SUCCESS STORIES

Jon Myerow Founder and President,Tria Jon Myerow is the first to admit he has a unique and intense passion for wine, cheese and beer. It was this passion that led to the creation of Tria in 2004. Now, with three hopping locations and a fermentation school, Tria has become the place for gregarious Philadelphians to meet and mingle.

Scott Herrington General Manager,Le Pain Quotidien Their name literally means "the daily bread" and at Le Pain the bread they make fresh every day is 100% organic…as are most of their other tasty offerings. With two busy locations in Center City, Le Pain has filled a unique niche in the marketplace and is a big part of Philadelphia's progressive food scene.

Audrey Claire Taichman Proprietor Audrey Claire,Twenty Manning Grill Cook Fifteen years ago, Audrey Claire Taichman opened her first restaurant--a self-named Mediterranean BYOB in the Rittenhouse Square area--where she capitalized on Center City's famed dining renaissance. Her sophisticated, cultured customer base proved to be a loyal one as well, inspiring Audrey to open a second and then a third business in the area.

Stephen Starr Owner, STARR Restaurants Ever the reigning king of trendsetting dining, Stephen Starr probably doesn't need an introduction. His diverse roster of restaurants has become iconic throughout the region. And his masterful menus have even expanded to locations in AC, NYC, and Ft. Lauderdale.

Rich Furino General Manager, Del Frisco's of Philadelphia Thanks to his years of working in every facet of the food industry, Rich has a deep connection to the restaurant business. As the new GM of Del Frisco's Steakhouse, Rich applies his well-rounded experience to make sure his establishment shines in the bustling center-city dining scene.

Jason and Delphine Evenchik Co-Owners, Vintage, Time and Bar Co-owners of this trio of bars, Jason and Delphine are cornering the market on quaint cool. Step into one of their establishments and you'll see why. They have a knack for atmosphere, and taste for fine liquors & libations. A little secret – they've also played a large part in the absinthe revival.

Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney Co-Owners and Chef, Open House, Lolita, Grocery, Jamoners & Verde This dynamic retail duo is making the most of Midtown Village with a home accessories shop, a contemporary Mexican restaurant, a café and gourmet market, an Indian byob, and a home and garden shop. Watch for their sixth venture, a Mediterranean restaurant concept, in fall 2009.

Bill Mignucci Co-Owner, Di Bruno Brothers Long the centerpiece of Philly's famed Italian Market, Di Bruno Bros. was founded by Bill's grandfather in 1939. Since opening in Center City, it has fast become Philadelphia's premier gourmet destination store.

Jose Garces Chef/Owner, Amada, Tinto, Chifa, Distrito & Village Whiskey Named Best Chef Mid-Atlantic 2009 by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, Jose is creator and owner of five of Center City's most reservation-worthy restaurants. He's currrently vying for a spot on TV's The Next Iron Chef.

KeVen Parker Owner, Ms. Tootsie's KeVen is South Street's one-man dynamo. The versatile entrepreneur has spun off Ms. Tootsie's, Simply Delicious Caterers, Ms. Tootsie's Soul Food Café, the KDP Lifestyle Boutique and the Suites at KDP. Next: a home store and boutique hotel!