Within the rapidly changing climate, here’s some good news. This September (of course, subject to change depending on COVID-19), Lance and Emily Bachmann are opening the doors to their Old Port Richmond neighborhood speakeasy Em’s Place. Here, Lance gives us the inside scoop on what we can look forward to.
What can Philadelphia expect from Em’s Place?
It's a restaurant with a speakeasy and modern-day feel. It’ll have great food and solid drinks. We hired Jim Gallagher to consult and design the menu. He’s very well known in Philadelphia, and we hit it off very well. He has an understanding of what we’re going for and what we are trying to do. My wife also had a big impact on the menu, which will consist of classic items like classic beef or cheeseburger patty, a chipotle burger, fried chicken sandwich and margarita flatbread. Then there’s also small plates and appetizers like avocado toast, soft pretzels, buffalo chicken nachos, shrimp cocktail and crispy fried wings. There's also deviled eggs with lump crab meat. And we're going to have a full brunch menu featuring some really fun cocktails like blueberry pancake martinis.
How did you decide on the name “Em’s Place?”
I named it after my wife. She gave me three of my four sons, and is my best friend. What better way to say thank you and honor someone than naming a restaurant after them? She’s been heavily involved in the making of the restaurant, and meets once a week with our managing partner at our house. I’ve never seen that part of her, and it’s pretty impressive.
How do you think the community will embrace Em’s Place?
I think it's a great neighborhood and community, and while they need nothing to change, there’s no harm in giving another amazing restaurant experience for the locals. They don't have to go over to Frankford Avenue anymore—they can walk right here to Em's Place and get great food and have a fun environment.
What makes the restaurant stand out?
The experience. People want to feel good; know you care about them; and have a safe place for the family to come and hang out. Plus, affordability is key. We're also looking at customer service first and foremost, before anything else. We want everyone when you walk in to get a "hello,” and when you leave a "goodbye.” And if you're not happy, we're going to take care of it. Plus, we are the first restaurant in Old Port Richmond to have outdoor seating.
Photography by: Courtesy of Lance Bachmann
