Bill Curry: A South Street Legend Who Turned Bars into Stories

Bill Curry, 85, left an indelible mark on Philadelphia’s South Street. In 1978 he traded his newspaper desk for a barstool and opened Copabanana, turning a modest tavern into a local icon.

A Toast to Culture

• Art‑deco vibe that set the tone for the neighborhood
• Fresh lime margaritas and sizzling burgers served from a front‑window grill
• Generous plates of nachos topped with jalapeños that became the talk of the town

Curry’s South‑Florida roots infused the menu with bright music, bold flavors, and a sense of community that made every table feel like a gathering spot. Even as South Street struggled, he saw potential and helped spark its revival with new restaurants and nightlife.

From Columnist to Restaurateur

Before the bar, Curry wrote for The Inquirer as a nightlife columnist. He championed artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs who were turning empty storefronts into galleries, boutiques, and eateries. His writing helped shift the area from a fading commercial district to a vibrant counter‑culture hub.

• 1975 – Opened Paper Moon, a card shop and newsstand with international magazines and specialty cigarettes.
• 1976 – Added Le Corner Store on Locust Street.
• 1978 – Left the paper to focus entirely on hospitality, feeling that tasting the city’s food and drinks had prepared him for opening Copabanana.

Expanding the Legacy

The original Copabanana quickly drew crowds. A block away, Curry launched Café Nola in 1981, offering a New Orleans‑style menu and chic décor. The café ran for fifteen years before closing in 1996.

Other venues he helped launch include:

• Copa Too!
• A University City Copabanana that remains open

Curry’s energy never faded. He was known as the “unofficial mayor” of South Street, always promoting its quirky charm and encouraging experimentation and expansion.

The End of an Era

Health issues forced Copabanana into bankruptcy in 2023. The bar moved to a nearby space but ultimately closed in January 2025. The original South Street property is now on the market.

A Lasting Legacy

Curry’s legacy lives on through his family—his sister, nephews, and late partner Jim Bush. A memorial service is being arranged to honor a man who turned simple taverns into cultural landmarks.