Philadelphia's most famous culinary powerhouse is starting to take his business up I-95.
Celebrity restaurateur Stephen Starr is opening versions of two of his Philadelphia eateries in New York City. A Morimoto opened in New York last month, and a Buddakan will open this Sunday.
This expansion marks the first time that Starr, Bon Appetit magazine's 2005 "Restaurateur of the Year," will set up shop outside Philadelphia.
"It's scarier because it costs more and the competition is greater," Starr said of his restaurants' new locations.
Yet he is confident that the additions will not detract from his Philadelphia restaurant empire, which includes 12 eateries throughout the city.
"I think opening in New York only enhances what we have in Philly," said Starr, who graduated from Temple University in 1977 and lives in Philadelphia.
But experts indicate that this is only the beginning of a larger culinary exchange between the two cities.
Linda Lipsky, a Philadelphia-based restaurant consultant, said Starr's venture to the New York exemplifies a rare instance in which Philadelphia acts as the culinary trendsetter between the two cities.
"How many food trends have started in Philadelphia versus New York?" Lipsky said.
More often, a New York trend will find its way to Philadelphia, Lipsky said.
She said this is mostly because New York has a more condensed urban population, a larger customer base and more diversity.
Just this past summer, Haru -- a chain of New York-based sushi restaurants -- made Philadelphia its sixth location.
"Haru came to Philadelphia because we saw Philadelphia as a thriving market in the culinary business," Haru Corporate Manager Kevin Hoover said, adding that the city is viewed as an emerging culinary center
And as long as Philadelphia's food scene continues to flourish, both Hoover and Starr said they expect to see more restaurants moving between the two.
"I think it's going to be an increasing trend," Starr said.
Students are eager to see the results of the exchange, as well.
"I'm excited to go to a Stephen Starr restaurant in New York and to think of Penn," said Julia Paris, a College freshman from New York City.
Michelle Tsang, a Wharton senior and Philadelphia native, says she isn't worried that the New York expansion will diminish Starr's Philadelphia trademark.
"He has 12 restaurants open in Philadelphia. How many more can he open before he oversaturates himself?" Tsang said.
Lipsky agreed the New York expansion is a wise choice from a business standpoint.
"If a concept is working in an area, you don't want to cannibalize your customer base," Lipsky said. "Why continue to develop new concepts and split your customer base further? It's actually safer to move it to a new location and try it there."
If Morimoto and Buddakan are successful in New York, Starr said he'll consider bringing his continental restaurant there as well.
He is also looking into expansion opportunities in Las Vegas and Miami.
