There was a period when some of the most exciting food in Philadelphia wasn’t being served in any restaurant. It was being served by a college student who hadn’t opened one yet.

As a University of Pennsylvania student, Amanda Shulman was quietly hosting underground dinner parties, building a following one meal at a time, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal. 

Those gatherings eventually became Her Place Supper Club, the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant known for its communal dining experience, rotating menu, and direct interaction between guests and the kitchen. 

Shulman’s foray into entrepreneurship was cultivated by previous experiences in the culinary industry.

“Once I found my way into a kitchen, there was no turning back, and everything else seemed slow,” she said.

Shulman trained in prestigious kitchens, including Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia, where she refined both her culinary skills and leadership approach. 

The success of Her Place opened the door to more.

Together with her husband and business partner, chef Alex Kemp, Shulman launched My Loup, adding another acclaimed address to Philadelphia’s map.

Over the past five years, Shulman and Kemp have grown their portfolio to three restaurants, receiving one of Philadelphia’s first Michelin stars in the process.

She noted that the Michelin recognition has been a big boost in getting different types of guests, including a lot of out-of-town customers.

Meanwhile, Shulman is also in the running for a 2026 James Beard Foundation Award in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category.

While keeping what’s in front of her as a focus, Shulman is also always looking ahead for potential growth opportunities.

To learn more about Amanda Shulman’s journey and influence on Philadelphia’s dining scene, read the full article in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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