The Grape: How Manayunk’s Legendary Grape Room Was Reborn Under A New Name And New Owners

The Grape Room in Manayunk, a name synonymous with Philadelphia’s independent music scene for decades, may have abruptly closed its doors in 2024, but the venue's spirit—and its commitment to local artists—has not died. As of late December 2025, the legendary spot at 105 Grape Street has undergone a significant and vital transformation, reopening under a revised, streamlined name: The Grape. This rebirth, spearheaded by a trio of former employees, ensures that Manayunk’s rock-and-roll heart continues to beat, preserving a legacy that spans parts of four decades.

This article dives deep into the history of the venue, the circumstances of its closure, and the exciting new chapter under its new ownership, positioning the new iteration, The Grape, as the must-visit live music destination in the Philadelphia area. The transition from The Grape Room to The Grape is more than just a name change; it represents a dedicated effort to maintain the venue's "loosey goosey" atmosphere and its role as a crucial platform for both local and national acts.

The Legacy: From Grape Street Pub to The Grape Room

To truly understand the significance of The Grape, one must first appreciate the rich, multi-layered history of the venue that preceded it. The location at 105 Grape Street, just off Manayunk’s bustling Main Street, has been a fixture in the Philadelphia nightlife landscape since the late 1980s, existing under several names that all share a common DNA: dedication to live, independent music.

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• Grape Street Pub (1986 – c. 2003): Originally opened by Stephen Sendzik, the venue started as the Grape Street Pub. This era established the location as a key booking space for local and regional bands, cultivating a reputation for a raw, energetic "rock-and-roll" vibe.
• Grape Street (c. 2003 – 2010): The venue briefly switched locations and dropped the "Pub" from its name.
• The Grape Room (2010 – 2024): Returning to its original 105 Grape Street location, the venue rebranded as The Grape Room. Under the ownership of Brian 'Scooter' Hassinger, The Grape Room became famous for its legendary open mic nights, comedy sets, and its bi-level setup—a downstairs space for main acts and an upstairs area for a bar, lounge, and billiards. It became an essential launchpad for countless Philadelphia musicians.
• The Abrupt Closure (2024): Despite its beloved status and long history, The Grape Room announced its sudden closure in 2024 via an Instagram post, leaving a void in the Manayunk music scene and prompting an outpouring of support and nostalgia from the community.

The venue’s history is a testament to its resilience, often referred to as 'Grape Street 3.0' due to its multiple iterations and continued importance in the city’s music ecosystem. It hosted numerous WMMR events and was known as a quintessential Manayunk dive bar—a small venue with a big heart.

The Rebirth: New Owners, New Name—The Grape

The closure of The Grape Room was short-lived, thanks to a dedicated group of former employees who refused to let the Manayunk music tradition fade. Recognizing the venue's cultural significance, three co-workers—Mose Richards, Bobby Brockson, and Alec Mortarulo—banded together to purchase and revive the space.

The new owners, who understand the venue's unique charm and its importance to the local scene, opted for a subtle but meaningful rebrand. The venue reopened on New Year's Eve (NYE 2024/2025) with the revised name: The Grape. This change honors the venue's past while signaling a fresh start, a continuation of the legacy rather than a complete overhaul.

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The decision by former employees to take the reins ensures that the core ethos of the venue remains intact. They are committed to preserving the venue's reputation as an independent, accessible platform for local musicians, maintaining its status as a Manayunk hot spot. The new ownership group's hands-on experience means they are intimately familiar with the needs of both the performers and the patrons who frequent the legendary spot.

What to Expect at The Grape in 2025 and Beyond

As of late 2025, The Grape is fully operational and is building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors. Visitors to 105 Grape Street can expect the familiar, beloved features that made the venue a legend, now under the stewardship of dedicated new owners. The venue continues to serve as a vital piece of the Manayunk nightlife and arts scene.

A Continued Commitment to Live Music

The primary focus of The Grape remains live music. The venue’s two-story layout is designed to maximize the experience for both bands and fans:

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• Downstairs: This area is the main performance space, dedicated to hosting a diverse lineup of indie bands, national touring acts, and local favorites. The intimate setting ensures a close connection between the artists and the audience, preserving the "rock-and-roll debauchery" atmosphere the venue was known for.
• Upstairs: The second level typically functions as a bar, lounge, and social area, often featuring acoustic sets, DJ events, and billiards, offering a different, more relaxed vibe from the main stage downstairs.

The new owners have made it clear that the venue will continue to feature the open mic nights that were a hallmark of The Grape Room, providing essential opportunities for emerging talent in Philadelphia. This commitment to community-focused events solidifies The Grape’s role as a cultural cornerstone.

The Manayunk Entertainment Hub

The Grape’s location in Manayunk, a neighborhood known for its lively bar scene and entertainment options, places it at the center of the action. Its historical significance gives it topical authority far beyond the average bar. Entities like the Manayunk Commercial District, Main Street Manayunk, and other local businesses benefit from the venue’s draw. The venue is easily accessible and remains a destination for those seeking an authentic, unpretentious music experience in Philadelphia. The success of The Grape is a win for the entire Manayunk neighborhood, affirming its reputation as a cultural and entertainment destination.

The transition from The Grape Room to The Grape is a compelling narrative of community, passion, and the enduring power of independent music venues. It is a story of former employees stepping up to save a cultural institution, ensuring that the legacy of 105 Grape Street continues to thrive well into 2026 and beyond, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Philadelphia music scene.