Story

For over 20 years, Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran of Safran Turney Hospitality have worked to revitalize the once-desolate strip of 13th Street, which has now transformed into the trendy neighborhood known as "Midtown Village." Today, they own and operate three beloved restaurants in the area: Barbuzzo, Little Nonna's, and Bud & Marilyn's. They also run two lifestyle boutiques, Open House and Verde, and a private event space with an open kitchen and bar, located above Barbuzzo. In addition to their successful neighborhood ventures, Turney and Safran have brought their hospitality to the Philadelphia International Airport with a Bud & Marilyn's outpost and Good Luck Pizza Co.

Darling Jack's Tavern is a culmination of their tenure in the industry. It is a representation of what Safran and Turney love to eat now, and a reflection of what’s popular amongst diners – a return to casual comfort foods with refinement. The 75-seat bar, restaurant, and chef’s counter will offer a taste of everyday, classic foods inspired by local neighborhood joints around the world.

“I’ve been cooking professionally for over 20 years, opened over a dozen restaurants and event spaces, and written countless menus. And we’ve loved it all, but this one means a lot. It’s been a rough few years for our industry, and we’re excited to get back to basics and cook everything and anything we love to eat,” says Chef Turney, who, with Safran, opened Open House in 2002 followed by their first restaurant Lolita in 2004. With the comfort and warmth of a staple neighborhood spot, both in cuisine and atmosphere, Darling Jack’s Tavern will surely be known as the place where genuine food, drink, and hospitality are abundantly present.