Chefs Montana Houston and Ja’mir Wimberly-Cole to lead new restaurant Eleven Social

In a surprise move, Aleksandar Restaurant’s two head chefs told Eater Philly that they are now heading up the kitchen at the highly anticipated Eleven Social in Old City, which is set to open this summer.

Montana Houston will be the executive chef of Eleven Social and Ja’mir Wimberly-Cole will be their chef de cuisine. The new restaurant, co-owned by Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins, focuses on contemporary New American cuisine. After nearly two years running the European-inspired kitchen at Aleksandar Restaurant in Rittenhouse Square, both chefs say they’re eager for new opportunities.

“I am honored and blessed to be able to showcase another side of my culinary talents at Eleven Social,” says Houston, 27. “The past year has been filled with many surprises, and this role is just another sign to keep going. .”

In December 2023, Houston was named Eater Philly’s Chef of the Year for “applying his flavorful approach to every dish” as executive chef of Aleksander Restaurant. Next June, he will be the honored chef at the Iconoclast dinner at the James Beard House.

“Montana invited me to join him at Eleven Social as head chef and I’m thrilled to collaborate with him again,” says Wimberly-Cole, 24. “Our goal is to create a new contemporary American dining experience, reminiscent of the wonderful dinner we had at Crown Shy during a trip to New York.

Wimberly-Cole, who previously served as chef de cuisine at Aleksander Restaurant since its opening in August 2022, will also launch the Modern Trail Supper Club this summer.

“The pandemic put my initial plans for the Modern Trail on hold, but I can’t wait to get it going again,” Wimberly-Cole says of “gathering information and refining my vision for the club.” “I plan to host private dinners featuring themed menus inspired by various cookbooks and share my journey as a young chef exploring innovative techniques. My goal is to host these dinners monthly or bimonthly.

As for Eleven Social – located at 117 Chestnut Street (the former 2nd Story Brewing Company) – Houston says the menu will focus on “the Afro roots of all locations, as well as regional culinary favorites.”

“This new restaurant will offer fine dining and bold flavors without a white tablecloth,” adds Houston. “So all the good service and good food of a high-end fine dining restaurant, without the hassle of having to wear suit jackets and sit a certain way.”

The soft launch of the new restaurant is currently planned for the third week of July (around 15-18).