Chef - Jennifer Choplin
Jennifer Choplin began her culinary career at age three, when she made her father the most epic sandwich... and forgot the meat. An aspiring writer and lifelong singer, Jenn performed in theater and local bands while growing up, and maintains a blog about life in her professional kitchen.
After attending The College of New Jersey as an English major, the West Deptford, New Jersey native took a job as a catering manager for a local bakery, where she was inspired to enroll in The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College to pursue a career in Culinary Arts. Upon graduation, Jenn cooked at Philadelphia’s renowned White Dog Café for several years, followed by a brief stint at a Paul's Bistro and Sushi in Atlanta.
Choplin helped open Bistrot La Minette as a Sous Chef under Chef/Owner Peter Woolsey in the summer of 2008, which solidified her appreciation for French cuisine.
In 2009, Jenn worked at Resurrection Ale House under Chef Joey Chmiko, whose cooking remains an inspiration. After Resurrection Ale House, Choplin was tapped as the Executive Chef at Watkins Drinkery, and went on to run the kitchen at The Butcher and The Brewer.
She is one of the founding chefs instrumental in creating Hen's Revenge — Philly's first all-female-staffed industry night. A die-hard lover of music, art, vegetables and philosophy (with a penchant for all things French), Jenn is very happy to be leading the team at SoWe.
Master Barkeeper- Craig Steel
United Kingdom born-and-raised master barkeeper Craig Steel, formerly of Amada, a.kitchen and The Dandelion, has been tapped as the bar manager for SoWe Bar & Kitchen, located at 918 S. 22nd Street (at Carpenter).
“Craig has completely advanced our beverage programming, conceiving nine new hand-crafted cocktails featuring artisan ingredients and hand-squeezed juices, and bringing in twenty extraordinary bourbons, ten exceptional ryes, and eleven premium scotches,” said owner Nancy Law. “He has even upgraded our Chocolate Bacon Martini, which was featured on U.S. of Bacon in February, by replacing the Bakon Vodka with our own house made bacon-infused vodka”.
In addition to the hand-crafted cocktails and extensive whiskey collection, which will continue to grow, Steel has renovated SoWe’s wine list to include a delicious selection of American and international varietals available by the glass or bottle for about half of the price that you’ll find in Center City restaurants. And SoWe’s constantly rotating eight draught spigots feature craft-brewed cider, ales, lagers and porters from all over the world, including freshly brewed beers produced around the Delaware Valley.
Nancy Law & Troy Barton
Proprietors
Locally raised entrepreneur Nancy Law along with her business partner Troy Barton are so excited to unveil SoWe in the SouthWest Center City neighborhood of Philadelphia. Troy and Nancy bring 20 years of experience in developing and launching successful businesses together, and both have both enjoyed long and successful careers within the hospitality and marketing industry. Having worked for Fortune 500 companies worldwide, Nancy and Troy know a thing or two about indulging in friendly, professional and visually stimulating destinations that exceed guests’ expectations. Determined to make SoWe a centerpiece of the neighborhood, the pair are committed to serving delicious food in a stylish setting adorned with a great vibe. Be our guest for drinks or dinner seven nights a week or brunch on Saturday and Sunday. We’re eager to become a notable new addition to Philadelphia’s celebrated restaurant scene.
