Philadelphia, PA – In the wake of three Philadelphia restaurants being given Michelin stars, Councilmember Rue Landau has introduced a bill that would modernize and simplify the onerous process by which restaurants in Philadelphia have to adhere to in order to operate a sidewalk café. The proposed legislation expands the areas of the city which allow “by-right” sidewalk cafes, removing the need for a district councilmember’s ordinance and speeding up the timeline from application to operation.
Following months of meetings with restaurateurs, small business owners, and district Councilmembers across the city, Councilmember Landau introduced this bill to pave the way for more outdoor dining options ahead of the expected 2026 tourism boom. Restaurants and industry officials reported wait times as long as 12-18 months to acquire a sidewalk cafe license due to bureaucratic red tape. This legislation is a major step towards making the outdoor dining licensing process easier and quicker to navigate, particularly for small businesses.
The ordinance was introduced with wide cosponsorship and will head to the Streets Committee, where a hearing will take place in December. In addition to this piece of legislation, the Councilmember has been working with the Streets Department, Licenses and Inspections, and the Health Department to work on behind-the-scenes process updates to make the licensing process with these City departments easier, as well.
“After months of meetings throughout the city, one message came across loud and clear from food service operators: Sidewalk Cafés can and should be the easiest, lowest-barrier option for outdoor dining,” said Councilmember Landau, “With 2026 coming up, we need to make sure Philly is ready for the spotlight. More outdoor dining will be good for our tourism economy, good for our neighborhood vibrancy, and good for our small businesses. With such an obvious path to success for our city’s economy and vivacity, it would be a mistake not to move forward.”
“This amendment represents exactly the kind of smart, forward-looking policy Philadelphia needs right now. By streamlining the sidewalk café process, we’re giving restaurants the opportunity to grow, hire, and better serve both residents and the millions of visitors coming to our city for the World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and PA250,” said Ben Fileccia, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Engagement for Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, “Outdoor dining isn’t just a pandemic-era trend, it’s part of how we showcase our neighborhoods, support small businesses, and reimagine Philadelphia’s streetscape for the better.”
“As critical as we knew it was to bring the World Cup and MICHELIN Guide to Philadelphia to further expand our global markets, so too are any advancements we can make as a destination to entice international visitors and enhance their experience so they will want to return and help tell our story once they get home,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), “This legislation enhances Philadelphia’s appeal by creating more vibrant, welcoming streetscapes and expanding outdoor dining options, helping to position the city more competitively as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026 and beyond.”
“The Chamber applauds Councilmember Landau for the introduction of this legislation, which would create a clear, predictable permitting process for outdoor dining, while encouraging investment, retaining local businesses, and supporting entrepreneurship. We are proud to support policies like these, which bring policymakers, businesses, and tourism partners together to not just enhance our city’s hospitality ecosystem but to help increase the economic opportunity across our city and region as we enter the national spotlight in 2026,” said Shannon Williams, Senior Vice President, Advocacy, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.
“Making it easier for small businesses to open sidewalk cafés is a win for our neighborhoods. It helps local businesses grow, brings more people onto our streets and creates the kind of welcoming, vibrant blocks that make Philadelphia feel alive,” said Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, “This legislation supports the authentic experience visitors love while strengthening the quality of life for the people who call this city home.”
