Last fall, we wondered about the fate of the building that last held The Witch, a short-lived neighborhood bar in Pennsport. At the time, the property, 1401 E. Moyamensing Ave., was on the market for $399K. It seemed like a decent enough location that could probably hold a successful business, with the right management.

Whelp, we have some good news.

There’s a new restaurant concept coming to this space, and it will pay homage to those who work in the food business. The Industry (yes, that’s the name) will make its debut this spring and will undoubtedly become a neighborhood hotspot in short order.

Future home of The Industry

Dave Garry and Heather Gleason, of the wonderful Good Dog Bar, and partner Tom Darby, will create an inviting atmosphere equipped with comfortable dining and lounging fit for 80 as well as an 18-seat bar and a communal dining table.  Local artisan Ben McBrien will be in charge of creating the aesthetics, in which he will incorporate reclaimed wood in custom dining tables, ceiling-lattice work, and a wall crafted entirely from mixed timbers.

The Industry will possess an open kitchen, lined with white subway tiles as well as black and white photos of local restaurant professionals who make the Philly dining scene what it is.  Brunch will be served up on Saturdays and Sundays, and will provide quite an interesting menu. One item that stuck out to us is the Hillbilly Philly-fried chicken topped with cheddar cheese and sausage gravy, served on a biscuit; we’ll totally risk the heart attack for that.

Different angle. Sale sign is down and liquor license app in the door.

Bringing it back to the reason The Industry was conceived, the restaurant will offer discounts to food industry workers with proof of employment, and will be serving up dinner until 1AM since working in the biz doesn’t really allow for the typical 9 to 5 schedule.

Chef Pat Szoke will be in charge of creating the seasonally changing menu and we’re trusting his expertise considering he’s worked at top-notch spot such as Vetri, Buddakan and The Farm and The Fisherman.  We have to admit, we’re pretty excited for the arrival of The Industry and think it will be a great addition to Pennsport.

And folks in Pennsport are probably jazzed that they’ll have another option in the neighborhood for when there’s no space at Ugly American, like last night.

–Kaitlin Bostwick