Historic Broad Street Diner Faces Demolition to Make Way for Hyatt Hotel
The historic Broad Street Diner, at 1135-1143 on South Broad Street in South Philadelphia, is slated for demolition to make way for a proposed 110-key Hyatt Studios hotel, pending approval. The new hotel would rise five stories tall and would require the demolition of the diner and an adjacent six-unit apartment building.
Previous plans for the site included a residential building. Those plans were altered to accommodate the current proposal for the hotel, which would require a zoning variance to move the plan forward.
Residents of the South Philadelphia neighborhood have expressed concerns about the hotel. They’ve voiced concerns over the “low-end” status of the proposed hotel and its potential impact on the neighborhood.
City council member Mark Squilla’s district includes the Broad Street Diner location. He sees the hotel’s construction at the location, next to the Ellsworth stop on the Broad Street Line, would positively impact the activity and safety of the neighborhood.
Local leaders, such as Peter Zutter from the South Broad Street Neighborhood Association, acknowledged that while the area lacks hotel space, “I don’t know that this is the kind of hotel space that we really would need or want,” he said in comments to WHYY Public Radio.
The Broad Street Diner first opened at the corner of Ellsworth and South Broad Streets in 1964. The diner closed in 2007 and underwent renovations before it reopened in 2011 under the establishment’s current owners, MR Realty Associates. Hyatt Studios, which launched in 2023, offers king and queen studio suites with amenities such as a fitness studio, kitchens, and a grab-and-go breakfast bar.
The Broad Street Diner will not be replaced by a new diner after the building is demolished. Demolition would occur in 2025 once the new Melrose Diner, which was leveled in September 2023, opens at the site of The Melrose, a 65-unit apartment building featuring two commercial spaces in South Philadelphia.
Super Bowl Commercials: 10 Best of 2025
Bud Light
“Big Men on Cul-de-Sac” is a textbook example of the perfect Super Bowl commercial. It’s funny, has a great soundtrack (shout out to Huey Lewis and the News!), and it’s packed with big celebrities, including Shane Gillis, Post Malone, and Peyton Manning. If you grew up or currently live in a suburb like the one shown, this ad feels very familiar, especially when Gillis takes a shot at the HOA “breathing down my neck.”
Google Pixel 9
Some Super Bowl commercials tickle the funny bone, while others opt to hit you right in the feels. The latter was the strategy for this two-minute ad for Google Pixel 9. A father is seen practicing for a job interview and talks about the job that taught him the most. We’re then taken on a journey of a father raising his daughter, from infancy to dropping her off at college. Even the toughest person will feel something watching this ad.
Hellman’s
Pop culture is often a common theme when it comes to Super Bowl commercials, and Hellman’s showed they understood the assignment with this throwback to the classic rom-com When Harry Met Sally. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal (in that sweater!) star in this ad and recreate the infamous Katz’s Deli scene. Sydney Sweeney guests saying the classic “I’ll have what she’s having” line, which is a fun surprise.
Liquid Death
Liquid Death is a marketing master, so it’s not surprising that they created a great Super Bowl ad. What makes this ad so special? It features an original jingle that’s absurd and catchy! Go ahead, watch this ad, and try not to have “Drink on the job/Drink on the job/Everyone is drinking on the job” stuck in your head.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast
Speaking of quirky, the Super Bowl ad for Mountain Dew Baja Blast brought that and then some. Certainly did not expect to see legendary singer Seal performing a reworked version of “Kiss From A Rose” as a literal Seal during this year’s Big Game commercials, but kudos to whichever ad firm thought of this one. It is delightfully bizarre!
Nike
Nike recruited some of the biggest names in women’s sports today in this powerful 60-second spot, including Jordan Chiles, Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Sha-Carri Richardson, A’ja Wilson, and Sophia Wilson. The icing on the cake is recent Best Rap Album Grammy Award-winner Doechii providing the voiceover. This is truly a chef’s kiss moment.
Ram Trucks
Some Super Bowl ads take a little bit of time to make a massive impression. At first, this Ram Trucks ad starring Glenn Powell as a different kind of Goldilocks seemed just fine, but then, Van Halen’s “Panama” starts playing, and things take a turn for the hilariously insane.
Stella Artois
Another David Beckham? And he’s played by Matt Damon?! That’s the premise for this 60-second Super Bowl ad for Stella Artois. Apparently, the soccer icon has had a twin brother this whole time named “Other David,” who’s now living in America. Not only do they have a genetic bond, but they both love drinking Stella.
