This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the women who are boldly reshaping Philadelphia’s business and communities. For our March #FirstFriday feature, we’re proud to spotlight Chivonn Anderson, the visionary founder of Marsha’s, Philly’s first women’s sports bar.
PPRG: What first sparked your interest in opening a women’s sports bar?
Chivonn: In 2019, I had to argue with a bartender at a sports bar on South Street to put on the final of the women’s World Cup when the United States was playing for the championship.
PPRG: Was there a defining moment when you knew Marsha’s had to become a reality?
Chivonn: After I signed the contracts to buy 430 South Street, the liquor license and business assets on February 10, 2025. The day after the Eagles won the Super Bowl for the 2nd time.
PPRG: How has being a woman influenced the way you run your business or interact with your community?
Chivonn: I lead by example in the way I interact with my community and my staff. I will never ask my employees to do something I have not or will not do myself.
PPRG: Did anyone ever doubt you because you’re a woman opening a sports bar?
Chivonn: There will always be haters and people who doubt your ability to do anything. So, the best way to shut them up is to keep moving forward and continue to make history in the city of Philadelphia.
PPRG: What kind of atmosphere and community are you intentionally building at Marsha’s?
Chivonn: Marsha’s is and will always be a safe space for my LGBTQIA+ community, the sports community, and anyone who is looking for a place to be their unique and amazing selves.
PPRG: What do you think still needs to change for women in sports and business?
Chivonn: Equal Pay for Women and minorities in all industries. Period end of discussion.
PPRG: Can you share a moment at Marsha’s that made you feel proud of the impact you’re
making?
Chivonn: On the opening weekend, I had a group of women in their 70’s and 80’s come to the bar and thank me for opening Marsha’s. They told me they have been waiting decades for something like this and are so happy to support and promote Marsha’s.
PPRG: How do you hope this space impacts women’s sports and LGBTQ+ representation in Philly?
Chivonn: Perseverance, determination, and self-love. Believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and never let failure stop you from fulfilling your dreams. Be the change you want to see.
PPRG: What does opening on South Street mean to you personally and professionally?
Chivonn: When people think of Philly, they think of South Street, cheesesteaks, Ben Franklin, and Rocky. Now they will think we have to go to South St and visit Marsha’s, Philly’s first women’s sports jawn. Marsha is now part of the lore and legacy of South St. as a queer teenager who came out at 16 in 1996 in Philly. South St was one of the few places I could be myself and believe that life was going to work out for this queer kid from Olney.
PPRG: Looking forward, what are your hopes for the future of Marsha’s and your impact in Philly?
Chivonn: Marsha’s is now a part of Philadelphia history. We will continue to grow and open new locations across the city, the suburbs, the tri-state area, the county, and the world. When people think of women’s sports and sports bars, Marsha’s will be the place you want to be.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, stories like Chivonn Anderson’s remind us how powerful it can be to turn a personal experience into something that uplifts an entire community. With the opening of Marsha’s, she has created a welcoming space where women’s sports fans, the queer community, and supporters from across the city can come together and feel at home. Located on South Street, Marsha’s is not only a personal milestone for Chivonn but also a meaningful addition to Philadelphia’s culture.
