Philadelphia, PA — Carol Serena, the longtime General Manager of Parc on Rittenhouse Square, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Philadelphia’s dining scene, Serena was celebrated for her uncompromising standards, mentorship, and the lasting loyalty she inspired in her teams. She was a defining presence in the city’s hospitality industry for decades.
A Distinguished Career
A Brooklyn native, Serena built her career across some of the country’s busiest and most competitive dining rooms. After studying management at the College of New Rochelle and graduating from Bishop Kearney High School, she worked her way into leadership roles, including a tenure as General Manager with China Grill Management. Eventually, she found her home in Philadelphia, where she took on one of her most prominent roles at Parc, the acclaimed French brasserie operated by Starr Restaurants.
The Heartbeat of Parc
At Parc, Serena became more than a manager—she was the architect of the restaurant’s culture and daily rhythm. Known for her meticulous eye for detail and no-nonsense approach, she demanded excellence while fostering a standard of service that kept the restaurant at the top of Philadelphia’s culinary landscape.
Her leadership was often described as exacting, but it was also deeply formative. Generations of hospitality professionals credit Serena for instilling discipline, pride, and resilience in a field known for its intensity. Parc’s reputation as one of the city’s most beloved dining destinations was inseparable from her influence.
Admired and Remembered
Serena’s impact reached far beyond the walls of Parc. With more than 500 professional connections on LinkedIn and recognition in Philadelphia Magazine and other media outlets, she was widely acknowledged as a leader in the restaurant industry.
Tributes from former colleagues highlighted both the challenges and the inspiration she embodied. “We openly feared you. We equally adored you. We tried desperately to emulate your work ethic. For better or worse, you gave us so much. You were ours, and we were undeniably yours,” wrote Samantha Wight, a former colleague.
Another longtime coworker, Ri Jahree, remembered her compassion: “Any health issue with myself or my mom, you were there and understood. Thank you. Carol Serena, take your rest.”
A Lasting Legacy
For those who worked with her, Serena was not just a manager but a mentor and, in many ways, a life coach. Her influence will live on through the many professionals she trained and the culture of excellence she embedded at Parc.
Her passing leaves a profound void in Philadelphia’s restaurant community. To colleagues and friends alike, Carol Serena will be remembered as a demanding yet caring leader whose legacy is measured not only by Parc’s enduring success but also by the countless careers she helped shape.
