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Toll Man Joe's licensed for Philadelphia return at former Mixto site

Toll Man Joe's licensed for Philadelphia return at former Mixto site

New Capabilities Philadelphia, PA local

Sports bar gets a city business license for 1137 Pine St. as its comeback nears

September 9th, 2026: Business license issued

Overview

Updated 58 minutes ago

Toll Man Joe's, the South Philadelphia sports bar that closed during the pandemic, has taken a step toward returning to the city. A business license for food preparing and serving was issued to the licensee at 1137 Pine St. on September 9, 2026.

The license is one approval in a longer process. The record does not show that the restaurant has opened its doors or has every permit it needs. The venue's owners have said they plan to open in time for football season.

Why it matters

If the comeback proceeds, a beloved neighborhood institution returns to Philadelphia's dining scene, reviving a local gathering place that closed in 2020.

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Key Indicators

2026-09-09
Business license issued
City of Philadelphia license for food preparing and serving at 1137 Pine St.
$2.1M
Property listed price
Last listing price for the former Mixto property, per The Philadelphia Inquirer.
2020
Original location closed
Toll Man Joe's Oregon Avenue location shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

2020 September 2026

5 events Latest: September 9th, 2026 · 4 weeks ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date
  1. Business license issued

    Latest Regulatory

    City of Philadelphia issued a food preparing and serving license (30+ seats) to the licensee at 1137 Pine St.

  2. Comeback announced

    Announcement

    Lori Penrose confirmed she purchased the former Mixto property and planned to open in weeks.

  3. Mixto closes after 24 years

    Closure

    The Washington Square West restaurant at 1141 Pine St. shut down after a nearly 24-year run.

  4. Brand revival in New Jersey

    Milestone

    Lori Penrose started a small food operation in a Woolwich Township coffee shop.

  5. Original location closes

    Closure

    Toll Man Joe's shut down its South Philadelphia restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scenarios

1

Toll Man Joe's opens for football season, becomes neighborhood staple

Likely Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly Grub

The restaurant completes its remaining permitting and opens in the coming weeks. Initial success hinges on foot traffic from nearby hospital workers and residents. The full-service format with wings and brunch anchors a steady local following.

2

Delays push opening past football season

Possible Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: Local restaurant observers

Licensing or construction issues slow the timeline. The owners had hoped for a fall debut but may open later. The brand's New Jersey BYOB continues operating in the meantime.

3

The comeback stalls before opening

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Not currently predicted by outlets

Unexpected issues—financial, regulatory, or personal—derail the plan after the license was issued. The property is sold or leased to another operator. The brand remains in New Jersey only.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

2020-2026

Pandemic-era restaurant closures and comebacks (2020-2026)

Thousands of restaurants nationwide closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Toll Man Joe's original location. Many owners later sought to revive their brands as conditions improved.

Then

Some iconic spots stayed closed permanently; others reopened with new formats or under new owners.

Now

The pandemic reshaped the restaurant industry, with a focus on takeout, outdoor dining, and flexible business models.

Why this matters now

Toll Man Joe's comeback is part of a broader wave of pandemic-era closures being reversed as owners return to the city.

Sources

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