1. James Beard Award Winner and Iron Chef Jose Garces announces the grand opening of Garces Trading Company at Kimmel, located inside the Kimmel Center at 300 S. Broad Street. The reinvented concept is back in an all-new way as a collection of casual cafes that are part coffee shop, restaurant, bakery, marketplace and corporate catering solution. For the new location on the Kimmel Cultural Campus, patrons will find an exclusive coffee roast that pays tribute to superstar conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Yannick’s Blend joins new food offerings that will include The Spotlight (Braised Short Rib), The Standing Ovation (Chicken Pot Pie) and The Bravo (Country Ham, Amish Butter, Baguette). For aesthetics, Chef tapped Architect Kieran Timberlake and Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design to create one of the most visually stunning coffee shops and cafes in Center City. The café’s addition
continues the transformation of the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza into a vibrant all-day gathering space that will welcome the public throughout the day into the evening, while also accommodating pre- and post- event crowds. The cafe breaks through the exterior wall adjacent to Spruce Street and is situated in the highly trafficked area that formerly housed the box office- which has been moved to the lower level. Adding another entrance to the overall building, Garces Trading Company opens inside directly from the Plaza and outside from Spruce Street. Garces Trading Company at Kimmel is located across the Plaza from sister restaurant Volvér. Dr. Thanuja Hamilton, Raheem Manning, Susan Jablokov and Joe Maiellano attended the opening celebration.

2. “I’m so incredibly excited to be able to announce that the newest Garces Trading Company is now open for business at the Kimmel Cultural Campus,” said Garces. “Since opening Volvér in 2014, the Kimmel Cultural Campus and the Garces brand have had a special relationship, and I’m so pleased to be able to continue to grow that as we bring Garces Trading Company to campus. This major opening continues our expansion plans into the new year. It also adds another reason to visit the Avenue of the Arts as it goes through a historic transformation with new restaurants, retail and residences.” Garces welcomed CBS News meteorologist Andrew Kozak to the opening event

3. Michael Newmuis chatted with Timothy Moir and Robert Taglieri

4. Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Matias Tamopolsky said “We bring people together for artistic and cultural experiences, civic and intellectual life, moments of connection, and more. We are delighted to co-host the opening of the new café in the Kimmel Center Plaza, a space for Philadelphians to gather, to enjoy delicious food and drink, and to experience the arts together.

5. Erin Flynn, Kate Merritt, Lena Ruiz, Brenda Villegas and Laura Swartz gathered for a photo

6. Ty Handy and Kate Carr were there

7. Carl Dranoff, his daughter Julia Gutstadt, Richard Maimon and Kendra Heimes attended the event

8. Whitney Ullman paused for a photo with Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess

9. Guests included Alex York, Eve Levi, Penny Gsell and Nick Greeby

10. Crystal and Eric Brewe, Ashley Berke and Matt Vaughn attended the opening event

11. Jodi Lokoff and Sheri Wade enjoyed the ambiance

12. Laura Swartz chatted with Ernest Owens, Manny Smith and Jamarcus Henderson

13. Madison Bertin, Michael Maggio and Claire Smith loved the food and musical  connection