North Philadelphia restaurant reflects on more than 50 years of food and community.

Philadelphia, PA – At the takeout window of Porky’s Point, manager Matt M. often recognizes customers he first met as children. They tell him their parents brought them there years ago, and they have never stopped coming back.

“I’ve actually seen kids grow up here,” Matt said. “Time really does fly.”

For 32 years, Matt has watched families return to the North Philadelphia restaurant, even as his own family has grown and taken on new roles behind the scenes.

Known for its walk-up counter on 5th Street in North Philadelphia, the restaurant recently underwent a visual transformation with a mural painted by local artist Vanessa Vega.

Inspired by El Parque de Bombas in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the mural brought new life to a long-standing neighborhood landmark where Matt and three generations of his family serve authentic, no-frills Puerto Rican comfort food.

Their connection to Porky’s Point began in 1974, when his father, Edwin, and a business partner named Julio started leasing the restaurant.

A family legacy takes shape

When they first took over the location, the Porky’s Point name was already there, but the menu looked very different. At the time, customers ordered hamburgers, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks.

Matt credits his grandmother with helping introduce the Puerto Rican dishes that would eventually define the restaurant. His father picked her up every day so she could cook, while his grandfather often helped with tasks such as peeling potatoes.

“She was a fantastic cook,” Matt recalled. “They were the ones who transitioned the restaurant to Hispanic food.”

Over time, Julio left the business, and Matt’s father brought in relatives George and Carlos. They operated the restaurant together for years until Carlos passed away in 1994. It was then that Matt’s father asked him to help run the business.

At the time, Matt had spent several years working at the Ritz-Carlton. With two children and an established career, he had never imagined himself building a future at Porky’s Point.

“I really didn’t have a fondness for the restaurant at that point in my life,” he admitted.

After discussing it with his wife, Matt joined the family business. He served customers, purchased supplies, and prepared ingredients, learning every aspect of the operation. Over time, he increasingly took charge whenever his father and George were away.

Keeping it in the family

Today, Matt brings his 85-year-old father to Porky’s Point every day. Edwin no longer handles much of the work, but he remains a daily presence at the restaurant he helped build.

“He’s still here with me,” Matt said.

Matt’s sons have also embraced important roles in the business. Edwin started washing dishes at age 15 and now oversees daily operations when Matt is away. His younger brother, Evan, works alongside him, and several other relatives contribute as well. It is truly a family affair.

With Matt’s father still visiting the restaurant each day and his sons helping lead operations, three generations remain at the heart of Porky’s Point.

Matt credits his years at the Ritz-Carlton for shaping his commitment to hospitality, a standard he encourages both his sons and staff to uphold. Even on difficult days, he believes everyone deserves respect.

“You just don’t know everybody else’s story,” he said. “I always want to give everyone the same level of respect.”

When asked about the future, Matt spoke about remaining in the neighborhood, serving quality food, and caring for the people who have supported his family for generations.

“I just hope we continue to stay blessed, continue moving forward, and continue feeding the community,” he said.

For Matt, that means giving his sons the opportunity to continue building something their grandfather helped sustain and ensuring that Porky’s Point remains a familiar destination for families who have made it a part of their lives.

Visit Porky’s Point

Address: 3824 N. Fifth St., Philadelphia, PA
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday (Open 7 Days a Week)
Phone: +1 215-221-6243