In the wake of three Philadelphia restaurants being given Michelin stars, Councilmember Rue Landau has introduced a bill that would modernize and simplify the process by which restaurants operate sidewalk cafés. The proposed legislation expands the areas of the city which allow “by–right” sidewalk cafes, removing the need for a councilmember’s ordinance and speeding up the timeline from application to operation.
The bill follows months of meetings with restaurateurs, small business owners, and councilmembers to pave the way for more outdoor dining options ahead of an expected 2026 tourism boom. Restaurants and industry officials have reported wait times as long as 12–18 months to acquire a sidewalk cafe license, according to a press release from Landau’s office.
The ordinance received broad support in City Council and now heads to the Streets Committee, where a hearing is expected in December.
“After months of meetings throughout the city, one message came across loud and clear from food service operators: Sidewalk Cafés can and should be the easiest, lowest–barrier option for outdoor dining,” Landau said in the release. “With 2026 coming up, we need to make sure Philly is ready for the spotlight. More outdoor dining will be good for our tourism economy, good for our neighborhood vibrancy, and good for our small businesses. With such an obvious path to success for our city’s economy and vivacity, it would be a mistake not to move forward.”
The bill also was welcomed by the business and tourism communities.
“By streamlining the sidewalk café process, we’re giving restaurants the opportunity to grow, hire, and better serve both residents and the millions of visitors coming to our city for the World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and PA250,” said Ben Fileccia, senior vice president of strategy and engagement for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Outdoor dining isn’t just a pandemic–era trend, it’s part of how we showcase our neighborhoods, support small businesses, and reimagine Philadelphia’s streetscape for the better.”
Shannon Williams, senior vice president of advocacy for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, said the bill “would create a clear, predictable permitting process for outdoor dining, while encouraging investment, retaining local businesses, and supporting entrepreneurship … as we enter the national spotlight in 2026.”
Angela Val, president and chief executive officer of Visit Philadelphia, said the legislation “helps local businesses grow, brings more people onto our streets and creates the kind of welcoming, vibrant blocks that make Philadelphia feel alive.”