Manayunk's Beloved Music Venue, The Grape Room, Set to Reopen on New Year's Eve with a Fresh Name
In a much-needed revival, the iconic Manayunk music venue, formerly known as The Grape Room, is poised to reopen its doors on December 31st, marking a new era for the beloved institution. After an abrupt closure in March 2024 following a 14-year run, three of its former employees – Mose Richards, Bobby Brockson, and Alec Mortarulo – have spent over a year meticulously planning to revive the space under their guidance.
The new owners aim to preserve the essence of The Grape Room while adapting to the ever-changing music landscape. "It's the fourth iteration of the Grape," Richards explained, reflecting on the venue's storied history. "We're hoping to continue that in its next season and stage. We want to keep as consistent with what it was in the past as we can, and just keep up with the times."
The brainchild of Brockson, Mortarulo, and Richards, who all share a deep passion for music and community-building, will operate six days a week, featuring an eclectic mix of local acts, comedy open mics, and jam sessions. The lineup for New Year's Eve promises to be a thrilling showcase, with Modern Munk, KOSER, and the Funky T taking center stage.
While maintaining its signature divey atmosphere, the venue has undergone a fresh coat of paint and revamped menu offerings, including a selection of non-alcoholic beers and a consistent spread of snacks and light fare. The building's fry kitchen, once a quirky green room, will now offer a more streamlined menu.
Richards' personal connection to the venue runs deep, having worked as a sound tech alongside Brockson and Mortarulo for four years. Her experience and insider knowledge have helped shape the new direction of The Grape, ensuring that the spirit of the original remains intact while introducing innovative elements.
With its rich history and cultural significance, The Grape Room's revival serves as a beacon of hope for an industry struggling to adapt in post-pandemic Philly. As Richards aptly put it, "It is an institution, and we're in a city that's lost a lot of independent music venues... We don't plan on changing the culture itself. We're not interested in developing, gentrifying, and making more money off what it could potentially be."
The venue will officially reopen its doors to a new era on December 31st, ushering in a bright future for the beloved Manayunk institution.
In a much-needed revival, the iconic Manayunk music venue, formerly known as The Grape Room, is poised to reopen its doors on December 31st, marking a new era for the beloved institution. After an abrupt closure in March 2024 following a 14-year run, three of its former employees – Mose Richards, Bobby Brockson, and Alec Mortarulo – have spent over a year meticulously planning to revive the space under their guidance.
The new owners aim to preserve the essence of The Grape Room while adapting to the ever-changing music landscape. "It's the fourth iteration of the Grape," Richards explained, reflecting on the venue's storied history. "We're hoping to continue that in its next season and stage. We want to keep as consistent with what it was in the past as we can, and just keep up with the times."
The brainchild of Brockson, Mortarulo, and Richards, who all share a deep passion for music and community-building, will operate six days a week, featuring an eclectic mix of local acts, comedy open mics, and jam sessions. The lineup for New Year's Eve promises to be a thrilling showcase, with Modern Munk, KOSER, and the Funky T taking center stage.
While maintaining its signature divey atmosphere, the venue has undergone a fresh coat of paint and revamped menu offerings, including a selection of non-alcoholic beers and a consistent spread of snacks and light fare. The building's fry kitchen, once a quirky green room, will now offer a more streamlined menu.
Richards' personal connection to the venue runs deep, having worked as a sound tech alongside Brockson and Mortarulo for four years. Her experience and insider knowledge have helped shape the new direction of The Grape, ensuring that the spirit of the original remains intact while introducing innovative elements.
With its rich history and cultural significance, The Grape Room's revival serves as a beacon of hope for an industry struggling to adapt in post-pandemic Philly. As Richards aptly put it, "It is an institution, and we're in a city that's lost a lot of independent music venues... We don't plan on changing the culture itself. We're not interested in developing, gentrifying, and making more money off what it could potentially be."
The venue will officially reopen its doors to a new era on December 31st, ushering in a bright future for the beloved Manayunk institution.
. i mean, the fact that they're keeping it 6 days a week is awesome tho, can't wait to check out some local acts 
. and omg, non-alcoholic beers? genius move 
. been feeling like we need more options in Philly lately. but for real, it's great to see them reviving this iconic spot 
. been missing The Grape since it closed down last march 
. can't wait to celebrate new year's eve at the venue! 
about The Grape Room's reopening on NYE! they've been working so hard to bring back that same energy and vibe we all loved about it 
i mean, 6 days a week is insane lol but u know what's even crazier? they're keeping the essence of it the same while still making it fresh & current 
cant wait to check out some local acts and jam sessions 
! I mean, who doesn't love a good live music venue? It's amazing that these three former employees took the reins and are trying to stay true to its roots while still keeping it fresh for the times. I'm all about that eclectic mix of local acts, comedy open mics, and jam sessions – sounds like they're gonna keep things interesting 
.
. And yay for non-alcoholic beers! More choices are always better 
. But what I love most about this revival is the emphasis on community and preserving its cultural significance 
. We need more venues like this one that support local artists & keep the spirit alive!
. First of all, why did they have to close down The Grape Room for so long? It's like they were tryin' to cover somethin' up. And now they're comin' back with a "fresh coat of paint" and new menu offerings? That's just too convenient 
. I mean, what's really goin' on behind the scenes?
. It's like they're part of some secret society or somethin'. I'm not buyin' it.
. They might be doin' this out of the goodness of their hearts, but I'm not convinced 
.
Finally, someone is reviving The Grape Room. I mean, who doesn't love a good dive bar with terrible sound quality and even worse service? It's like they say, "what's old is new again"... but not really. 
They're keeping the atmosphere, which is code for "we've given up on trying to be modern." And yay, more non-alcoholic beers! Because what's a bar without a sad, weak attempt at being inclusive? 
At least they're keeping the good stuff: mediocre music and a kitchen that will probably just serve overpriced snacks. Can't wait to see what other surprises this "fresh" iteration has in store... or not. 
[GIF of a clock striking midnight] 
Time to party like it's 1999... again! 
, and a revamped menu that's actually good for your taste buds 
.
. It's great to see that they're committed to keeping The Grape true to its roots while still adapting to the times. With new ownership comes a fresh perspective, and I think that's what this whole revival is all about 
? Fingers crossed! 
. It's clear they've done their research and are trying to strike the perfect balance between preserving what makes The Grape Room special and keeping up with the changing music landscape.
. Let's hope this revival brings more love for local acts and community events 
cant wait to experience it all again