PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new Italian restaurant has opened at The Piazza in Northern Liberties, just one of many businesses launching amid the pandemic and renewed growth in the neighborhood.
Figo restaurant, slang for "cool," now occupies the former Wahlburgers space at 1033 N. Second St.
Derrick Gibbons of Glu Hospitality said the eatery includes a classic Italian menu with a separate, more casual pizzeria side.
"People can just come pick up slices for lunch, sandwiches for lunch or takeout pies," he said.
It actually has more outdoor seating — 120 — than indoors.
"COVID definitely made people feel more comfortable sitting outside," he noted. "That's why this space was so desirable for us."
But the pandemic also made opening more of a challenge. "Ordering equipment, plates and glassware — all those things you have to take into account now just because of production and shipping."
The restaurant is also dealing with a serious shortage of liquor, beer and wine.
"Just at Figo alone, we probably had to change up our wine list three times now," he added.
Despite the pandemic, Kristine Kennedy, executive director of the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District, said this is a growing neighborhood.
"We have at least 5,600 new apartments coming online now in the next two to three years, and then when you look at sort of our greater market area, it's close to 20,000 people just within walking distance of this part of the neighborhood," she explained.
For more on Figo, listen to the KYW Newsradio original podcast What's Cooking on the Audacy app or in the player above.
