Room 55: Take Out, Dine In, Gather and Host Events at This Delco Charmer

Lansdowne’s former AviAnna has been reborn as Room 55, showing off its elevated decor, a welcoming and warm vibe, and something for everyone on Chef Jermaine Mitchell’s menu.

Opened in December 2021, Room 55’s team has created a cozy space for dining, a flexible special events venue and a popular spot for takeout. When the weather is right, there’s also a dog-friendly beer garden for mixing and mingling.

Clean, white walls are accented with panels of greenery and flowers, sconces and in some areas, wide-screen TVs. Chic black-and-white furniture sits atop fresh tile and a wooden dance floor — which can be cleared for parties. Both the sconces and ceiling cutouts are fitted with LED lights, so guests can personalize events with favorite colors or themes. 

 

 

And then, there’s the cuisine. Mitchell says he’s focused on all flavors to reach out to every nationality. Watch the menu as it grows; right now, it includes salmon, chicken or shrimp Alfredo dishes; a half rack of lamb chops; platters filled with grilled vegetables, short ribs or turkey wings; burgers, wraps and salads; appetizers and sides; and lots more. 

“Everyone — come out!,” he said. “Get the experience at least one time; the experience will speak for itself. Whether you’re doing takeout, hosting an event, attending someone else’s event, hanging out or dining in, you’ll have a great time.”

 

 

Mitchell gained his experiences working in both catering and restaurants. He started as a dishwasher at Philadelphia’s Finley Catering, worked his way up to executive chef and was one of the head chefs at its Crystal Tea Room. He spent 18 years with Finley or, as he says, he “grew up at Finley. I got a lot of experience in both on-premise and off-site events.”

He’s also had the pleasure — and fun — of catering for a few NBA stars, including James “The Beard” Harden, before he came to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2022. He also did events for John Wall and Lou Williams (a former Sixer).

“I’m very thankful that I had the connections to get me those opportunities,” he added. “It was a great experience adhering to team standards and being creative, whether feeding a small group or catering a large event.” 

 

 

He decided to take the leap into his own business, which happened to coincide with the pandemic. “I couldn’t foresee a lot of it, but when AviAnna’s spot became available, I knew it was time,” Mitchell said. “I have a great relationship with AviAnna’s owners Bounta and Joy Phengsisouk, so it was a great fit. They came out to support my opening!”

He also relishes the idea of having a place that his kids can get involved with — or, not, if that’s not their bliss. Room 55 will provide an opportunity for Kayla, 15, Jamichael, 4, and Kayden, 8 months, should they choose it one day. And that’s just fine with chef.

“I’ll take it in stride,” he added.

 

 

In the meantime, he and his team, which includes brand and events manager Angela Edmunds (and the inspiration behind the site’s renovations), are booking wedding receptions, baby showers, funeral repasts and other events, as other customers enjoy dining in the comfortable esthetic or stopping by for takeout. Mitchell is working on a liquor license, so Room 55 is BYOB as of this writing. Same with the beer garden, which will see bistro lights and seating when the weather breaks.

“Pull up, sit outside with your own bottle of wine or beer, get something to eat from the window and enjoy some music — it’s very affordable that way,” Mitchell said. “If you build it nice, they will come!”

 

 

Watch Room 55’s website and Instagram for the latest. Currently, the restaurant is open and takeout is available Wednesday through Sunday, from 4 to 10 p.m. 

Find Room 55 at 55 E. Baltimore Ave. in Lansdowne. Call (610) 622-0954 for events inquiries, takeout or reservations. Takeout may also be ordered online, and reservations may also be made at OpenTable.

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— Nina Malone

Featured photo by Angela Edmunds