Name: Philadelphia Entertainment & Retail Summit
Start: 2025-05-29T08:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-05-29T11:00:00-04:00
Location: Philadelphia Marriott Old City

Speakers and Panels

Savoring Success: Navigating Philadelphia’s Dynamic Restaurant Landscape

Greg Vernick

Cherry Hill, NJ native Greg Vernick could be found in the kitchen at an early age thanks to his grandfather owning a butcher shop in Philadelphia and his mother, Beth, owning a local restaurant near their hometown of Cherry Hill, NJ. Pursuing his passion for the restaurant business, Greg went on to earn a degree in hospitality management from Boston University followed by a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. Upon completion of his CIA externship with Chef Ken Oringer at Boston’s Clio, and after graduation, Greg moved to New York City to work the line for the opening of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Perry Street. Over a five year span, Greg rose through the ranks of the Jean-Georges group as sous chef at Jean-Georges, Nougatine, and Spice Market, and eventually traveled the world as a chef trainer for restaurants in Qatar, Tokyo, Vancouver, Boston, and Park City. After years working with the Vongerichten team, Greg took his final post in New York City as chef de cuisine at Tocqueville. In 2012, Greg returned to the Philadelphia area with his wife Julie, to open his debut restaurant, Vernick Food & Drink, in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of the city where he serves an honest, no-fuss menu featuring his take on American cooking. Since opening, Vernick Food & Drink has been recognized by Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, StarChefs, Philadelphia magazine, e Washington Post, and e New York Times. In October 2016, Vernick Food & Drink earned a 4-Bell, re-review from Philadelphia Inquirer’s restaurant critic Craig LaBan who called it the “best overall restaurant” in the city. In December 2016, Greg was also named “Chef of the Year” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, noting that he has never stopped refining his craft and has helped redefine the concept of what American dining can be. In May 2017, after receiving his third nomination in the category, Greg Vernick was named the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic by the James Beard Foundation, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the restaurant’s opening. The Foundation’s recognition continued in 2023 when Food & Drink was recognized as a semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality and again early in 2025 when Greg was named a semifinalist for Outstanding Chef by the Foundation. Greg teamed up with Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Technology Center, to open Vernick Co ee Bar, a café dining space and barista bar in October of 2018. Philadelphia Inquirer gave it a 3-Bell review citing, “There’s so much more than good co ee perking at this restaurant disguised as a ‘co ee bar,’ where Vernick has turned the soaring second-floor space into a peaceful oasis to rethink breakfast and lunch in a sleek modern dining room that feels like an urban tree house.” His second restaurant with the Four Seasons, Vernick Fish, opened its doors in August of 2019 with the intention of serving his take on the favorite hallmarks of American oyster bar fare. Inspired by his years growing up visiting the Jersey shore and time spent in Boston, Fish is committed to sourcing an extensive list of the best ingredients and showcasing them in the best possible way. Since opening, it’s been lauded as one of the Best New Restaurants by Philadelphia magazine and others. In the fall of 2019, Greg and his longtime team at Vernick Food & Drink opened a neighborhood wine shop and an elegant private event room called Vernick Wine just next door. The shop carries a lineup of nearly 100 bottles of wine spanning natural, orange, and classic old-world styles from around the world meant for everyday enjoyment, as well as a selection of ciders, sherry, vermouth and house made and sourced kitchen staples.

Vernick Restaurants

Chef/Owner

Greg Vernick

Chef/Owner, Vernick Restaurants

Nicholas Elmi

Nicholas Elmi has a long history in the restaurant business. He launched his career at the renowned Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia, where he spent several years honing his craft. In 2013, Elmi decided to strike out on his own, opening his first restaurant, Laurel, after winning season 11 of Bravo’s Top Chef. Laurel was nominated by the James Beard Foundation as one of the ‘Best New Restaurants’ in America that year and was named one of GQ’s ten best restaurants in the country. Since then, Laurel has been awarded four bells by award-winning critic Craig LaBan of the Inquirer and was named the “Best Restaurant in Philadelphia” by Philadelphia Magazine in 2014. Chef Elmi created the contemporary cocktail bar right next door to Laurel and named it In the Valley, a name that reflects the translation of the Native American Lenape word ‘Passyunk.’ Both Laurel and In the Valley reside on East Passyunk Avenue, which has been recognized as one of Food & Wine’s “10 Best Foodie Streets in America.” In the fall of 2019, Elmi published his first cookbook, "Laurel: Modern American Flavors in Philadelphia," co-written by Adam Erace. He currently serves as the Chef Chair for Philadelphia’s Taste of the Nation, an annual event benefiting No Kid Hungry, an organization Elmi and his team have long supported. Nicholas Elmi expanded his culinary footprint beyond Passyunk Avenue with the opening of The Landing Kitchen in collaboration with hospitality expert Fia Berisha launching their partnership to create BE Hospitality. The Landing Kitchen is located at The Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing, The Landing Kitchen is an all-day café offering locally inspired breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and community gathering. Building on this success, Elmi and Berisha also launched Lark, a stunning rooftop restaurant at The Ironworks. Lark showcases Elmi’s signature approach to coastal-inspired, seasonal cuisine, featuring thoughtfully sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes in a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Most recently, they unveiled The Pump House, a brand-new event space within The Ironworks. With its industrial-chic aesthetic and scenic riverside location, The Pump House provides a unique setting for private events, weddings, and special gatherings, further expanding their vision of creating vibrant hospitality experiences in the region. Chef Nicholas Elmi plays a multifaceted role as a mentor for the KB Foundation, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship and real-world experiences. Beyond guiding young men aged 17-24 in career exploration and hands-on learning through The Answer Project, Chef Elmi actively engages in various foundation events. He has hosted the annual BBQ Experience fundraiser at his restaurant and event space Lark and The Pump House, where guests enjoy his culinary creations to support the foundation's mission. Additionally, Chef Elmi collaborates with local businesses, such as Home Appétit, to create special meal experiences, with proceeds benefiting the KB Foundation. His commitment extends to immersive cultural experiences; he has accompanied foundation participants on trips to Africa and introduced students to West African cuisine, broadening their culinary horizons. Through these diverse efforts, Chef Elmi significantly contributes to the personal and professional development of the youth involved with the KB Foundation. Elmi resides in Collingswood, New Jersey, with his wife and two children.

Laurel, Lark, The Landing Kitchen, The Pump House

Chef/Owner

Nicholas Elmi

Chef/Owner, Laurel, Lark, The Landing Kitchen, The Pump House

Pri Rambhia

Co-Founder, Libertee Grounds

Moderator

Ben Fileccia

SVP, Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Philly’s Entertainment Evolution: How Live Music, Sports, and Cultural Venues Are Driving Real Estate Development

Michael Gorman

EVP & Principal, Metro Commercial

David Gutstadt

CEO, Ballers

Moderator

Bethanie DeRose

EVP, Consulting, Hunden Partners

Philly’s Retail Renaissance: Reviving and Rethinking Urban Retail

Nadia Bilynsky

Principal, MPN

Geoffrey Glazer

SVP, Kimco

Annie Allman

CEO/General Manager, Reading Terminal Market Corporation

Douglas Green

Principal, MSC

Moderator

Michael Gray

Principal, Lubert-Adler Real Estate Funds

Why You Should Attend The Philadelphia Entertainment & Retail Summit

Why This Matters:

Philadelphia is at a crossroads for retail and entertainment real estate. As Walnut Street recovers, Market East transforms and entertainment districts evolve, developers and property owners face critical decisions. With the rise of experiential retail, e-commerce disruption and major venue-driven developments like the 76ers arena, Philly’s urban core is redefining how people shop, dine and experience entertainment.

Gain exclusive insights from the developers, investors and landlords shaping Philadelphia’s future. Whether you’re looking to reposition retail assets, invest in entertainment-driven real estate or understand the shifting dynamics of urban development, these discussions will provide actionable strategies to navigate the city’s changing landscape.

What You Will Learn:

Philadelphia’s Retail Recovery: Foot traffic in Center City increased by 18% in 2024, signaling a continued steady recovery, but retail vacancy rates barely dropped from the previous year, particularly in prime corridors like Walnut Street. This raises questions about how landlords can adapt to evolving consumer behaviors. Learn what’s working (and what’s not) in Walnut Street’s revival and Market East’s transformation.
The Impact of Mixed-Use Developments: With projects like Fashion District Philadelphia struggling to meet initial projections, how are developers integrating residential, office and entertainment to create sustainable retail ecosystems?
Retail Trends Shaping Philly’s Urban Core: The rise of pop-ups, experiential retail and direct-to-consumer brands is changing how storefronts are used. Discover how developers are rethinking space to attract tenants and keep storefronts active.
E-Commerce’s Influence on Brick-and-Mortar: Over 30% of retail sales now happen online, forcing physical retailers to downsize, reposition or reinvent themselves. Learn how Philly’s landlords are adapting spaces to accommodate showroom models, fulfillment hubs and hybrid shopping experiences.
Entertainment as a Real Estate Catalyst: The success of Xfinity Live! and The Fillmore proves that entertainment districts boost property values and drive foot traffic. How can developers replicate this success in areas like South Street, Fishtown and Market East?
New Neighborhoods Poised for Entertainment Growth: With Fishtown, Northern Liberties and Callowhill booming, what’s the next district poised for transformation? Experts will discuss where developers should invest next.
Zoning and Policy Challenges for Entertainment Districts: From liquor licensing restrictions to noise ordinances, policy plays a major role in shaping entertainment real estate. Learn what developers need to navigate in Philly’s regulatory landscape.

For questions regarding content, speaking and sponsorship opportunities please email our Senior Event Producer, Virginia Baker, at virginia.baker@bisnow.com. To request disability-related accommodations, please contact ally.araco@bisnow.com no later than seven business days prior to the event.

Venue

Philadelphia Marriott Old City
One Dock Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Ballroom: Ballroom AB + Foyer AB

Parking Information:

Parking Garages Nearby:
- 125 S 2nd St. - AutoPark @ Olde City Garage - (.1 miles) - $25
- 165 S Christopher Columbus Blvd. - Hilton Penn's Landing Self Park Garage (.2 miles) - $27.25
- 107 Chestnut St. - Front & Chestnut Lot - (.2 miles) - $14

Get Directions

Agenda

Time	Activity
8:00 AM 9:00 AM	Registration, Networking, & Breakfast
9:00 AM 9:30 AM	Savoring Success: Navigating Philadelphia’s Dynamic Restaurant Landscape Philadelphia’s restaurant industry is experiencing a transformative era marked by a surge in new openings, evolving consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. Hear from the city's leading restaurateurs as they discuss the challenges and opportunities within the city’s dynamic dining environment.
9:30 AM 10:10 AM	Philly’s Entertainment Evolution: How Live Music, Sports, and Cultural Venues Are Driving Real Estate Development Philadelphia’s entertainment scene is evolving rapidly, transforming neighborhoods and driving real estate development across the city. From the rise of Fishtown’s live music and nightlife scene to South Philly’s ever-expanding Sports Complex, entertainment is shaping the way developers, investors, and property owners approach urban real estate. Explore how venue-driven development is revitalizing key districts, the challenges of balancing growth with community impact, and what the future holds for Philly’s next big entertainment hub.
10:10 AM 10:20 AM	Networking Break
10:20 AM 11:10 AM	Philly’s Retail Renaissance: Reviving and Rethinking Urban Retail Philadelphia’s retail scene is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with both challenges and opportunities shaping its future. From reviving iconic corridors like Walnut Street to harnessing the potential of mixed-use developments like Fashion District Philadelphia, explore the strategies that are redefining retail in the urban core. Gain insights into how landlords, developers, and tenants are navigating post-pandemic recovery, the rise of experiential concepts, and the integration of e-commerce—all while working to create vibrant retail districts that reflect Philly’s unique character.
11:00 AM 11:30 AM	Post-panel Networking

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Philadelphia Entertainment & Retail Summit

Economic Growth, Mixed-Use Development, Corridor Evolution and District Transformation

Speakers and Panels

Savoring Success: Navigating Philadelphia’s Dynamic Restaurant Landscape

Greg Vernick

Nicholas Elmi

Pri Rambhia

Ben Fileccia

Philly’s Entertainment Evolution: How Live Music, Sports, and Cultural Venues Are Driving Real Estate Development

Michael Gorman

David Gutstadt

Bethanie DeRose

Philly’s Retail Renaissance: Reviving and Rethinking Urban Retail

Nadia Bilynsky

Geoffrey Glazer

Annie Allman

Douglas Green

Michael Gray

Why You Should Attend The Philadelphia Entertainment & Retail Summit

Venue

Agenda

Sponsors

WANT THE ATTENDEE LIST FOR FREE?

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