For local mechanic John Clark, household projects are a constant part of life — and so are trips to Benito’s Hardware in Fishtown.
“I was there the first day it opened for bolts and screws, and I have returned for everything else that I need,” said Clark, who currently shops there several times a week.
What keeps him coming back is more than convenience. “You can walk in stressed, and Andrew and his knowledgeable, pleasant staff are eager to help, so your project no longer feels like a disaster,” Clark said. “I believe that Andrew and his store are the biggest asset to our community in 30 years.”
That kind of praise is exactly what owner Andrew Benito hoped to inspire when he opened Benito’s Hardware late last year in the heart of Fishtown.
After spending nine years living in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia with his wife, Brittany, an HR consultant, while traveling extensively for his corporate work, Benito reached a turning point. His corporate work was in various sectors of the manufacturing industry.
His last position was vice president of North America for the Aftermarket Division of Atlas Copco, which is a global industrial equipment manufacturer, where he was responsible for sales and marketing of parts and service, customer service, technical support, service center, and remanufacturing operations.
“I was at a crossroads in my career,” he said. “I knew that I could stay on the corporate track, which likely would have meant leaving Philadelphia, or I could build something that kept me here and allowed me to become an integral part of the community.”
He chose the second path — one inspired by a lifelong love of hardware stores. “Hardware stores were always my version of retail therapy,” Benito said with a laugh.
About two-and-a-half years ago, he began learning the ins and outs of the Ace Hardware model, especially its emphasis on supporting local neighborhoods and local economies.
Then came a walk through Fishtown that changed everything. “It immediately felt like the perfect neighborhood for a hardware store,” Benito recalled. “You saw planters outside homes, backyards, young families moving in, and a community growing quickly.”
Despite a competitive real estate market, he found the ideal location at 2525 E. York Street.
From the beginning, Benito knew he did not want a cookie-cutter hardware store.
“The building itself is quirky, and that really fits my vision,” he said. “I wanted the store to feel eclectic, warm, and welcoming — a place where anyone in the neighborhood would feel comfortable walking in.”
That neighborhood-first philosophy extends beyond the sales floor.
Benito said becoming an active member of the local business community was a priority from day one, and he has worked to create a store that feels as much like a gathering place as a retail shop.
Inside, customers will find far more than nuts, bolts, and paint supplies. The store carries grills, charcoal, hot sauces, rubs, pizza ovens, fire pits, outdoor power tools, and a wide selection of paint and home improvement essentials.
Outside, an inviting garden center is stocked with plants, soil, fertilizer, pots, and outdoor accessories for nearby gardeners and homeowners.
“Our sales are a really solid mix,” Benito said. “We help first-time homeowners tackling their first paint project, longtime residents maintaining homes they’ve lived in for 50 years, and everybody in between. The variety of projects and range of questions keep our days both fun and inspiring.”
That mix reflects Fishtown itself, where longtime residents live alongside renters and young families buying their first homes.
Not only do his customers appreciate the exemplary customer service and wide range of products, but the store has also become a favorite destination. In fact, a customer mentioned that a friend recently had a first date at Benito’s Hardware and are still happily dating.
Benito said one of the most rewarding parts of the business has been building relationships with customers who stop by regularly — sometimes simply to chat.
“To me, the ultimate measure of success is that people trust us and rely on us for their needs,” he said. “A lot of regulars come in just to talk, and I love that. I appreciate that we can talk them through a project, so they feel confident enough that they can do it on their own.”
Looking back, Benito says the store has exceeded even his own expectations. “It’s better than I imagined,” he said. “I always knew I could create the look and product mix I wanted. The unknown was how the community would respond — and the response has been incredible.”
He is especially proud of the atmosphere created by his staff, who are frequently complimented by his appreciative customers.
“It’s extremely fulfilling for all of us,” Benito said. “Honestly, it’s probably the closest thing I’ll ever experience to being a celebrity. When people find out that any of us are connected to the store, they light up and say, ‘I love your store.’”
He said that when he chooses a new member of his team, “I hire for attitude and train for competence. I seek those who exhibit empathy, kindness, and a genuine care for others.”
Regular customer Ken Wood, a 63-year-old retired truck driver, has also been shopping there since the opening day. “I go there for just about everything — tools, cleaning supplies, plants, bird seed, and even candy,” Wood shared.
Like many of the customers, he appreciates not only the convenience but also the personal attention.
“Andrew and his staff are extremely friendly, family-oriented, and approachable,” Wood said. “They’re always eager to help and offer advice. I was working on Christmas decorations, and instead of driving to a big box store, I walked around the corner, got what I needed, and finished the job right away.”
For Wood, the store fills an important need in the neighborhood. “This store is exactly what the Fishtown community needed,” he said. “When you walk in and see everything they offer, you just say, ‘Wow.’”
For More Information
Benito’s Hardware
2525 E. York St.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: 267-805-5187
Store Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Email: info@benitoshardware.com
Website: Benito’s Hardware
