PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Influential businessman and community leader Sid Booker, known for his iconic Shrimp Corner and legendary nightclub on North Broad Street, has died at the age of 87.
“You wanna know what that place is? It’s Sid Booker’s. That’s what it is,” said longtime friend Ameer Barber, also known as social media personality and community leader Mr. Philadelphia, staring up at the hot pink North Philadelphia landmark: Sid Booker’s Shrimp Corner and Stinger/La Pointe nightclub.
“It’s emotional for a lot of people. This is one of the places on Broad Street—it’s like the Sid Booker museum, you know? It stands out.”
Booker, like his business at the corner of Broad Street and Belfield Avenue, brought the community together, says Barber, reflecting on his legacy.
“To be in one spot for close to 60 years—it’s a half of a century—to be here that long and do so much for the community, his impact is going to last a lifetime,” Barber said.
“To help so many people out—so many politicians … it’s a big deal.”
Sen. Sharif Street says the loss is personal for him.
“Sid Booker, an icon, was a friend and mentor to many, including me,” said Street.
Lolette Smith says she had known Booker and his hot spot for decades—“over 30 years.”
When she thinks of Sid’s, she says she thinks of the good times.
“My favorite go-to was the parties,” Smith said. “Yeah, I’m serious. Used to be some good parties. My friends and I would come here from South Philly for the weekend. It was really nice. He’s going to be missed.”
Booker’s presence was larger than life, a source of community pride, Barber explains.
“Philadelphia has giants, as well. We’re known for so many things—not just sports, rappers or negativity,” he said. “We got entrepreneurs like Sid Booker. Giants like Sid Booker.”
Sidney Booker Jr. says losing his father weighs heavily on him and leaves a legacy that he doesn’t take lightly.
“I know it’s a loss to Philadelphia, but he was our dad and our father,” he said. “Myself and my sister Darlene, he always instilled in us that we keep this place going.”
He says his father taught him well, and Sid Booker’s story will go on.
“He got 58 years in, and we’re going to do another 58.”
There will be a public viewing and service on Friday, Feb. 7, at Star of Hope Baptist Church in Tacony.