img

img

welcome to Washington Square West

img BACK TO NEIGHBORHOOD
Mon
Oct 15
2012

Out with the Odd Fellows, in With the YOLO

In February, we told you about the new Odd Fellows Cafe, located at 1201 Spruce St., in the Odd Fellows Building. So you can imagine our surprise when we walked by the cafe over the weekend, and noticed that the name was changed to YOLO, or ”You Only Live Once.” It seems that Betty Ortiz, formerly of Spruce Street Espresso and one of the original partners in Odd Fellows, is no longer involved in the business  and had nothing to do with the name change. Regardless of how the name represents the business, one can’t help but wonder if part of the branding effort was an attempt to appear similar to the Love Park sculpture.

Back in Feb.

Oy

Discounts available

YOLO sits on the corner of 12th and Spruce Street, directly across from Tria and Almeidas Floral Design. It seems like the business changed hands in the blink of an eye, and locals are surprised to see the quick change. FooBooz commenters seem generally unenthused, but despite critical reviews the nice looking space and quality location should lend itself to increased business moving forward. And if not, we’re guessing someone else will come into the space and make it work eventually.

Interior shot

As for what’s next for the old Spruce Street Espresso location, we couldn’t tell you…

–Haley Waugh

12
COMMENTS
img
Posted in Washington Square West | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments
  • Cronmoax

    I’m not surprised Odd Fellows didn’t make it. The table service restaurant with a mini coffee shop inside made no sense, especially since they would discourage people from sitting to drink their coffee (they didn’t want you sitting at dinner time since that would deter from their “dining experiece”…which didn’t actually exist.) If they had just allowed people to order food (or just coffee) at the counter and then sit down with it, that would have made much more sense.

  • Brian

    How can they expect any long term success? Their buisness model is based on a worn out phrase used by twelve year olds. Hopefully the creative logo makes up for the name.

  • blurb

    what could be a better business strategy than bro-ing up your center city coffee shop? I guess the previous customers were complaining that the previous iteration was too dignified.

  • DEFS

    This place just can’t seem to figure out what it is…coffee shop that serves dinner…a restaurant that doubles as a coffee counter? They can fool passersby with decor tweaks and logo/name/concept changes, but there’s one BIG change that’s sorely needed…the ownership.

  • foodie7679

    I’ve visited a couple times when it was oddfellows and honestly the space wasn’t very welcoming. I welcome the change no matter the goings on of what was, all i know is I’ve been in three times since the “change” and every time I get a warm greeting and coffee that doesn’t need my usual 50 sugars and tons of cream…

  • hip*88

    I for one welcome the change. I have been greeted with warm welcomes from employee that want to give great customer service. Any how the coffee is still great but I LOVE the fact that Basically everything that is on the menu goes great with my cappuccino..

  • Natan

    I really liked the new atmosphere and the new menu. Odd Fellows had a good menu, but it didn’t fit the coffee concept, in my opnion. I’ve never understood their mix with mexican food and coffee. Also, it was quite of a mess the services there It seemed they didnt have any kind of organization and preparation in terms of serving clients. A few times I waited patiently for order my food or for my check while the serves were chating. Yolo’s menu is pretty good I enjoy a lot their “bunch style”, everytime I go there, people smile at me and they are very helpful. Hope it continues that way.

  • RenzieJ

    I personlly just Left Brunch at YOLO. I purchased a Groupon just to give it a try. Typically I am a Green Eggs Girl but after having a simple or “what I thought would be simple” Bruch sammy I now con-sitter myself a split Customer. This sammy was Huge for like 6 something. Very suprised.. Very Well Presented as well came with a side fruit cup as well.. love the love park reference to. who are new owners?

  • Sprucestlocal

    This is my new spot.. Wish They were open later.. I live on 1104 spruce st local as you can get.. Love the food perfect for my hang over I have right now……!!!!!

  • philaTowni2

    HAD a great experience at YOLO this am. The hurricane is coming but it didnt seem like it was effecting the staff. Will recomend to friends.

  • http://www.facebook.com/niklaus Nick Mcc

    I’m going to commit suicide here

  • http://twitter.com/brianbrews Brian Marsh

    Don’t kill yourself.. it’s already closed.

Have a Story for us?
Email Tips@Nakedphilly.com
With Photos & gossip