A Philadelphia Institution
Founded by an immigrant escaping persecution and seeking opportunity and religious freedom in the
city of brotherly love.
Abe Levis was sent to America from Lithuania at the age of fourteen to evade being drafted into the Czar’s army for a twenty five year stint. He married Anna Solo when he was twenty-one and they opened a simple little sandwich shop in the heart of the South Street business district thriving with immigrant owned businesses. Rumors suggest that a sausage on a bun was invented by Abe Levis, but there is not proof of this.
The carbonation for the soda was produced in the basement.
Levis served hot dogs, sandwiches, fish cakes, ice cream and sodas.
Levis was located across from Star Gardens and people came there on summer nights to watch silent movies projected on
the roof of Levis. Abe opened a movie theatre in the area.
This is a drawing of the marble soda fountain purchased used in 1895 by Abe Levis.
Levis known to generations of Philadelphians.
1895-1929
The founding to the industrialization of America. Massive immigration to America from Russia, Eastern Europe, Italy, Ireland and other countries to escape hunger and to find a better life.
Levis was a cheap meal for the working man who was searching for the streets paved with gold
1929-1942
The Depression to the start of WWII.. It wasn’t a date if you didn’t go to Levis.
1942-1946
During WWII. A meeting place to catch up with your buddies.
1947-1960
Pent up demand for consumer goods such as automobiles fueled the post war economy.
People had mobility. Population starts the move to outlying areas and the “suburbs” is invented as Levittown, Cherry Hill, Broomal and other areas are developed. The old neighborhoods are left behind.
1961-1970
The decline of the inner city and the demise of South Street due to a planned cross town expressway. A few businesses like Lester´s Shoes, Krauss Brothers hold out. A few art galleys and a handful of restaurants populate the area.
1971-1980
The rebirth of Society Hill and the South Street Renaissance. The opening of the Electric Factory brought baby boomers into the city for concerts.
1981-1990
Levis purchased by Marc Polish from the Levis family and the store is remodeled.
1990-1992
Levis purchased by Elliott Hirsh to obtain the rights and formula for the Levis signature soda,Champ Cherry®
