October 10, 2015
After a five-year wait, Pittsburgh-based hospitality firm Sofranko Advisory Group has decided the time is right to expand to Philadelphia, where it plans to create new opportunities for restaurants and help existing eateries survive.
The firm, which specializes in consulting, financing, restaurant brokerage, and liquor license brokerage, recently opened a Center City office, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. Sofranko will serve startups, corporate executives, chefs and individuals with up to five restaurants who need financial help or guidance in expanding.
Ron Sofranko, principal owner of the group, said his company aims to help chefs who have a more artistic nature and may not be informed about the process of opening up a restaurant. The company will also coach clients who are overloaded in debt service and don't have a niche.
Some of Sofranko's clients in Pennsylvania include Walnut Grill, Il Pizzolato in Mount Lebanon, and Warrendale's Jergel's Rhythm Grill, which combines dining and entertainment. Others include House of 1,000 Beers, Bistro 9101, Tapped Brick Oven and Pour House, and Firepit Wood Fired Grill.
The company will start by focusing on the brokerage business and will partner with the Philadelphia office of Pittsburgh-based lawfirm Caputo, Caputo & Regan, which has expertise in liquor law.
