We have not been able to enjoy the celebration around a new restaurant opening in months, but Bao Nine has changed that! Celebrating with a Grand Opening Block Party on June 25th and a free bao bun for each customer. The restaurant concept revolves around bao buns was developed and is operated by Kyle and Jacob Billig, co-founders of B5 Brands. B5 Brands specializes in creating unique and innovative fast-casual restaurant experiences and are the originators of the nation’s largest rolled ice cream chain, Sweet Charlie’s, with over 20 locations.
The menu includes 9 signature bao buns and customizable bowls. The menu came from the creative minds of the Billings and consulting chef and Culinary Institute graduate Hugh Moran, who has served as Chef de Cuisine for the Starr Restaurant Organization and Executive Chef for Starr’s Buddakan and Pod, as well as Executive Chef for Michael Schulson’s Sampan and Double Knot.
We were lucky enough to try each bun on the menu and some of our favorites included the Hot Motha Clucka with crispy chicken, homemade buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and pickled celery; the Bao Boa with braised short rib, house truffle wiz, and cherry pepper relish; and the Bang Bang with tempura shrimp, spicy aioli, pickled slaw and fresh jalapeno.
We are surely fans of this new restaurant and hope to see it thrive as Philadelphia moves into the Green Phase on June 26th. The menu definitely puts a fun twist on the classic Taiwanese street food. The Bao Nine buns are made from scratch and steamed to order all day. Bao Nine will serve both lunch and dinner from 12-9pm.
The design of the exterior and interior of the new restaurant was developed by Boxwood Architects, creators of Federal Donuts & K’Far Café, in collaboration with Think-Traffic, a Philadelphia marketing and technology firm. Think-Traffic also created the restaurant’s branding and marketing materials. You will notice the clouds painted on the brick building exterior. This is because the name of the restaurant was inspired by the bao itself, which may remind you with its soft and fully texture of a cloud. The name Bao Nine comes from the phrase ‘Cloud Nine’.
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