Playhouse Inn Groundbreaking, Jose Garces Bring New Tastes to New Hope

Back in 2008, New Hope's elected officials developed the Riverfront Revitalization Strategic Plan and now those plans will become a reality. On Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 5 p.m., there will be an announcement by Playhouse Inn Property LLC of the completion of this plan with the groundbreaking of Playhouse Inn at 50 S. Main Street.

The plans for the Inn include confirmation that one of the nation's most celebrated chefs - Jose Garces - will be the food and beverage partner for the project.

The original building at 50 S. Main Street was much larger but had fallen into disrepair after several other businesses had occupied it. It remained vacant for nearly a decade, and is now being rebuilt in a smaller platform while preserving the original name. There will be 12 rooms and several food and beverage experiences for guests and the public at 50 S. Main. An off-site extension called The Carriage House on E. Mechanic St. will have three rooms, including a full suite. The Carriage House was a dramatic renovation, preserving one of the oldest homes in the Borough. The process included retaining the original three stone walls while creating new, contemporary interior spaces with full-wall glass windows to allow for a view of the river.

Kevin Daugherty, principal owner of Playhouse Inn Property LLC, feels passionate about opening up the waterfront to the residents and visitors to the Borough of New Hope with the renovation of the Bucks County Playhouse and now The Playhouse Inn. In addition, they are reserving a green space between the two properties that will give the Borough a "town center" and allow public viewing of the river in a beautiful setting.

It was the Daugherty's Bridge Street Foundation that has provided the funding for Bucks County Playhouse which brought major enhancements and growth to New Hope and the surrounding region. Kevin Daugherty said recently, "Our goal has to been to revitalize New Hope and bring it back to the prominence it once had. With these renovations and by providing permanent waterfront access to the community via an extended Promenade, there is a natural continuation of our efforts to bring about the Riverfront Revitalization Strategic Plan."

"I am so honored to partner with Kevin Daugherty on this historic project," said Chef Jose Garces. "Bucks County, home of my Luna Farm, is close to my heart. This riverfront location is spectacular and Kevin's vision and commitment to the project have been inspiring. It is so exciting to be able to help the arts thrive in New Hope."

Expected opening date is the spring of 2018.

Garces is a Philadelphia-based hospitality group specializing in personal dining experiences rooted in the rich cultural traditions and culinary vision of renowned Latin-American chef Jose Garces. Taking a heartfelt and creative approach to time-honored recipes and dishes, Garces operates more than 15 restaurants across the country, including 24, Amada, Distrito, Tinto, Village Whiskey, Garces Trading Company, JG Domestic, El Jefe, Volvér, Rural Society, The Olde Bar, Buena Onda and Mercat a la Planxa (in partnership with Sage Hospitality). The eponymous group also offers additional services through Garces Events, a full-service catering and event division; the Garces Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to Philadelphia's underserved immigrant community; and Luna Farm, Chef Garces' 40-acre farm in Bucks County, Pa. For more information about Garces Restaurants, Garces Events, the Garces Foundation, Luna Farm or founder and James Beard Award-winning Iron Chef Jose Garces, please visit GarcesGroup.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

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