Kensington Avenue under the El has had an understandably rocky reputation over the last number of years, as it has essentially been ground zero for the city’s opiod crisis. Through this lens, it was a mildly shocking development in 2021 when Càphê Roasters opened at J-Centrel, a live work building about a block away from the Tioga El station. This Vietnamese cafe and coffee roastery has been a smashing success despite its challenging location, even receiving a James Beard nomination this year.

Given this success, it’s quite understandable that they’re looking to expand their operations. Also given their commitment to the surrounding community, it makes sense that they’re not looking to go very far. It turns out they are traveling less than 100 paces to 3423 Kensington Ave., which was originally constructed as the Harrowgate Theatre. This theater opened in the early 1920s, with a 1921 Inquirer article noting “the Harrowgate Theatre has been one of the most elaborate photoplay resorts in that part of the city since its erection, its exterior being a landmark for squares around. The lobby is spacious and the auditorium proper is commodious and fitted with improved opera chairs.” The cinema operated until 1951, and would eventually serve as a roller rink. More recently the building was used as a banquet hall, but has sat unused for a number of years.

The new location will now provide breathing room for a concept that has run out of space in its original location. Per a 2025 Inquirer story, the roastery is stretched to its limits in its current 200 sqft space and the new location will provide much more room to roast. Similarly, the dining room will be greatly expanded, ditto the kitchen, allowing for a greater mix of dining options. Perhaps the most exciting development is the inclusion of a brewery in the new space, which we expect will supply both the restaurant and a wholesale operation. Both the brewery and take-out service required ZBA variances, but the local RCO enthusiastically supported the project after securing some promises like the inclusion of security cameras, additional lighting, and new street trees. The ZBA approved the project last week.

We can see from the plans from ISA, the takeout window will sit along Kensington Avenue, with the restaurant’s outdoor dining around the corner on Russell Street. The space in the building will be divided up intuitively, with the roastery and the restaurant in the front of the building and the brewery in the back. It’s pretty impressive how this century old building originally designed for huge crowds for movies will be able to serve a totally different business model in 2025. Considering how many old theaters ended up as surface parking lots in the post WWII era, this adaptive re-use feels like a real win.

Though the restaurant, roastery, and brewery now have approvals to move forward, there’s still work to be done. The sidewalk seating, ramps, and right of way improvements will collectively require a City Council ordinance. The development team is working with Councilmember Driscoll to craft the required legislation to send to the mayor’s desk, but nothing will happen in City Hall until after summer vacation. Be that as it may, the team can proceed with permitting and construction for the business while this last piece of the puzzle gets resolved. With ZBA approval, strong support from the Harrowgate Civic Association, and ongoing collaboration with the councilmember, we expect to see a bigger, better, boozier concept from the Càphê Roasters crew sometime in 2026.