Ross Scofield graduated from the Restaurant School of Walnut Hill.
Credit: Rx the Farmacy
Ross Scofield, co-owner of West Philly’s new Rx the Farmacy, just turned the unlucky 45th and Spruce spot into a blooming neighborhood favorite once again.
Though some of the curse may still be sticking around: The restaurant had a break in Monday night. But damage was minor and only required a quick closure.
Let’s back up and take a moment to remember when this was simply Rx, a cozy BYOB that neighbors would flock to for brunch. Next, briefly, came the ill-fated Rimedio. And then the small space sat vacant, waiting for that special someone.
“After graduating, my partner and I moved to Connecticut to help a good friend open his restaurant,” says Scofield. “When we returned to Philadelphia we noticed the space that used to be Rx was now vacant. With the “For Lease” sign hanging in the window, I knew we had to pick it up.”
The new incarnation of Rx opened at the beginning of the month, and so far each weekend has busier than the last. The fact that Rx remains in the name as a nod to its predecessors has likely helped.
“I had to bring Rx back because of what it was when it was there,” says Scofield. “It’s small, it’s personal, it’s me. More importantly, it’s West Philly – a unique community.”
What’s in a name?
The clever name doesn’t stop at the inclusion of Rx, which neighbors will surely recognize. Farmacy refers both to the building’s history as a drug store and also to the local farm food that’s served. On the menu you’ll find Lancaster pork chops, hand-cut pasta, and eggs for your benny at brunch.
