SAVVY MAINLINE

it's what you want to know

Double issue: Movie (!), dining & shopping scoops, plus our annual all-local ‘nifty gifts’ guide

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Pop some corn: seems the western Main Line is going to the movies.

One of the nation’s largest movie chains is THISCLOSE to inking a deal with Uptown Worthington, the long-time-coming lifestyle center near the Malvern Wegmans.

The center’s owner, developer Brian O’Neill, tells SAVVY that a dine-in theater with full bar plans to take 43,000 sq. ft. and should open in a year or so. Two prior deals with movie chains cratered a few years back, but we’re told this one should be a wrap by early January.

O’Neill also tells us he’s nearing a deal with Main Line restaurateur Marty Grims. The White Dog Café/Autograph Brasserie/Moshulu owner wants to open a “super hip” spot at Worthington

Another BIG redo for Devon, new details on Devon Yard, Fritz & Van Cleve, the skinny on Fat Ham & more

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From Devon Manor to The Royal Devon?

Could be.

Developer Brian O’Neill confirms that he’s now the proud owner of the large and long-in-the-tooth nursing home/rehab complex on Lancaster Ave.

Residents and patients are being relocated, 124 staffers are looking for new jobs, and Devon Manor goes dark next month.

This is prime real estate, folks – 8.6 acres with lots of frontage on Route 30 and a deep lot. And just a skip and a jump from the Devon train station.

So what will O’Neill do with it?