Robert Irvine Brings ‘Restaurant Impossible’ to Benner Street Restaurant & Bar

by theelvee_w2oe3m

Chef Robert Irvine will be bringing his Food Network show, Restaurant Impossible, to the Benner Street Restaurant & Bar on May 22nd and 23rd.  The show takes failing restaurants through extensive renovations in hopes to save the business. 

The Benner Street Restaurant was originally a house dating back to the 1890s, located at the corner of Broadway and Benner Ave. in Fountain Hill.  The restaurant was first known as the East End Hotel and in the early 1900s the name changed to the Schuster Hotel, changing again to its current Historic Benner Street Restaurant & Bar in 1950. 

The Benner Street episode is poised to air at the end of July.  The Restaurant Impossible crew recently wrapped up filming at a Horsham restaurant named Edibles earlier this month.

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11 comments

Joy Ramos May 14, 2013 - 1:07 pm

That’s awesome! Can’t wait to see the transformation. Chef Robert Irvine and his crew are the best! I am addicted to that show. Wish I could get a chance to meet him.

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Silagh White May 14, 2013 - 1:11 pm

Wow! I hope this means good things for Benner Street, moving forward.

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Pippysqueek May 15, 2013 - 1:13 pm

It was also know as Buzz’s Sport Bar in the early 90’s. Made the best nachos!

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Sharon McCarrthy May 15, 2013 - 5:16 pm

WOW – this is great news! Love the show and we’ve always enjoyed Benner Street….but, it definitely does need a “makeover.” Can’t wait to see what they do there! Thanks for letting us know!

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Al Goner May 22, 2013 - 10:30 am

This restaurant was also known as Webber’s Cafe for many years in the 1960s and 1970s. Other names over the past 20 years included Harka’s Restaurant, and The Hillside. Under those names they had decent pub fare and “diner” food. When it became Benner Street, they tried to make it a haute cuisine restaurant but it’s in the wrong neighborhood for that type of food.

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Maureen Devlin May 22, 2013 - 8:05 pm

When will Benner Street be open again? Can I somehow meet Robert Irvine?

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The El Vee May 22, 2013 - 8:09 pm

They are supposed to have the opening tomorrow evening, which is sold out at this point. The restaurant was on fire today, reportedly, so not sure if that will delay their plans or not.

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chris July 14, 2013 - 3:00 am

This is a lie. They forgot when it was buzz’s which was a huge dive looking bar that did well untill the owner ran from tax evasions

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chris July 14, 2013 - 3:01 am

Born Nd raised in fountain hill. I remember back then….

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chris July 14, 2013 - 3:03 am

It also forgot manor street in which it was named for a little over. Year before it became benner street. Which though outdated decor. I’ve never had a bad meal in. Thoug I’ve only eaten there 3 or 4 times in the almost 10 years it was benner st. Do know the owner is an idiot though. Least the chef part of the owner.

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Debbie July 30, 2013 - 3:11 pm

I really wish the show had gone into more of the history of the Inn. it is a very old Inn. After living in Fountain Hill for 28 yrs. I believe the audience would have enjoyed hearing some history of the restaurant rather than free public relations for St. Luke’s and Lehigh Univ.! Neither need free advertising nor increased revenue!! I also wish chef Irvine would have highlighted the owner’s wife’s talents as the WONDERFUL baker that she is!! Her deserts are fantastic! I was very dsappointed to see only 2 desserts that did not seem freshly made on premise as before, VERY disappointing! Every time we’ve visited Benner ST. prior to the remodel, we found THE owner(Dorothy) very gracious and attentative, she was not portrayed as this on the show! The design elements leave much to be desired!! I think lack of advertising and location are some of the elements that hinder the restaurant, certainly NOT the food or service! Good Luck to Benner ST. some where we as “Fountain Hillers” are proud of!

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