South Philly’s old-time Messina Social Club is being revived, with a 2019 twist
Its membership rolls will be kept small.
Messina Social Club, a gathering place and club for Italian immigrants since 1908 in Passyunk Square, is being revived this spring for a contemporary crowd.
Chef Jason Cichonski and Ampere Capital Group are behind the project, which has some elements common to the nearby Palizzi Social Club, which chef Joey Baldino revived in 2017.
That is, Messina will be open to members only and will honor the club charter, as a beneficial organization. But although Palizzi has cracked open its membership rolls from time to time to a wider potential audience, Cichonski plans to keep Messina’s roster close to the vest. Prospective members have to be nominated by a member, and the website is password-protected. “We want this to trickle through the grapevine,” Cichonski said. “We want to build a community.”
Cichonski says the clubhouse, which needed extensive remodeling (unlike Palizzi, which was gently refurbished), will get a new look that he calls “'50s, punk rock Parisian library.” Kelly Fox, who works for Ampere Capital Group, is designing. Her work includes Attico in Center City, Liberty Kitchen in Kensington, Over Easy Breakfast Club in Fishtown.
Cichonski got to the property, at 1533 S. 10th St., while searching for a home for his Little Noodle Pasta Co. as he was closing his Queen Village restaurant, Ela. He met the owner but quickly determined that it was not the right location. But Cichonski learned that the spot was a club, with a club liquor license and saw the potential.
Cichonski is taking his time with the menu, which he said would embrace immigrant cuisines from all over the world. On a personal note, he promises pierogis.
He also said the club philosophy would hew to the original mission: helping its members by rollings dues and contributions into charitable donations. Members also will be able to use areas of the club as shared work space and for private parties.
To inquirer about memberships, ping Messina Social Club via its Instagram or email [email protected].