"Legacy Businesses" are small businesses with a long-standing presence in their community, recognized for their cultural & economic significance.
ShopLegacy Philly™
ShopLegacy Philly™ is a joint promotional and programming campaign that celebrates Philadelphia's 400+ legacy businesses during the U.S. Semiquincentennial and aims to create Philadelphia’s official Legacy Business Program after 2026.
Legacy businesses face multiple challenges in today’s business landscape. They struggle to adapt to changing technology and consumer preferences & neighborhood demographics, have a lack of succession planning, and experience rising operational costs. Despite their historical significance, legacy businesses must innovate and need support to thrive while preserving their legacies.
Opportunity Statement
Showcasing legacy businesses throughout 2026 & after this program can help support legacy businesses and increase economic opportunity in local commercial corridors. Legacy businesses are neighborhood anchors that have helped to shape the City’s unique identity. With increased visibility, our goal is to ensure that these legacy businesses can:
#1
Promote & Celebrate Commercial Corridors
#3
Support Transition & Succession Planning
#2
Avoid Displacement & Commercial Closure
#4
Foster Connections & Knowledge-Sharing
Philly's Legacies
Philadelphia's legacy businesses remain essential anchors, keeping local communities connected and contributing to the City's unique character.
400+
Potential Small Legacy Businesses (30+ Yrs) in Philadelphia
33%
Of Legacy Businesses are
Full-Service Restaurants
