The 2025 Out100: Marcie Turney & Valerie Safran

Chef Marcie Turney and partner Valerie Safran don’t just serve cuisine in their award winning restaurants like Barbuzzo, Little Nonna’s, Darling Jack’s Tavern, and Bud & Marilyn’s in Philadelphia’s Midtown Village. They say they also “provide comfort and enjoyment and a break from the routine and hardships of life.” The same applies to the group of boutique stores like Open House and Verde that are also operated by Safran Turney Hospitality. These stores are for “offering little moments that make people smile.”

In addition to bringing cheer and revitalization to the City of Brotherly Love’s gayborhood, Turney and Safran tackle the work of raising a family. “Being parents is the hardest job we’ve ever had, but we love it!” they say. “Seeing our daughters grow up, be happy and healthy, love each other … those are our proudest moments.”

Can’t make it to Midtown Village for a meal? There’s now a Bud & Marilyn’s outpost at the Philadelphia International Airport. And the lesbian couple tease that they’re “playing with an idea for another concept along another famous corridor in the city, one very famous for cheesesteaks.” @valeriesafran @marcieturney