Jim's South Street in Philadelphia reopens after fire shut it down two years ago

The iconic cheesesteak joint Jim's South Street, at 4th and South Street in Philadelphia, has reopened, restoring a well-known landmark and thrilling cheesesteak lovers at the same time.

"After a massive 2022 fire hobbled our operation, shutting us down for nearly two years, we've rebuilt bigger and better," read a portion of the reopening update on Jim's South Street's website. "Having acquired and expanded into the famed Eyes Gallery building next door at 402 South St., we've lovingly restored and preserved several of the earliest mosaic works of world-renowned Philadelphia-based artist, Isaiah Zagar, creator of the landmark Philadelphia Magic Gardens.

"The transformation of the space is incredible to behold and will endure as one of our proudest endeavors."

Jim's South Street was consumed by a fire in July 2022, and as the owners vowed to stay, a GoFundMe drive was set up to help pay for the rebuild.

Jim's South Street launches social media campaign, reopens to fanfare

Jim's South Street reopened on Wednesday, May 1, and announced the reopening while thanking supporters through a post on Facebook:

"No big whoop," read a portion of Jim's South Street's post. "Sincerely though. Thank you for your overwhelming kindness and enduring patience. We're so humbled and excited to welcome you back.

"With love and gratitude, The Jim's South St. Family."

Cheesesteak fans were excited that Jim's South Street reopened, and took to Facebook and X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to express their fandom.

Fans quickly responded to Jim's South Street's reopening post on X.

"Welcome back, fam!!" responded Underground Sports Philadelphia.

"Can't Wait! Fave spot since I was young. Will be there soon," wrote user OCM5508.

"Sixers won, Phillies won, And Jim's Steaks reopened, that is a Philly trifecta!! Life is good," responded user bujaba98.

One Jim's South Street fan wanted to know if the renowned cheesesteak could be mailed.

"Let’s goooooooooo. Can you ship to south Florida?" asked user xxKotze.

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Jim's South Street opened in the 70s in Philadelphia, became South Street staple

Jim's South Street opened 38 years ago, and has survived the shifting lifestyle trends that has forced the closure of many once-popular stores on the South Street strip.

"In the summer of 1976, my father and a business partner opened Jim's South Street, bringing a iconic art-deco storefront and an even more distinctive cheesesteak sandwich to a neighborhood in the midst of a renaissance," read a portion of Jim's South Street history, which is posted on its website. "Few would have predicted that over the course of more than four decades the shop would become one of the most celebrated restaurants in Philadelphia.

"You'll find us on what's known as the 'Hippest Street in Town, serving up the finest cheesesteaks and hoagies from the heart of the city that made them famous," the website writeup continued. "Five-time winner of Philadelphia Magazine's 'Best of Philly' award and Zagat rated, Jim's South St. is your 'must-have' cheesesteak when only the best will do."

Damon C. Williams covers trending and regional developments for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Cheesesteak king Jim's South Street in Philadelphia is back