Garces to Operate Rosa Blanca Cafe at New Dilworth Park

A rendering of the forthcoming Rosa Blanca cafe.

Philadelphia super-chef Jose Garces will operate a new Rosa Blanca Cafe on the north end of the renovated Dilworth Park when that spot — on the west side of City Hall — re-opens next month.

Garces was on hand for a press conference Tuesday morning describing the renovations. He said the cafe will offer “Cuban-inspired” cuisine and be open in time for the breakfast crowd.

“We really looked in our brand, and at the dynamic that’s going to be happening here: People in public spaces, hanging out,” Garces told reporters. “We thought the Rosa model was really good, because of the pressed sandwiches, salads, empanadas … we wanted to bring a true Garces experience to the square.”

The cafe will have a liquor license — able to serve after 5 p.m. on weekdays, and all day during the weekends — allowing for the possibility of a “mojito on the square,” he said. The cafe will seat roughly 35 people, with room for two dozen more patrons outside.

Sandwiches and salads, he said, should cost about $6-$9 apiece.

“We want it to be really accessible to folks,” he said. “We’re truly proud to be part of a great public works project that should be fantastic.”

Cafe at Dilworth Park [Center City District]