Di Bruno Bros. Just Opened a Wedding Venue
See inside Banca, their new banquet hall-style space in Callowhill.
The handsome wooden bar at Banca, a new wedding and event space from Di Bruno Bros. Photo by Jackie Botto
First it was the bottle shop. Then, a smoothie counter. Next, Alimentari, a bar so cool it made our Best New Bars list. Di Bruno Bros. has been expanding beyond meat and cheese for a good while now, and last week we got a look at the latest addition to the empire: Banca, a new wedding and event venue in Callowhill.
The building was originally designed by Philly architect Frank Furness as the Northern Savings Fund bank in the 1800’s, but Philadelphians of a certain generation will most fondly remember it as The Bank, a Stephen Starr dance club from back when Stephen Starr did dance clubs. After sitting vacant for a few years, the building was purchased by developer Arts + Crafts Holdings, who then leased it out to Di Bruno Bros. Which means that, before you even walk in the door, Banca already has something going for it that Philadelphians love: history.
When you do walk in, though, there’s even more to like. Banca is a banquet-hall style event venue, with 2,300 square feet of open floor space surrounded by 31-foot-tall walls. Beneath the coffered ceiling, light streams in from beautifully arched second-story windows. By the handsome (and pretty darn massive) wooden bar, a corner kitted out with tufted leather banquette seating makes for a cozy lounge area. Downstairs, one of the building’s three original vaults will serve as a unique spot for a first look or ketubah signing.
Though Banca’s open floor plans allows for a variety of event set-ups, senior sales consultant Daniel Love says the venue is best enjoyed cocktail reception style. That means forgoing the traditional sit-down meal in favor of food stations and high-top tables, which’ll allow guests to mix and mingle in a more casual, intimate way.
Speaking of mealtime: the best part of an exclusive Di Bruno Bros. event venue was always going to be the food. Catering at Banca is overseen by chef Ashley James, a longtime industry vet who did stints with Four Seasons and Starr Catering (now Constellation Culinary Group) before joining the Di Bruno team in January. James tells us to expect menus with a strong Italian heritage, international components, and elevated, playful twists on classic bites. (Basically, everything you already know and love Di Bruno for.) Passed appetizers, station service, and what James playfully calls “trashy classics” (think: crunchy tater tot lobster melts) will be on heavy rotation.
There will also, of course, be lavish antipasto spreads. “The cheese and charcuterie doesn’t get messed with,” James says. (The complete Di Bruno Bros. catering menu can be found here.) Though there is not a full production kitchen on-premise, the primary Di Bruno catering commissary is located a quick two blocks away.
Banca is located at 600 Spring Garden Street. The venue can hold 120 for a seated dinner, and 150 for a cocktail reception. The venue has 14 event slots throughout the week, which means Friday, Sunday, and weeknight weddings are fully a possibility. Scroll down for photos of the space.
Banca is housed in former Victorian-era bank designed by Frank Furness. Photo via Banca’s website
Banca’s vault-like front entrance. Photo via Banca’s website
A sit-down dinner for eight. Photo by Jackie Botto
Light streams into Banca via first- and second-story windows. Photo by Jackie Botto
The 31-foot-ceilings just might be the best part of Banca. Photo by Sarah Zlotnick
Arched insets separate the bar from the main event space. Photo by Jackie Botto
A pulled-back look a the Banca bar. Photo by Jackie Botto
The wood paneling surrounding the first floor windows is all original. Photo by Jackie Botto
Banca’s leather banquette is the perfect stand-in for lounge furniture. Photo by Jackie Botto
Banca’s basement vault. Photo by Sarah Zlotnick
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