Cherry Street Tavern Owners Announce Sale of Historic Philadelphia Landmark
After five decades of pouring drinks and preserving a slice of Philadelphia history, the owners of Cherry Street Tavern have officially announced it is “time to sell.” Bill and Bob Loughery, the brothers who have stewarded the 124-year-old Logan Square institution since the 1970s, are finalizing a deal to pass the torch, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most cherished watering holes.
Deep Search: The End of a 50-Year Tenure
The decision to sell was not made lightly. The Lougherys, who began as bartenders at the tavern in the 1970s before purchasing the business in the 1990s, cited a simple reality: it is “time to take off the apron.” While the specific terms of the sale remain private, the brothers have reportedly insisted on a buyer who commits to maintaining the tavern’s unique spirit rather than redeveloping the property or stripping it of its character. A deal is expected to be finalized by St. Patrick’s Day, a fitting milestone for a venue deeply woven into the fabric of the city’s social life. The sale comes as business has reportedly faded in recent years, mirroring shifts in the surrounding neighborhood.
Objections: Anxiety Among the Regulars
While the owners are seeking a successor to preserve the tavern’s legacy, the news has sparked anxiety among its devoted clientele. Longtime patrons worry that a change in ownership could inevitably alter the “old-world” atmosphere that defines the space. In a city where historic venues are frequently modernized or replaced by high-end concepts, there is skepticism that any new owner can truly replicate the Lougherys’ reverence for the institution. “When they come in, they understand it completely,” a bartender noted of the current regulars, fearing that a new management style could alienate the community that treats the bar with “deep and profound respect.”
Background Info: A Survivor of Prohibition and Change
Cherry Street Tavern is not merely a bar; it is a survivor. Established over a century ago, the venue has roots stretching back to the Prohibition era, originally operating as a dining saloon that legally pivoted to serving alcohol once the bans were lifted. It has weathered the Great Depression, wars, and the radical transformation of Center City Philadelphia. Known for its roast beef sandwiches and unpretentious vibe, it stands as a rare remnant of the city’s early 20th-century saloon culture, distinguishing itself from the sleek, modern bars that now dominate the Logan Square area.
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