Chingi Zdyrko eagerly approached Elena, Tjaden, and me while exiting Rex at the Royal. Rex at the Royal is a restaurant currently located where the historic Royal Theater once stood. Chingi helps manage Rex at the Royal. Passionately and enthusiastically, she spoke about how the restaurant actively works to carry forward the legacy of the historic Royal Theater. She began by describing the values of the theater. When brothers Abraham and Morris Wax conceived of the Royal Theater, they envisioned much more than just a movie theater. They envisioned a hub of live entertainment and an overall welcoming space. Given that the theater reportedly was constructed by a black contractor and employed an all-black staff, the brothers celebrated African-American culture. Valuing inclusivity, they provided a safe space for members of marginalized black and queer communities to perform (most notably African-American, bisexual blues singer Bessie Smith). Chingi expressed that Rex at the Royal now is dedicated to honoring the space’s past and preserving the space’s inclusive reputation.
The restaurant honors the space’s past in many ways. First, its menu features mainly Southern cuisine, reflecting regional transformations at the height of the Royal Theater’s popularity, a time when the Great Migration was well underway. Many Southern African-American chefs moved to Philadelphia and adapted their dishes to the palette of the region. By serving Southern dishes, Rex at the Royal recognizes and honors this massive, regional shift in the culinary landscape.
Second, Rex at the Royal showcases photographs depicting Royal Theater theatergoers and performers. The restaurant houses an indoor gallery on its second floor including historical images of life on South Street at the Royal Theater’s prime (see pictures of this gallery in the “HISTORY” section). Additionally, the restaurant partners with 7th Ward Tribute, an “outdoor, place-based, experiential art installation exhibit” paying homage to the rich African-American history of Philadelphia’s 7th Ward. The “Reflecting Revenants: Recalling Black Life in the 7th Ward” installation displays images of African-American residents on buildings throughout the 7th Ward. Rex at the Royal is one of these buildings. Through their indoor photo gallery and partnership with 7th Ward Tribute, Rex at the Royal showcases the historically lively social scene of the space.
It is less clear how Rex at the Royal directly works to foster a sense of acceptance. Based on our insightful interaction with Chingi, I speculate that it manifests in the restaurant’s service. Instead of approaching her, Chingi approached us with spirited warmth and zeal for the restaurant. She left a great impression. I also speculate that the restaurant’s floor plan was designed to bring people together. It seems likely that its central bar and open layout promote interaction between restaurant-goers.
Overall, our encounter with Chingi revealed the greater significance of the space within the surrounding area. In tribute to the Royal Theater that once stood in its place, Rex at the Royal embraces an inviting atmosphere and celebrates inclusivity. The space long has been, and continues to be, a home for many marginalized communities.