Philly Grub

A new two-story food-and-drink destination is taking shape in Fishtown, with two distinct concepts planned under one roof.

Mezzanine 1909 is targeting a 2027 opening at 2043 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, where it will occupy the second floor above The Slider Co.’s flagship location.

Owners William Johnson and Anesha Garrett are behind both concepts, but they’ve made it clear that Mezzanine 1909 won’t simply be an extension of the slider business downstairs.

Instead, the pair envision two very different experiences sharing the same building.

“The idea really came from looking at the building and realizing we had an opportunity to create two completely different experiences under one roof,” Johnson and Garrett shared.

Downstairs, The Slider Co. will bring a fast-casual, energetic atmosphere to Frankford Avenue. The Slider Company currently operates through catering and select foodservice opportunities, including Slider Co. Express inside the GAO Building in Washington, D.C., while preparing for the opening of its flagship location in Fishtown.

The Fishtown location will mark a significant next step for the brand as its flagship brick-and-mortar store.

Upstairs is where things will take a decidedly different turn.

Introducing Mezzanine 1909

Mezzanine 1909 is being developed as a more intimate, elevated lounge focused on small plates, cocktails, hospitality, and atmosphere.

While guests downstairs might stop in for sliders and a casual meal, the idea upstairs is to create a place where people settle in and stay awhile.

“Downstairs, The Slider Company is fast, casual, and energetic,” the owners explained. “Upstairs, Mezzanine 1909 will be a more intimate, elevated lounge built around small plates, an exceptional cocktail program, atmosphere, hospitality and connection.”

Most importantly, they want Mezzanine 1909 to stand on its own.

“We didn’t want Mezzanine to just feel like an upstairs bar attached to Slider Co. It’s its own concept, its own identity and its own experience.”

That distinction should make the Frankford Avenue property particularly interesting when it opens. Rather than simply dividing one restaurant between two floors, Johnson and Garrett are creating two separate hospitality concepts that share an address.

Guests can choose the experience that fits the occasion, or experience both during the same visit.

“The vision is that you can stop downstairs for sliders, or come upstairs for cocktails and small plates and stay awhile,” they said. “Two businesses, two experiences, one building.”

Coming to Fishtown in 2027

Both The Slider Co. flagship and Mezzanine 1909 are currently targeting 2027 openings at 2043 Frankford Avenue.

While there’s still plenty more to reveal about the menus, cocktail program, and overall look of Mezzanine 1909, Johnson and Garrett are beginning to introduce the concept as work toward the Fishtown debut continues.

The combination could make the property an intriguing addition to an already busy stretch of Fishtown dining and nightlife.

Downstairs: sliders, casual energy, and the first flagship home for The Slider Co.

Upstairs: cocktails, small plates, and a more sophisticated night out at Mezzanine 1909.

Same address. Two completely different reasons to visit.