Anthony Anastasio, BS ’93
Anthony’s Italian Coffee HousePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Steeped in Family Tradition
Anthony Anastasio, BS ’93, began dreaming of opening a coffee house on a 1989 trip to Italy and fulfilled his dream six years later with Anthony’s Italian Coffee House. His family has owned businesses in the South 9th Street Italian Market for four generations, including selling fresh fish and produce at the turn of the 20th century and during the Great Depression. Anastasio keeps their same philosophy of using only high-quality ingredients that customers would want to feed their families.
Anthony’s must-have sandwich is the Tuscan Egg White, complete with bacon, tomato, melted fontina cheese, arugula and homemade garlic aioli spread on a toasted brioche bun.
The Anastasios have owned businesses in the Italian Market for four generations, starting with Anastasio’s great-grandfather who first sold fresh fish there in 1906.
Anastasio has served the cast of the TV show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Unknown or fun fact about your restaurant?
The Coffee House is actually located on the first floor of our family home. We truly welcome our visitors into our home every day.
Brief restaurant history?
Our family history in the South 9th Street Italian Market dates back to 1906, when my great-grandfather settled here, selling fresh fish. My grandfather opened the produce store in the 1930s during the Depression and my father continued the tradition while expanding into the wholesale produce business in the 1980s.
After a trip to Italy in 1989, I envisioned creating an authentic Italian coffee house one day. The opportunity for the Coffee House presented itself in late 1994 as the wholesale business thrived. As a fourth-generation business owner in the Italian Market, it has been an honor to keep our family traditions alive by continuing to serve our great community.
Most memorable restaurateur moment/experience?
Fufilling the dream of opening back in 1995.
What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
Initially, the biggest challenge was staying focused on the niche market and not deviating from the plan, specifically in the early years. However, the COVID era presented our greatest challenge, which was to stay operational and keep all of our team members employed.
Anthony’s is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Italian Market.
A Tuscan egg white sandwich.
Customers enjoying treats from Anthony’s famous gelato cart.
Favorite guest you’ve served?
The cast members of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" with Danny DeVito.
SJU professor or class that had the most impact on your career trajectory?
Both Robert Linneman and John Stanton were instrumental in my education, specifically their Total Quality Environment class. A total quality environment in business demands three essentials: planning, developing and constant improvement. In retrospect, it was (and still is) these three essential principles that have guided me throughout these past 30 years. In fact, I still reference and share this loose-leaf filled binder and notes.
Can’t-miss menu item?
Caffe Affogato — our homemade gelato with a shot of our Palermo Espresso.
If you could make an SJU-themed meal or dish, what would you serve?
I would make our Sicilian Tuna Special, which we serve during Lent. We assemble the best ingredients from our neighboring businesses in the Italian Market — imported Italian tuna served on a Sarcone’s Bakery roll with chopped imported olives, capers, anchovies from Claudio's with Talluto’s Pesto Sauce, local arugula and hard boiled egg. It’s a dish that focuses on community and tradition, like St. Joe’s, and can be enjoyed by Catholic and non-Catholic Hawks alike!
Secret to a great meal?
Using only the best available — high-quality ingredients — and making it like you are feeding your family.
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