Chances are if you’ve lived in Northeast Philly then you’re familiar with Nick’s Roast Beef along Cottman Avenue. SundayMarch 5, 2023 the beloved eatery closed its door for good leaving behind many memories and a community staple for almost 54 years.
The owner of Nick’s wanted to celebrate the time spent open in the community and Sunday night threw a farewell party equipped with music, dancing, drinks, and of course, its signature roast beef served via a free buffet.
“I feel like a lot of times you go out of business and you just put a sign on the door and it doesn’t give closure,” owner Matthew Rossi told NBC10. “This place has been here way too long to not allow for that.”
Recently, the building was sold and Rossi was faced with a proposed rent increase. He made the hard decision to close the restaurant citing the new lease option was far too much to keep up with.
Fans of the Nick’s Roast Beef can however still enjoy the signature sandwiches and more by visiting the Woodhaven location. Employees at the Cottman Avenue location have also been relocated to the Woodhaven one.
It is a bittersweet end to a run spanning over 5 decades, however, all is not lost. While Nick’s Roast Beef will be missed along Cottman avenue, a few more minutes of driving and you can still enjoy what many call “The Best Roast Beef sandwich in Philly”.
Rossi also plans to open up a new restaurant along the Neshaminy Creek in Bensalem, Bucks County by early April.