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Back in 2001, Robert DeAbreu was working as a manager at a Carrabba’s Italian Grill in New Jersey.

“I really wanted to open my own restaurant and I wanted it to be exactly the opposite of a large impersonal chain. It would be a comfortable, welcoming place that served comfortable, welcoming food but with a twist." Yes, we’d have a great brunch, but prepared with fresh ingredients and in ways, you’d never tasted before, and all at a price that most people could afford.”

Robert’s wife, Raquel thought it was a great idea.

“I wanted it to be the kind of restaurant where I would love to eat myself. Sure, there would be waiters and waitresses and a check, but it would be more like eating at the home of a friend than a restaurant…that is if that friend could really cook!”

In May 2001, the first Sabrina’s Café opened in the space previously occupied by the famed Litto bakery, once the source of Philadelphia’s finest cannoli. Robert and Raquel named their new baby after their daughter, Sabrina Isabella, who had been born in February 2000. Executive Chef Lance Silverman started not long after, working the busy brunch shift.

“We did amazingly well pretty much from the start,” says Lance. “Sabrina’s became the place for brunch among hip young people. At some point, I guess they started bringing their parents because it became the brunch place for everybody.”

With the success of the original Sabrina’s, Robert and Raquel opened their next restaurant on Callowhill Street in Philadelphia’s Spring Garden section in June 2007 and named it Sabrina’s Café and Spencer’s, Too after their son, Spencer Robert, born in July of 2004.

In 2011, Robert and Raquel continued their adventure by opening their next location on Drexels Campus. This location is frequented by students, families and University City residents alike. Occupying the first floor of the Ross Commons Historical building, Sabrina's Cafe became the perfect place to study, meet with friends and enjoy our abundance of offerings. 

Next to join the family, opened in 2015, was Robert and Raquels addition in Wynnewood. This was the first location opened outside of Philadelphia's city limits. This was also Sabrina's first shopping center location, providing our suburban family with their own Sabrina's.

Collingswood, New Jersey was the next neighborhood that Robert and Raquel set their sights on. Located just across the Delaware River, this was the perfect location for many of the surrounding towns and residents of Southern Philadelphia to enjoy. Located in the old Woolworth Historical Building, this location provides a unique ambiance.

In early 2022, came the newest adventure! Located in the Graduate Hospital area of South Philadelphia, Sabrina's Cafe welcomed their 5th restaurant at 21st and South Street. A first to include bar service, also with extended hours! The perfect addition to the neighborhood that has made Sabrina’s feel welcome from the very beginning. Come check out our newest location and join us for a boozy brunch!