Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

>> WAITING LIST

Nancy Trachtenburg, owner of Benna's Cafe (1236 S. Eighth St.), has purchased 'hood hub E's Passyunk from owner Andrew Michaels to open a second Benna's location. The menu at the new shop — dubbed B2 — will be similar to the original, with soups, pastries and an expanded sandwich menu. Old City Coffee will still be the java of choice. Renovations will begin Feb. 1; changes will include the construction of a sit-down bar area and a new color scheme to accommodate Second Friday art openings. Michaels says striking the amicable deal will give him more time with son Emerson (the "E" in the name). "I've been working in restaurants for 25 years," he adds when asked about the possibility of opening a new place down the line. "I can't imagine I'd be doing much else." Bite This: B2 will offer smoothies (both dairy and vegan) and pressed-to-order fruit juice.

Ladies and gentlemutants, behold the concept to end all concepts: Isaac McCrimmon, the chef at Jose Pistola's (263 S. 15th St.), is currently seeking investors for Heroes, a comic-book-themed restaurant he hopes to open in the giant South Philly space that once housed Engine 46 Steakhouse. "[It'll be] Dave and Buster's fused with the theme of what was once Marvel Mania [at] Universal Studios," says McCrimmon of the idea, which'll combine arcade gaming, live music and space for "team role-playing events." Even the food will be designed to mimic comic characters. (Gambit po'boy?!) Also, they will have Belgian beers. The location is not set in stone yet, but if this sounds like something you want to sink your adamantium claws into, e-mail McCrimmon at blacknostalgic@aol.com.

>> LITTLE VITTLES

Nick Tsuolos (Estia, Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria) says the Philly offshoot of his NYC concept Goodburger will be ready at 1725 Chestnut by March 1. >> Maoz Falafel's second Philly location (1115 Walnut St.) is up and running. >> Las Bugambilias (148 South St., 215-922-3490), the popular Mexi sitdown, will soon begin brunch service from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.