Garces Trading Company by Iron Chef Jose Garces is a gourmet café with sit-in dining and a market offering an extensive repertoire of products. The site houses a flower stand, bakery, and Philly’s first wine shop leased from PLCB to a chef, to complete the GTC experience.

Merchant ships and open-air markets are the inspiration behind the Garces Trading Co. design by crème. The high, black tin ceiling and walls of white subway tile create a comfortable and airy atmosphere. Old walls were removed to create an open layout with different products in stalls around the perimeter. Oak millwork as well as zinc countertops and display cases continue the functional and timeless look of the marketplace. Abundant food displays, such as hanging meats, fresh baked breads and beautiful tarts line these cases. A blackened metal track along the ceiling holds custom-made signs to describe each section.

In the central dining space oak dining tables and taller oak bar-tables are outfitted with rustic wooden chairs and stools. Trestle style tables provide a more casual place to sit and enjoy the café fare for patrons looking to dine at their own pace. Off-white, powder-coated, spun aluminum lighting sconces are outfitted with metal gas pipes for an industrial look, then affixed to slots within the white tile walls. Large custom globe pendants with blackened metal cages line the ceiling to create pleasant ambient lighting for diners.

Crème also designed all the packaging for the Garces products including the glass jars for the jams and jellies, the parchment coffee bags, serve-yourself oil and vinegar bottles and metal vats, and more. The distressed ship logo and text convey both the international imported items and the locally made products. With so many options in gourmet products and casual dining, Garces Trading Company is a versatile establishment.