A new concept at the Wells Fargo Center is coming this fall, and the idea was born out of a collaboration between the well-known venue and an Iron Chef.
Recently, James Beard Award-winning Chef Jose Garces announced plans for the new culinary venue, Garces Eats, to debut at the arena in October at the start of the 2022-23 NHL and NBA seasons.
The new dining establishment will be in the previous home of The Bistro stand on the Broad Street side of the Club Level at Wells Fargo, and while in business, the stand will rotate different dishes from some of Garces more well-known spots around the city.
“Having the opportunity to bring my Garces Eats concept to the Club Level has been hugely exciting for me,” said Jose Garces, founder and chief culinary officer of Garces, in a statement. “At its core, Garces Eats is intended as an extension of my personal test kitchen and studio, where I will be bringing the best of handheld and bowl based foods from around the world to one of the most dynamic event venues in the country.”
The evolving menu will take diners on a tour of some of Chef Garces’ favorite destinations, and keep them coming back for more culinary adventures, according to a release. Restaurants with featured items will include: Village Whiskey, Distrito and The Olde Bar. The concept will have a kitchen for Garces to explore new items that will become exclusive to Wells Fargo Center as well.
“Wells Fargo Center offers incredible food and beverage options, including many from local chefs, and we’re honored to feature some of Chef Garces’ famous dishes for our fans starting this fall,” added Valerie Camillo, president of Wells Fargo Center, in another statement. “With his rotating menu, guests will be treated to something new and exciting during each visit, and this is just another way that the new Wells Fargo Center offers the best guest experience in the world with a Philly twist.”
While at the center, fare from Garces’ Philly venues will be put under the spotlight — and the menu will be expanding on some of each establishment’s favorites.
Village Whiskey, Garces’ comfortable concept with a concentration on indulgent American fare will bring its Smash Burgers (made with a proprietary beef blend and Garces toppings) and famous Duck Fat Fries to the menu. The Olde Bar will highlight their Buffalo Cauliflower with Buttermilk Ranch and Gin Pickled Celery at Garces Eats. For the JG Mission-Style Burrito Bar (mirroring Distrito) options will boast proteins familiar to Garces fans, such as pork carnitas or al pastor, chili braised beef and adobo chicken.
As a release states, Garces Eats at Wells Fargo Center is part of a larger growth story and pivot for Garces brands that also includes the grand opening of two new Buena Onda restaurants; the national expansion and franchising of Buena Onda across the U.S.; and two additional restaurant concepts set to open this fall. It’s also part of the $350 million transformation of Wells Fargo Center and will debut as part of the brand-new Club Level this fall. The new Club Level will honor Philadelphia’s rich sports and entertainment past while also showcasing the latest in entertainment and service technologies.
For more information on Garces Eats at the Wells Fargo Center (3601 S. Broad St.), visit wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
