During the 1770s and 1780s, City Tavern was a popular dining place for delegates of the Continental Congress and other founding fathers. The site of the 1773 building has served many purposes since that time, but twenty-six years ago restauranteur Walter Staib won congressional approval to operate the tavern and feature 18th century style cuisine.
Tourism made up a significant portion of Staib’s business at City Tavern. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to keep the establishment open.
Here is the Philadelphia Voice:
Staib told the Philadelphia Business Journal that City Tavern relied on overseas tourism for about 40% of its business. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Staib was already nearing the end of his lease with the National Park Service. With business grinding to a halt, he decided not to renew his lease as a concessionaire.
The building contains three floors of dining rooms that can hold up to 300 guests. The restaurant’s large staff had been pared down during the pandemic.
Staib, who received congressional approval to open the restaurant in 1994, said he expects the property will undergo major renovations before it is reopened. It’s unclear what the future holds for the historic site.
Read the entire piece here.