AN ICONIC seafood restaurant is set to close its doors after 38 years of operation.
The chain, known for its waterfront views and fine dining experience, has been deeply impacted by ongoing issues in the area that have disrupted customer access.
Located at 555 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. in Penn’s Landing, the Chart House restaurant along the Delaware River in Philadelphia has faced significant challenges due to construction on both sides of the property.
A major $430 million project to cap I-95 and build a park above the highway is underway north of the restaurant, Business Journal reported.
This has been causing lane closures on I-95 and Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
The construction has blocked visibility and made access difficult for customers, which has led to a significant decline in sales.
The project is expected to take four to six years to complete, per the outlet.
MORE TO IT
Further compounding the issue, construction to the south of the restaurant is focused on extending the South Street pedestrian bridge to the waterfront, adding to the disruption.
The combined impact of these projects has severely limited traffic to the restaurant, resulting in declining local sales, liquor, and payroll taxes, according to Shah Ghani, COO of Landry’s Inc., which owns Chart House.
In an emailed statement to the Business Journal, Ghani said, “Major construction in the area has cut off visibility and access for our customers to the restaurant,” citing it as the primary reason for the decision to close.
Chart House reported paying over $103,000 in local sales and liquor taxes in 2023, but year-to-date taxes were just $55,702 as of September 25, spotlighting the steep decline in business.
MAJORLY AFFECTED
The restaurant’s closure will affect 36 employees.
Landry’s, however, is actively working to relocate them to nearby sister locations.
“We deeply appreciate our employees, and we are actively working to relocate them,” Ghani added.
Opened in 1986, Chart House has been a staple of the Penn’s Landing dining scene, serving seafood, steaks, and other fine dining dishes.
Major construction in the area has cut off visibility and access for our customers to the restaurant.
Shah Ghani
Its waterfront location offered picturesque views of the Delaware River, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
The restaurant is situated near other notable establishments, including Fearless Restaurants’ Moshulu and the Penn’s Landing Marina.
Landry’s, based in Houston and led by CEO Tilman J. Fertitta, acquired the Chart House chain in 2002.
The brand operates 24 locations across the country.
This includes one in the Greater Philadelphia region at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City.
Landry’s has a broad portfolio of dining and hospitality brands, such as Del Frisco’s Grille, McCormick & Schmick’s, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., with a significant presence in Philadelphia.
The restaurant is scheduled to shutter on November 30.
Chart House will close on November 30 after 38 years due to major construction projects cutting off customer access[/caption]
