Center City restaurants in Philadelphia are hoping to see a boost as more commuters return to in-person work, and are working to adapt to customers’ new expectations, writes Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza for WHYY

The family-owned Lamberti Pizza & Market had to close its doors during the height of the pandemic. When it came time to reopen, the company decided to adjust its business model and start offering more prepared meals, such as grilled chicken, salmon, and roast beef.

The new concept launched in April 2021, with gourmet pizza and prepared foods for commuters who wanted to pick up dinner as they headed home.

Things have been steadily improving, especially as more Center City employees are working hybrid schedules. So to entice new customers, the restaurant is offering discounts to hospital and city office workers for the remainder of the year.

“People who work in the city are the guests who drive our business,” said Rosita Lamberti, director of restaurants for the Aldo Lamberti Family of Restaurants.

The numbers have been promising, with June foot traffic reaching 86 percent of 2019 levels. Meanwhile, commuter foot traffic is around 60 percent of what it was in 2019.

Read more about Center City restaurants and how Center City is continuing to rebound from the pandemic in WHYY.

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