Jim's South Street is reopening Wednesday. This is what we know

Almost 2 years after fire closed Jim's South St., the iconic South Street cheesesteak shop is planning a May 2024 reopening

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Philly foodies rejoice -- one of the city's iconic cheesesteak shops is rising from the ashes of a fire to reopen this week.

Jim's South Street announced in a Philadelphia Inquirer article and social media posts shared in March that they planned to open in May.

Now, the countdown is on with a series of "we're back" social media posts.

Jim's Steaks says it will open at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

“It‘s been 21 months, so we’re pretty ready top open up and we’re very excited," Kenneth Silver, the president of Jim’s, said.

The Philly cheesesteak shop -- a favorite late-night destination -- has stood with its distinctive art-deco storefront at the corner of South 4th and South streets since the Bicentennial year of 1976. It was forced to close after a July 2022 fire that was caused by electrical wiring.

The new Jim's Steaks covers more space and will feature several original mosaics from Magic Gardens artist Isaiah Zagar as the restaurant incorporates some of Zagar's Eyes Gallery into a new section that adds around 80 seats, Silver told NBC10.

Outside and refurbished inside of Jim's South St. is seen days before its planned reopening in spring 2024.
NBC10
Outside and refurbished inside of Jim's South St. is seen days before its planned reopening in spring 2024.

"We're almost there and can't wait to welcome you back!," reads a post on Jim's website. "You won't believe the incredible transformation of our building (now two buildings) but we're sure you'll enjoy the same great sandwiches as always."

The food remains the same with cheesesteaks and hoagies being served without fried foods, according to the menu posted on Jim's website.

"We haven't changed our menu," Silver said.

A "thrilled" Silver said longtime customers will see much of the same style interior at Jim's and even many of the same workers from before the fire.

They also can once again fork over some cash for late-night bites.

"When people are looking for something to eat after 2 o'clock in the morning, we'll be here til 3 on Friday and Saturday," Silver said.

Jim's will stay open until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, Silver said.

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