Historic house razed, Roxborough site slated to become a Wendy’s fast-food restaurant
After months of speculation, city officials confirmed Wednesday night that developers are seeking to locate a Wendy’s fast food restaurant at the site of a demolished historic house.
In recent days, a website —www.roxboroughwendys.com — has appeared. It touts the advantages of locating the fast food merchant in the Ridge Avenue business corridor. Operated by an entity known as “5901 Ridge, LLC,” contact information on the page leads only to a general email inbox or a P.O. Box address in Roxborough.
Confirmation received
On Wednesday night, Joshua Cohen of Fourth District Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.’s staff confirmed at a meeting of the Wissahickon Interested Citizen’s Association that the website belongs to Anthony Giovannone who, along with his brother Frank, owns the former Bunting House property at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Roxborough Avenue.
The website claims that the proposed 3,200 square foot restaurant would create more than 50 jobs, pay thousands of dollars in taxes to the city and bring “new food choices to the Roxborough retail corridor.” The restaurant would feature outdoor seating among other amenities.
The Giovannones were not immediately available for comment late Wednesday evening, but the website offered a message: “This project is being designed with its neighbors in mind — respect for the community and the environment is a priority.”
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by PlanPhilly
PlanPhilly
In-depth, original reporting on housing, transportation, and development.