In 2007, Marathon Grill took a long-underused corner near Jeff and transformed it into a lovely, bi-level restaurant. At the end of 2011, a legal dispute resulted in Marathon clearing out of the space, with Square Peg taking over. After only about a year and a half, Square Peg closed its doors, and about a month ago, Italian Bistro and Wine Bar Stella Rossa opened at this location.

Like the sign

Dave Magrogan of David Magrogan Group opened here after having success with over a dozen other restaurants. Can’t argue with the guy’s track record, eh? The 10th & Walnut location was bought out from Square Peg owners Barry Gutin and Larry Cohen with a vision to replicate the concept of the other Stella Rossa location in Downingtown, but in a much larger space.

In an interview held a few weeks ago with KYW, Magrogan said that the goal for the new space was to warm up the otherwise cold, industrial-looking interior and make it appeal to the neighborhood. It’s unclear whether it was the decor that sunk Square Peg but it’s worth noting that the establishment closed just a few months after losing chef Matt Levin.

Jeff buildings are across the street

Jefferson Hospital docs, Washington Square neighbors, and Walnut Street Theater gatherers now have yet another choice for dining in the area. The new spot has plenty of competition nearby, though perhaps the already vetted concept will see greater success than its predecessors at this location. Hopefully, Stella Rossa will have some staying power here, and the carousel of new businesses at this spot will stop turning for the next few years.

–Haley Waugh