Standard Tap/Johnny Brenda’s Owners Opening in Kensington

Shenanigans Under the El is becoming the latest from the team behind the Standard Tap and Johnny Brenda’s

William Reed and Paul Kimport, who were early movers in Northern Liberties and Fishtown with Standard Tap and Johnny Brenda’s are now gazing towards Kensington. According to Danya Heninger and Billy Penn, the two are purchasing Shenanigan’s Under the El at 1624 North Front Street.

And in a sign of the times, instead of focusing on local beer, the new bar, which Reed tells us will definitely not be called Shenanigans, will showcase locally distilled products. The choice makes great sense as the bar is situated at Front and Cecil B. Moore, just blocks from the likes of New Liberty Distilling and Federal Distilling, not to mention just a little further from Rowhouse Spirits, Red Brick Craft Distillers and the forthcoming Philadelphia Distilling. And in another twist on the Tap/JB’s formula, all of the beer will come from outside the area.

Shenanigans, which is still operating, has been recently updated. Among the good bones of the bi-level bar is the old flooring from the Palestra. The new bar will open sometime this fall.

New Kensington bar! Johnny Brenda’s, Standard Tap owners plot 3rd spot [Billy Penn]