08/12/2026
26 years ago, Larry Murphy and I unlocked the doors to Tre Fratelli for the very first time- full of hope, excitement and more than a little uncertainty. None of us couldāve imagined where that journey would lead. Today, that story comes full circle. After more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Iām stepping into a new chapter of my life. Writing these words is far more emotional than I expected, because Tre Fratelli has never just been a job to me. It has been my second home, an extension of my family and the place where some of the greatest relationships and memories of my life were created. I have had the privilege of working alongside hundreds of incredible people. Iāve watched teenagers become professionals, employees become lifelong friends, coworkers fall in love, get married, and raise families of their own. Tre wasnāt just where people worked ā it became part of their story. Knowing I played a small role in so many lives is something Iāll always treasure. My own daughters grew up within these walls. They didnāt just learn how to work hard ā they learned how to communicate, solve problems, lead with confidence and care for people. Those lessons have shaped the women theyāve become and I couldnāt be prouder that they continue to be part of the Tre Fratelli family. One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been sharing it with my chef and brother, Todd. His talent, dedication and passion has helped define Tre Fratelli since day one and working beside him has been an honor of my life. My familyās connection to local restaurants runs deep. All of my brothers and sisters have worked at Tre at some point, along with many nieces and nephews. We have also all worked Isaac Newton's Bar and Restaurant. My brother Todd worked at Goodnoe Farm Dairy Bar. My nieces and nephews have worked at Venezia Pizza and Continental Tavern . Larry worked at Isaac Newtons and Friends Bar and Grill and Dolce Carini. And even my mom worked at the The Temperance House many years ago. Mine and Larryās story began long before Tre Fratelli. We worked together at Isaacās, which also happens to be where I met my beautiful and brilliant wife Tricia Pocock Murray. A few years later in 2000 we took a leap of faith and opened Tre Fratelli together. We owned and operated the restaurant side-by-side until 2022, when Larry stepped away and I continued as the sole proprietor for the last four years . Now, Larry has returned as the sole owner. There truly isnāt anyone I trust more with what weāve built together. Larry knows this restaurant because he helped create it. He understands its culture, its people and the values that have guided it for more than two decades. Iām excited to watch Tre Fratelli continue to grow under his leadership and I know itās in exceptional hands. If you havenāt seen the big changes that heās made already, then get yourselves in here. The place looks great! As for me, Iām excited to introduce Culinary Standard ā a business born from everything the last forty years have taught me. My passion has always been helping restaurants succeed and now Iāll be doing that through food safety education, Servsafe certification, consulting, and practical operational guidance that helps restauranteurs and managers protect their guests, strengthen their businesses and build staff cultures that they are proud of. Although my role is changing, I wonāt be disappearing. Youāll still catch me making an occasional appearance in the kitchen or helping with Catering events. Tre Fratelli will always be part of who I am. To every guest who celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and everyday dinner with us- Thank you. To every employee who believed in our vision and gave their heart to this restaurant- Thank you. To every vendor, friend, neighbor and member of this amazing community who supports us every day- thank you. You gave me a career that exceeded every dream I had when we first opened these doors in 2000. As I begin this next adventure, Iād be honored if you follow me along my new journey and support Culinary Standard on social media. I hope to continue serving the restaurant industry and this community for many years to come ā just in a different way. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for being part of my life and for allowing Tre Fratelli to be part of yours . Hereās to new beginnings.
Jim Murray
Culinary Standard
[email protected]
215-932-9982ļæ¼
By the way. This is a pic of
Larry and me at Sloppy Joe's Bar 1993.
Younger, skinnier, less facial hair and no gray hair. š
