Sixers

Lorenzo’s and Rita’s Are No Longer Operating at the Wells Fargo Center (Updated)

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Apr 26th, 2021 · 3:22 PM EDT

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Early on Monday, sources informed Crossing Broad that Lorenzo’s Pizza and Rita’s Italian Ice were no longer going to be operating at the Wells Fargo Center.

As we were sniffing around for more details, a Wells Fargo Center spokesperson confirmed the departure of both vendors and sent over a statement containing a handful of bullet points, among them:

– We make it a priority to have as many local vendors here at the arena as possible – that’s a key part of our strategy. We serve everything from Chickie’s and Pete’s to Jack and Jill ice cream, Federal Donuts, and more. Whenever we can, we want our fans’ local favorites available. We’re also actively negotiating with several other local food and beverage brands to bring their products to Wells Fargo Center.  

– Other local food and beverage vendors: Dietz & Watson, J&J Snacks, Herr’s, Liscio’s.   

– Supporting local businesses – especially restaurants – is a major priority for our organization. Through the Flyers Hometown Assist program, we gave hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising assets to Byrne’s Tavern in Port Richmond, Noir Restaurant & Bar in East Passyunk, and Denise’s Delicacies in North Philly during the 2019-2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2020-2021 regular season.  

– As part of the building’s $300 million renovation, we have upgraded food and beverage throughout the building.    

We reached out to both Lorenzo’s and Rita’s for comment, so we’ll update if they get back to us.

EDIT – A CB reader directed us to this recent post on the Lorenzo’s Facebook page:

“Hello All,

As a mutual agreement, we decided Not to renew our contract at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia! We had a Great 7 seasons there and it’s time to move on. You can still catch us at Xfinity Live, Downtown West Chester and our newest Live! Philly Casino & Hotel!! New locations in the works, get ready“

https://www.facebook.com/lorenzoandsonswestchester/posts/4160067037365248

If there’s no longer a business agreement in place via a mutual parting of ways, then obviously the WFC/Aramark/whomever are going to move on with another product in these empty spaces.

Our understanding, in speaking with some other folks behind the scenes, is that COVID put a huge strain on the in-arena vendors, which were crushed by the lack of games, and now the lack of fans in the arena due to restrictions that remain in place. We’re seeing less than 5,000 people in the arena for each Flyers and Sixers game, and the Wings season was cancelled outright, along with those other seasonal concerts and non-sporting events. It seems as though Comcast-Spectacor tried to work with each vendor to keep their agreements alive through the pandemic, but ultimately some bailed. Nobody should be surprised or caught off guard by any of that. If anything, it’s a good sign to see how few vendors pulled out.

Lorenzo’s was most recently available in four locations – sections 104, 114, 204, and 216. Rita’s was serving out of 104, 119, and 207A, up in the mezzanine.

Lorenzo’s made their arena debut back in 2013, while Rita’s was added to the Wells Fargo Center in 2016. As you know, the arena was finishing up a $250 million, multi-year refurbishing when COVID-19 hit. New food items were added, upgrades were made around the concourse, and there was the addition of the new standing-room only area that came about as part of the club level revamp. They put a lot of money into these upgrades right before the ‘Rona hit, and then spent more money on the upgraded HVAC/air filtration system for health and safety purposes. It was a rough time for everybody in the sports world, with games cancelled, crowds restricted, and whatnot, so here we are.