The team behind PJ Clarke’s, which has locations in New York City, Philadelphia, and the District of Columbia, has announced a new steakhouse and seafood concept, called Rockwell & Rose, with the first location to debut in October in Philadelphia.
Expansion is possible, said a spokesperson for The Clarke’s Group. Rockwell & Rose is expected to open Oct. 8 across from Independence Hall in the former Norman Rockwell Museum building in Philadelphia.
Rockwell & Rose will offer prime steaks, seafood, and cocktails in a setting “that favors warmth over formality,” the spokesperson said.
The ampersand name has a nod to history. Rockwell & Rose will be in the Curtis Building, once home to the Saturday Evening Post, Jack & Jill, and the Ladies’ Home Journal editorial staffs, and it housed the Rockwell Museum. Rose references Rosie the Riveter (prominent in publication illustrations), the rose-and-gold palette of the restaurant, and owner Phil Scotti’s mother, Rose Scotti.
The Clarke’s Group, founded and owned by Scotti, said the restaurant will offer views of Washington Square Park, with capacity for 146 in its various seating areas.
“Rockwell & Rose has been a personal dream of mine for several years,” Tim Killeen, general manager, said in a statement. “I wanted to help Phil create something new, not the same old steakhouse done time and time again.”
Rockwell & Rose will open in time to host customers for the Navy and Marine 250th anniversary celebration starting on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Menu items will include jumbo lump crab cakes with elote style slaw, and “Freedom From Want,” with turkey sausage and sourdough stuffing wrapped in flattened turkey with cranberry relish and whipped sweet potato garnish that’s drizzled with turkey gravy.
Killeen and Michelle Zarallo will oversee the bar program, which will feature eight taps (with beer, cider, and other offerings).
The Rockwell Dining Room will seat 48; the oyster bar will seat 17 and includes 20 banquets; the Rose Room for private dining will seat 16; and the Walnut Room will seat 45.
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