Eatery to undergo fusion makeover

Despite several recent closings around campus, one booming business is ready to spice up the 40th Street corridor with a renovation project. Bitar's -- soon to be renamed Simsum -- is undergoing a major undertaking that will include changes in the food and decor as well as in the ambiance of the Middle Eastern restaurant. "The concept we're going for is a Middle Eastern Lebanese- French fusion," Chef Manager Tom Deeney said. "A lot of people in Lebanon still speak French, and we wanted to put them together with a twist." The restaurant's style will switch to waiter service both during the day and at night and will be a BYOB restaurant. The sandwiches will be served as platters with french fries or salads during lunch, and the dinner menu will be completely different, including soups, salads and entrees. The new restaurant will still offer its traditional takeout service as well. The focal point of the new menu is "mezze," which Deeney described as "big flavors in small plates." It will serve the same menu purpose as antipasta in an Italian restaurant or tapas in a Spanish restaurant, he explained. The physical renovations in the restaurant are already complete. Two French doors, which will be open during the summer, are already installed, giving the restaurant an "outdoor feel," Deeney said. In addition, the walls were painted and several other minor changes have occurred over the past six months. Although Amin Bitar will maintain ownership of the restaurant, its management has already changed. Deeney said the new employees will help to "turn the restaurant around and bring in new ideas." Bitar and Deeney are hoping for a smooth transition from Bitar's to Simsum. "If we do close, it will only be for a day or two," Deeney said. This will allow the restaurant to make internal changes and reorganize the kitchen before the new opening. Simsum is slated to open with a soft opening this week and a grand opening in several weeks, allowing Deeney to train more restaurant staff and fix any minor mishaps that may arise. The changes are being planned because Bitar was ready to try something new, Deeney said. "It's a new idea he always wanted to try, and we felt that this location was the place to try it." Bitar's other Philadelphia locations -- including its counter at Moravian Cafes Food Court on Walnut Street -- will not undergo any major changes. Deeney feels that the timing and location of the new restaurant is perfect due to the volume of students on campus and the proximity to the Bridge: Cinema de Lux movie theater. He added that he hopes the changes will help expand the restaurant's clientele beyond the student population. The University has responded positively to the restaurant's decision to renovate. Although Bitar's is a private business, the University is "very supportive" of Bitar's plans, said Anthony Sorrentino, director of external relations for the Office of the Executive Vice President. "He is a terrific entrepreneur." Deeney and the Bitar's staff are very excited about the upcoming changes. "The body is here, but it needs a soul," Deeny said.

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