals as an entrepreneur has always been to bring people together and watch the magic happen and I look forward to doing so with Sylvan Hall.”
