Billybob appears ready to open again

Students may once again find the doors of popular late-night hangout Billybob open to them, according to neighboring vendors. Last summer's closing of Billybob, located at 4000 Spruce Street, left many students dismayed at the loss of a source for beer and midnight snacks. But according to Michael Coladelli, owner of the neighboring Michael's Custom Cuts, Billybob will reopen next month. "It's opening February 1, I believe, with cheesesteaks, hoagies -- the way it used to be in the 80s," Coladelli said. The empty storefront now features a brand-new Billybob sign -- replacing the "Best of Billybob and Silk Road" marquis that had remained above the doors since the restaurant's closing -- and a "help wanted" sign. After Billybob co-owner Hideo Omori committed suicide in December 1999, his widow, Yuko, continued to operate Best of Billybob and Silk Road until her lease expired in August of 2000. Neither Yuko Omori nor building owner William Schoepe could be reached for comment. The reopening of Billybob, along with the upcoming introduction of El Diner at the former Eat at Joe's location, will give Penn students what they have long been clamoring for -- more eating options open 24 hours a day. "It is opening again? Wonderful," said College senior Jorge Solano, while passing by the restaurant. "It's about time." Coladelli also greeted the news of Billybob reopening with enthusiasm. "I think it's good for the students," he said. "They really liked it [the way it was]." Coladelli also said that Billybob would bring more people to the corner of 40th and Spruce streets. "I find that a lot more people don't walk this way [now that the restaurant is closed]," he said. John O, manager of the Japanese restaurant Genji, which is adjacent to Billybob, said he was not overly concerned that the reappearance would cut into his business. "We're two different kinds of food," he said, discussing possible competition between the two eateries. "So we're not worried." In 1997, Billybob was sectioned off between the traditional Billybob and Chinese restaurant Silk Road. Last year, the establishments merged and the entire restaurant was renamed Best of Billybob and Silk Road, and vendors Genji Sushi Express, Le Bus and Torreo were brought in.

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