PHILADELPHIA, PA — Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) has unveiled plans for Gather Food Hall & Bar, a new culinary destination set to open at Schuylkill Yards. Located in the ground floor of the historic Bulletin Building, Gather Food Hall promises to celebrate innovation, connection, and top-tier dining experiences, while honoring the legacy of its landmark location.
The 13,000-square-foot food hall will bring together six artisan food vendors alongside a vibrant bar concept, curated by renowned chef and restaurateur Akhtar Nawab’s Hospitality HQ (HHQ). Aiming to foster community and connection, Gather will serve as a dynamic space for office tenants, students, and locals in University City to enjoy diverse, high-quality global flavors in a welcoming environment.
A Space Rooted in Progress and History
The Bulletin Building, originally constructed in 1955, once served as the headquarters of the Philadelphia Bulletin, a newspaper that symbolized progress and innovation in its time. While the building has since transitioned into a state-of-the-art life science hub, Brandywine Realty Trust is honoring its industrial past with thoughtful design at Gather Food Hall. Bell Butler Design & Architecture has been entrusted with creating a space that blends modern hospitality with mid-century industrial elements. Inspired by the printing press era, décor will incorporate vintage accents, newspaper-inspired graphics, and historical features to celebrate the building’s storied legacy.
The food hall’s lively energy reflects its storied roots as a space for sharing stories and ideas, continuing the tradition of fostering connection and creativity in new ways.
Community Empowerment and Culinary Innovation
Gather Food Hall is about more than dining; it’s a platform to support local entrepreneurs and address food insecurity. Hospitality HQ, a minority-owned business, is collaborating with Philadelphia’s GFH Management—which consists of hospitality consultancy FNB+, JEME Agency, and the nonprofit Believe in Students—to minimize barriers for vendors and encourage success. Through mentorship and test-kitchen opportunities, emerging chefs and culinary entrepreneurs will have access to resources to grow sustainable ventures.
This social mission extends beyond entrepreneurship. Gather Food Hall’s programs also take on the challenge of food insecurity, a pressing issue that affects one in four college students. Seed funding from Cerity Partners has enabled Gather to expand this mission, integrating dining into broader efforts to support the community.
Schuylkill Yards: A Hub for Growth and Connection
The development of Gather Food Hall supports Brandywine Realty Trust’s vision for Schuylkill Yards as a vibrant epicenter of innovation and collaboration in Philadelphia. With 70,000 square feet of retail space already open and another 33,000 square feet set to launch by 2025, Schuylkill Yards has become a magnet for economic and social development.
Strategically situated near 30th Street Station, Schuylkill Yards offers seamless connections to Amtrak, SEPTA, and regional rail, making it a natural hub for talent, businesses, and visitors alike. Its blend of retail, research facilities, greenspaces, and cultural venues underscores its role in shaping the future of University City.
Looking Ahead
Gather Food Hall & Bar is poised to become a vibrant gathering place that elevates the Bulletin Building’s legacy, addresses pressing social issues, and showcases the richness of Philadelphia’s culinary talent. With its opening marking yet another milestone for Schuylkill Yards, it further solidifies the area’s role as a destination for innovation, collaboration, and community impact.
Brandywine Realty Trust’s ongoing investment in Schuylkill Yards exemplifies its effort to shape a brighter future for University City, where history and progress come together to inspire growth and connection.
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