Philly Stars Share Their Favorite Spots Ahead of ‘Deli Boys’ Premiere

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Stars of the upcoming Hulu series ‘Deli Boys,’ Tan France and Poorna Jagannathan, shared their favorite activities in Philadelphia during a recent interview. The two actors play gangsters but expressed a desire for a more traditional day in the City of Brotherly Love, suggesting joy without crime.

In their roles, France portrays Zubair, a hitman, while Jagannathan plays Lucky, a witty character who advocates for enjoyment beyond their criminal lives. In a humorous exchange, Lucky tells Zubair that they should spend their day experiencing Philadelphia’s attractions instead of engaging in crime.

France, who filmed season five of ‘Queer Eye’ in Philadelphia, shared, “A proper Philly day for me would include shopping in Old City and enjoying baked goods, especially the best tiramisu from Little Nonna’s. And I would wear a unique custom coat.” He humorously noted his lack of sports attire, admitting he has little interest in local sports, despite the Philadelphia Eagles’ recent success.

In contrast, Jagannathan prefers exploring Clark Park‘s Farmers Market during her visits, driven by family ties in the area. “My sister lives in Delaware, so we visit often. I remember finding beautiful Mary Jane shoes at a fantastic flea market there,” she said.

While the duo’s food preferences differ, with France embracing classic American fare and Jagannathan opting for Ethiopian cuisine, both emphasize unique Philadelphia experiences. Jagannathan described her fondness for Gojjo, an Ethiopian restaurant in the city, as a highlight of her visits, stating, “I don’t do pretzels and cheesesteaks, but Gojjo is a must.”

‘Deli Boys’ premieres on Hulu on March 6, 2025, presenting a clever mix of comedy and drama set against Philadelphia’s backdrop. Show creator Abdullah Saeed, who lived in Philadelphia for eight years while attending Temple University, infused the series with local culture and quirks.

The series follows brothers Raj and Mir Dar, whose lives unravel after the death of their father, revealing their family’s hidden drug empire. Saeed, reflecting on the city, noted, “It has always held a warm place in my heart. I wanted to bring that feeling to the show.”

With a run of comedic storytelling, the show aims to illustrate Philadelphia’s rich diversity and humor. Saeed noted that capturing the vibrancy of Philadelphia in the show’s narrative was crucial, thanks to his previous experiences as a journalist in the area. The series weaves humorous references to local landmarks and culture throughout its narrative, further inviting audiences to engage with Philadelphia life.

“This show represents not just our experiences, but the community we care about,” said Saeed. Both France and Jagannathan hope the series resonates with viewers, blending comedy with poignant cultural representations.