The Rise And Scandalous Fall Of Say No More Philadelphia: 5 Shocking Details Behind The Bar’s Sudden Closure

The phrase "Say No More Philadelphia" has become a charged term in the city's nightlife and social media circles, not for its original meaning as a trendy new spot, but for the explosive scandal and abrupt closure that followed its debut. As of December 17, 2025, the story of Say No More is a cautionary tale of a highly-anticipated establishment that went from being named one of the city's best new bars to being shuttered after a public controversy involving one of its co-owners.

The establishment, located in the vibrant Kensington neighborhood, quickly gained a reputation for its unique atmosphere and ambitious concept. However, its time in the spotlight was brief and ended in dramatic fashion, leaving a permanent mark on the narrative of Philadelphia's rapidly evolving bar scene and sparking widespread discussion about accountability in the local hospitality industry. This article delves into the full story, from its critical acclaim to the legal issues that sealed its fate.

The Brief Biography of Say No More Philadelphia: From Hype to History

Say No More was a multi-level cocktail bar and performance space situated at 1647 N 2nd St, near the intersection with Cecil B. Moore Avenue in the East Kensington area of Philadelphia. It was a notable addition to the neighborhood, which is known for its blend of gritty history and burgeoning nightlife, often associated with the adjacent Fishtown scene.

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• Type of Establishment: Cocktail Bar and Performance Space.
• Location: 1647 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 (Kensington/East Kensington).
• Concept/Vibe: Described as having a "sultry living room vibe," offering late-night hours and a diverse menu alongside a focus on unique cocktails and live events.
• Critical Acclaim: Early in its operation, it was recognized by *The Philadelphia Inquirer* as one of the city's "best new bars."
• Key Figures: Co-owned by Alexander "Zander" Asplundh-Smith and other partners.
• Opening Status: Opened in a space that was previously a different establishment, contributing to the trend of repurposed design details in the area.
• Closure Status: Permanently Closed. The final call was reported to be on a Saturday, following the public controversy.

5 Shocking Details That Led to the Say No More Bar Closure

The swift and dramatic downfall of Say No More was a major story in Philadelphia, fueled by intense social media discussion and local media coverage. It serves as a stark example of how quickly a business can collapse under the weight of a public scandal in the modern era.

1. The "Best New Bar" Designation Was Immediately Followed by Scandal

Say No More had a remarkable, albeit short-lived, run of critical success. In January, *The Philadelphia Inquirer* included it in a list of the city’s best new bars, praising its concept and atmosphere. This high-profile recognition placed it firmly on the map as a destination spot in the East Kensington/Fishtown corridor. However, within weeks of this positive press, the bar was embroiled in a controversy that would ultimately lead to its demise. The contrast between its critical acclaim and its scandalous end made the story particularly compelling and widely discussed on platforms like Reddit and PhillyMag.

2. Co-Owner Alexander Asplundh-Smith’s Arrest

The core of the controversy centered on one of the bar's co-owners, 31-year-old Alexander "Zander" Asplundh-Smith. In a shocking turn of events, the Philadelphia Police Department responded to a call at Asplundh-Smith's home. He was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal offenses.

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3. The Specific Criminal Charges Filed

The charges against Alexander Asplundh-Smith were significant, including simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. These allegations became public knowledge and were widely circulated on social media, creating an immediate and intense backlash against the bar. The nature of the charges, coupled with the owner's public position in the hospitality industry, led to a rapid loss of public trust and patronage.

4. The Bar's Public Break and Social Media Firestorm

In response to the circulating news and the charges, the management of Say No More attempted to distance the business from the scandal. The bar issued a public statement, acknowledging the situation and announcing that it was cutting all ties with Alexander Asplundh-Smith. This move was an effort to save the business, but the damage was already done. The incident sparked a massive social media firestorm, with patrons and industry peers weighing in on the issue. The discussion highlighted the growing demand for accountability and ethical conduct from business owners in the city’s nightlife scene.

5. The Abrupt and Permanent Closure

Despite the attempt to sever ties with the embattled co-owner, the bar could not recover from the intense public scrutiny and negative press. The controversy proved fatal to the business's reputation and financial viability. Say No More officially closed its doors shortly after the scandal broke, with the final day of business being a Saturday. The rapid closure of a critically-acclaimed bar was a significant "restaurant shakeup" in the city, underscoring the power of public opinion and social media in Philadelphia's competitive and tight-knit food and drink community.

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The Legacy of "Say No More" in Philadelphia Nightlife

The story of Say No More has become a cultural touchstone in Philadelphia, embodying the high-risk, high-reward nature of the city's rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods and the intense scrutiny placed on new establishments. The phrase "Say No More Philadelphia" is now synonymous with the scandal, rather than the sultry cocktail lounge it once was.

The bar was part of a broader trend of development in the Kensington area, which has seen an influx of trendy new spots like Post Haste and Meetinghouse, both of which have also garnered national attention. The failure of Say No More, however, serves as a reminder that a great concept and positive reviews are not enough to sustain a business when ethical and legal issues are at play.

The incident also amplified discussions within the local industry about the role of "trust fund money" and entitlement in new ventures, as suggested by some comments circulating on Reddit at the time. The public reaction demonstrated a clear intolerance for bad behavior, forcing a quick reckoning for the establishment and its owners.

Ultimately, the space at 1647 N 2nd St is now just an empty venue awaiting its next tenant. The legacy of Say No More Philadelphia is a cautionary tale about the intersection of social media, personal conduct, and business viability in the modern hospitality world, proving that in a city like Philly, the court of public opinion can be the swiftest and most final judge.