Contact: Katie Wassmer
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 527-8000

or
Andrew J. Groveman
Belz Enterprises
(901) 260-7278

 

South Philly to Open in Belz’s Peabody Place

Memphis, Tenn. (Jan. 14, 2005) - Memphians will soon be able to go downtown for a taste of Philadelphia with the opening of South Philly in Peabody Place. Named after the historic Philadelphia neighborhood, the family-owned restaurant will serve authentic Philly cheese steaks and hoagies. Located at 250 Peabody Place, in the heart of the Downtown entertainment district, it is set to open in March.

A new concept to Memphis, South Philly is straight from Philadelphia. Visitors will be treated not only to Philly’s famous cheese steaks and hoagies, but also to Italian ice, Philadelphia’s own TastyKakes and soft pretzels.

Famous Philadelphia landmarks will be projected on the walls of the 3,000-square-foot restaurant. The unique two-story space will include windows to the kitchen so customers can watch their sandwich being made.

“Memphis is in for a treat with the opening of South Philly,” said Andrew J. Groveman, senior vice-president of Belz. “The authentic Philadelphia food and atmosphere will be a welcome addition to the already thriving Peabody Place.”

According to Corey Miller, general manager of South Philly, the nearby FedExForum was a key factor in deciding where to locate the restaurant.

“Our new address answers the primary retail requirement – location, location, location,” said Miller. “Beyond the direct exposure to the sports and entertainment district, we are well positioned to service both the business and residential sectors of downtown.”

South Philly will be open until 3:00 a.m. to accommodate hungry fans after a game at the FedEx Forum or a night out on Beale Street. The restaurant offers take-out and curbside pick up. In addition, out-of-town customers can place an order online through the restaurant’s Web site, www.southphillycheesesteak.com, and have it shipped throughout the world via FedEx.

About Belz Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Belz is a leading innovator in real estate development with interests throughout the Southern United States. Belz develops, owns and/or manages more than 30 million square feet of industrial/warehouse/distribution centers, shopping centers, office buildings, mixed-use centers and corporate campuses. The company also owns a group of premier hotels, including The Peabody Hotels in Memphis, Orlando and Little Rock. Additional information about Belz is available at www.belz.com.