A year ago A Man’s Image announced that they’d be looking to sell or lease their current location at 1709 E. Passyunk Ave. so owner Abe Mandel could downsize and pass on the business to one of his employees. Now the massive, 4,400 sq. ft. property has been leased to what seems to be a interesting prospect for this prime corner property.

At first we heard rumors that Stephen Starr would be taking over the space to open a spot here. But according to Mandel, it’ll “better than Starr.”

While Mandel didn’t share what it is, as they’re expected to announce it sometime in the new year, he gave us the hint that they have a total of 28 restaurants.

“Their food everywhere, Boston, DC, everywhere is just phenomenal. It’s going to be really good for the avenue.”

According to Mandel, Starr had shown interest in the property, but the “price was too high for what he wanted.” As of now, Starr has 20 spots in the city, but his only South Philadelphia restaurant is Serpico on South Street.

As for the future of A Man’s Image, Mandel is expected to relocate to a smaller storefront on East Passyunk Avenue and then pass off the business for three of his salesmen to own and operate. A source tells us that he may be leaving the property within the span of five months.

With A Man’s Image and Interior Concepts both leaving their large storefronts, along with the recently-sold three-building package next door, we could be seeing some huge changes coming to this portion of the avenue.

Anyone have guesses as to who this restauranteur this could be?