West Chester’s Avalon Bistro & Bar Expands to New Location

West Chester’s Avalon Bistro & Bar, owned by John Brandt-Lee and David Helfrick, has expanded with a new location in Bryn Mawr, writes Ed Williams for Main Line Today.

The restaurant has gained a devoted customer base during its two decades of operation. In the past two years, the popularity of Brandt-Lee’s social media presence made him a hospitability ambassador for the borough in his efforts to stay positive and charitable throughout the pandemic.

“I kept seeing the local restaurant industry having to pivot on a daily basis, and there was so much negative energy on social media,” he said. “I was honestly looking for a way to turn that energy around.”

Brandt-Lee has long been an advocate for under-the-radar charitable causes. Once the shutdown happened, he orchestrated a series of pay-what-you-want pick-up dinners that benefited the Chester County Food Bank.

The outpouring of community support proved life-changing, and he responded by starting the Give, Get, Love Foundation that benefits other local charities and nonprofits.

Now, he is focused on the restaurant’s new location, which he hopes will share the success of its West Chester counterpart.

Read more about Avalon Bistro & Bar in Main Line Today.