ABOUT US

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Mark and Neal together have over 100 years of combined experience, knowledge and passion for Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love”.

Mark brings over 40 years of professional hospitality experience which culminated for him at a very early age. Immediately after high school Mark launched his career by attending the renowned “Restaurant School” of Philadelphia. Earning him accreditation as a culinary chef. Mark was just 21 years old as an apprentice chef to Aliza Green, Kevin von Klaus and Pastry Chef James Barrett at the original “White Dog Cafe” in University City at 34th and Sansom Streets in Philadelphia.

Gravitating towards the art of Pastry, Mark worked for a bakery on the Main Line in the Philadelphia suburbs quickly becoming the manager of the business. After mastering his skills in bread, cakes and pastry Mark decided to return to school to learn the inner workings of the Hotel Industry. Mark quickly learned all aspects of the business from efficient regulated housekeeping to Hospitality Law. His skills took him to work at various hotels throughout the city at the front desk, as Catering Sales and Events Manager and most notably as Overnight Hotel Manager at the Five Diamond property “The Rittenhouse Hotel”.

Mark’s love for the Hospitality Industry created an opportunity for him to share his passion with others as an Instructor for the Hotel and Restaurant Management course for a local technical school. Mark continues to work closely as a member of the ‘Program Advisory Committee’ at “Walnut Hill College” and as a partner with “Temple University” in their ‘Tourism and Hospitality Management’ program.

Mark is also a leader in the community of Manayunk as a caring resident and business owner. Mark was the local ‘TreeTender’ for the PA Horticultural Society for the greening of Manayunk and the surrounding area. Mark also serves on the board of the MDC, ‘Manayunk Development Corporation’ where he works diligently with other business owners with the growth and betterment of Manayunk as a vibrant place to Live, Work and Play for EVERYONE. He may be best known for his work in creating the first ever LGBTQ+ Annual event in Manayunk called “Out & About” taking place on Main Street each year in October celebrating the huge diversity which is Manayunk.

As a resident of Manayunk for all of his life, Neal has an interesting knowledge of the local Manayunk history and is happy to share. Neal is delighted to share the homes that have been in his family for generations. Neal is very supportive of Mark’s passion to host and serve their guests, he tends to take his role as the man behind the scenes and leaves Mark to do what he does best.