PHILADELPHIA, PA — Glu Hospitality and partners Derek Gibbons and Tim Lu introduce Chika, a subterranean late night ramen bar inspired by the cult sci-fi classic movie Blade Runner. Chika, which is a Japanese word for basement, brings together a fusion of food, drink and design.
“Glu Hospitality has always wanted to create a ramen shop,” said Gibbons. “When I moved here from New York City I missed the late night ramen shops that were a go-to in New York after a night out on the town. When I first stepped into this space it just felt like the perfect place to do this concept – there’s nothing else like it in Philadelphia. Sansom Street and Rittenhouse has so much nightlife but is lacking late night dining – and this seemed like the perfect compliment.”
He added, “Our Asian sushi concepts1225 Raw, Izakaya Fishtown and Sushi Suite have been so well received by the public. We feel there is demand for more in Philadelphia and the entire region. We love that we have the opportunity to create interesting food and drink destinations that bring together classic Asian cuisine with unique spaces and original beverage offerings.”
Glu has tapped the trinity of replicants to bring this new dystopian experience to life – Chef Dean Leevongcharoen (food), Michael Ego (drink) and BOXwood Architecture and Design Firm (design). The goal is to attract fun eclectic groups of people who can feel they walked into another dimension when entering the unique space.
BOXwood design firm helped design the space with Derek Gibbons’ vision to create a late night ramen bar in Rittenhouse similar to those in New York City and Tokyo.
Chika is located at 1526 Sansom Street, lower level, beneath the new Rittenhouse Bagels and Co. Doors will open to the public at 4:00 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Opening services will be dinner and late night, with lunch and brunch to follow down the road. Hours will be Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to Midnight (Kitchen closes 11:00 p.m.) and Friday to Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (Kitchen closes at 1:00 a.m.).
For more information visit https://www.chikaramenbar.com/.
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