Breaking News: Alex Capasso Signs Deal for Down-Home BYO

Alex Capasso, of Collingswood’s Blackbird, just signed a deal to open his second South Jersey spot. This time around, he’s going down-home. West Side Gravy, the name of his new BYO, refers to both the West Side of Collingswood where he grew up and the comfort food he’ll be cooking up. He’s expecting an April/May opening.

The menu will feature comfort food that is contemporary — like veal meatloaf with chanterelle mushrooms, truffled chicken pot pie, mac ‘n’ cheese, burgers — “but a little gritty,” says Capasso. Most items will hover in the $12-$15 range. While menu selections will change seasonally, favorite items will stay on. “Like the gnocchi at Blackbird, I’m sure there will be some favorites that evolve,” he says.

West Side Gravy will be housed in the former Painted Cottage space in the old Woolworth’s. The 3,000-square foot space, which has original elements like tin ceilings and schoolhouse lights, will seat about 100 and be right on Haddon Avenue. There is a deck out back, and Capasso is hopeful that outdoor seating will be ready when the weather warms up: “It’s the perfect place to bring beer.”

West Side Gravy, 719 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood; no phone yet.