It is no surprise that Chef Jose Garces loves the city of Philadelphia. He has seven eateries under his belt in Philadelphia alone.

This week, the Iron Chef recently announced that he will be partnering with Brandywine Realty Trust to open an all-day cafe, restaurant, marketplace, and bakery in one building.

Garces Trading Company is set to open up Sept. 12 and will be located at the ground floor of the Cira Centre in the University City area. The restaurant will be big enough to seat approximately 130 people, enough space to accommodate lunch meetings and other gatherings for corporate businesses that are anchored around the area.

The new business will be focusing on serving. breakfast, lunch, and early dinner Monday through Friday

Garces will also be announcing additional locations in the upcoming weeks. He also said that Garces Trading will offer a unique experience to highlight each location and space.

“Garces Trading Company is really special to me,” said Chef Jose Garces. “The concept is centered around an exchange of cultures that neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers and commuters can explore and connect over new dishes and flavors. Garces Trading Company is truly an outpost for foodies that incorporates discovery and connections – and I am excited to bring new life back to the GTC idea but in an all new way.”

Garces Trading Company originally opened up in 2008, in Center City. However, the company closed down in 2018 and was bought out by Ballard Brands. The space was then used as a ghost kitchen during the pandemic in 2020.

Scott Campanella, Garces’ chief operating officer, said the layout of the restaurant is a reflection of the Iron Chef.

“Garces Trading Company at Cira Centre provides a dining solution that embodies Chef Garces’ standards of exceptional and personal service combined with international cuisines,” he said. “We are excited to offer a fresh, new concept to satisfy today’s employees’ evolving needs by providing high-quality, authentic and diverse offerings in a variety of forms–from grab-and-go options to a casual spot to enjoy lunch with a colleague.”

The chef has had an abundance of good luck this year. He will also be opening up his second Buena Onda franchise in Radnor, Pennsylvania this September.

“Since the pandemic began, our team has worked hard at developing a national expansion strategy in partnership with Ballard Brands,” said Garces. “We aren’t stopping with Garces Trading Company’s revival and franchising of Buena Onda. We are working on several other new developments that we plan to share soon.”

Garces also said that the goal for the new business venture is to provide a dining experience and the right space for people who are conducting business meetings.

The brand new eatery will offer a twist of Spanish, French, and American selects, including homemade ensaimadas (Spanish bagels), a variety of Spanish pastries, croissants, breakfast sandwiches, and tacos.

The marketplace will also include Garces’ well known lavender truffle honey, salsas, tortilla chips, and fresh guacamole.