Checking in on Zahav Owners’ New Restaurant in Kensington

Lazer Wolf under construction
CookNSolo’s new Kensington restaurant under construction

Last summer, we heard that the owners of Zahav will be opening a restaurant at Howard and Thompson streets in Kensington. CookNSolo, led by Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook, is converting an old warehouse near the Fishtown border into a dining establishment. The team spoke with the South Kensington Community Partners last summer and said that the restaurant will be similar to Zahav and will be called Lazer Wolf. This is extremely exciting news. If you have been lucky enough to score a seat at Zahav, you know why. Reservations are usually booked months into the future. The restaurant group also owns Dizengoff, Abe Fisher, Federal Donuts, The Rooster, and Goldie. If you have not been to Goldie, get there immediately. The falafel sandwiches at the casual, counter service restaurant are amazing. If you work in Center City, swing by for a quick, reasonably-priced lunch.

1301-5 N Howard St warehouse
Listing picture of 1301-5 N Howard St. – 2018

The warehouse at Howard and Thompson changed hands in September of 2018 for $1.075 million. From the listing pictures, it looks like the building was being used to store newspaper machines. The project team was able to secure zoning variances to allow a restaurant with two exterior signs on an RSA-5 zoned lot in October of 2018. Since then, work has been progressing. We have seen window openings added along Thompson St. and Howard St. Interior framing, plumbing, and electrical work is also underway. Last week, the project appeared again before the South Kensington Community Partners, seeking approval for outdoor seating. The neighbors voted 20 to 0 in support of the proposal. We imagine with such overwhelming support from the community, City Council will pass an ordinance to allow sidewalk seating at this location.

CookNSolo’s new Kensington restaurant under construction

We are extremely excited for this restaurant to open. This stretch of Howard St. is turning into a mini commercial corridor with Lazer Wolf joining Lost Bread Co. and the newly-relocated Firth & Wilson Transport Cycles. No opening date for the restaurant has been announced. However, we hope service begins in time for us to enjoy a meal and a za’atar cocktail outside in the warm weather. The dining scene in the Riverwards does not look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. Expect a ton of press and accolades for this restaurant when it opens.

Firth and Wilson Transport Cycles new location
Firth and Wilson Transport Cycles’ new location on Howard St.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *