After 68 Years, A Family-Owned Seafood Restaurant In Philly Is Permanently Closing

PHILADELPHIA — After 68 years and four generations under its namesake family's ownership, Kelly's Seafood in Northeast Philadelphia will permanently close.

The restaurant will close Aug. 31.

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Founded in 1958, Kelly's started as a small luncheonette that sold ham sandwiches for a quarter, according to CBS News. That restaurant grew into Kelly's Seafood, a Bustleton neighborhood staple known for its snapper soup and family atmosphere.

In recent years, General Manager Brett Kelly has been running the restaurant with his twin brother, Brian. But after an illness severely limited Brian's ability to work, they decided it was time to sell the place, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

In March, the Kelly's announced plans to retire and sell the property. They initially said they would remain open until it's sold.

With the restaurant still unsold in late July, they decided Kelly's would close at the end of August.

"It has been a privilege serving the generations of families throughout the years!" the business said on social media. "Our appreciation also extends to our most loyal staff (past and present), especially those who remained with us after announcing our decision to sell and retire back on March 1!"

Kelly's Seafood is located at 9362 Old Bustleton Ave.