Dirty Franks Bans Under-25s, PMA Scraps $1M Rebrand, and Winter Won’t Quit: Philly’s Weekly Report Card
Philadelphia — This week’s report card for the region brings a mix of administrative backpedaling, dive bar crackdowns, and a winter that simply refuses to take a hint. From a legendary Center City watering hole changing its door policy to the city’s premier art institution admitting a million-dollar mistake, here is the breakdown of what’s happening in Philadelphia.
The Grade: B- (Chaotic Good)
The “Adults in the Room” Policy: Dirty Franks vs. Benjamin Franklin
In a move that has sparked immediate debate across Center City, the iconic dive bar Dirty Franks (13th and Pine) has instituted a temporary 25-and-older entry policy. The decision comes after a surge in high-tech fake IDs that have become nearly impossible to detect with standard scanners.
The final straw? A bouncer recently confiscated a fake ID that successfully scanned and passed the UV light test, despite featuring the face of Benjamin Franklin and a fictional address.
“We just need to have the adults in the room again,” said co-owner Jody Sweitzer. The policy is described as a preservation measure for the bar’s liquor license and the staff’s sanity. Sweitzer noted that the influx of underage patrons had brought “obnoxious” behavior, including vaping indoors and smuggling in outside alcohol.
Objection: The new rule has not been well-received by everyone. Legal patrons between the ages of 21 and 24 feel they are being unfairly punished for the actions of teenagers. Ryan Cooperman, 24, called the move exclusionary, likening it to “the Prohibition era” and noting that he has never caused trouble despite being under the new age limit.
Deep Search: While 25-and-up policies are rare, they are legal for private establishments. Dirty Franks joins a small list of bars that have occasionally raised age limits to curb rowdiness, though the “Ben Franklin” fake ID detail adds a uniquely Philadelphian twist to the story.
The Million-Dollar U-Turn: PMA Reverts Its Name
The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) has officially walked back its controversial rebranding effort. Less than four months after announcing it would change its name to the “Philadelphia Art Museum” (mocked by locals with the unfortunate acronym “PhAM”), the institution is reverting to its original, century-old name.
Background Info: The rebrand, which reportedly cost around $1 million, was intended to make the museum feel more accessible. However, it faced immediate backlash from staff, trustees, and the public, who felt the change was unnecessary and erased the institution’s history.
The Compromise: While the name returns to the classic PMA, the museum will keep one element of the expensive overhaul: the new Griffin logo.
Official Stance: CEO Daniel Weiss framed the reversal as a sign of responsiveness, stating, “An essential part of brand stewardship is innovating, and also listening.”
The Forecast: The Schuylkill is Frozen (But Don’t Walk on It)
Winter is clinging to the region with a stubborn grip. Temperatures have remained low enough to freeze sections of the Schuylkill River, a sight that has prompted warnings from city officials.
Warning: Despite the picturesque ice, authorities have issued strict reminders that the river is not safe for ice fishing or walking. The ice is unpredictable, and venturing onto it poses a severe safety risk.
Silver Lining: For those tired of the cold, there is a glimmer of hope: Spring Training is around the corner. Pitchers and catchers are set to report soon, offering a psychological thaw for Phillies fans desperate for baseball season.
Honorable Mentions:
The Super Bowl Debate: The city is currently embroiled in a “tofu or not tofu” argument, as potluck etiquette regarding vegetarian wings becomes a hot-button issue for Super Bowl parties.
Ocean City Anxiety: Following the closure of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in 2024, locals are expressing deep concern over a proposed seven-story hotel at the site, fearing it will permanently alter the small-town feel of the boardwalk.
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