About Franklin's Table

Franklin's Table represents the University of Pennsylvania's strategic vision to transform campus retail into destination experiences. The food hall replaced a dated traditional food court with a curated collection of high-quality, small-format operators that reflect Philadelphia's thriving restaurant culture. This $5+ million renovation aligns with Penn's Retail Master Plan to bring local entrepreneur-driven concepts to campus at various price points in fast-casual formats.

The transformation was part of a broader campus dining evolution that included partnerships with acclaimed Philadelphia chefs and restaurateurs. Penn's Division of Facilities & Real Estate Services recruited operators who could deliver both quality and variety—from vegan falafel and sushi to wood-fired pizza and Asian-inspired burritos—ensuring every dietary preference and craving is satisfied under one roof.

The Benjamin Franklin Connection

True to its namesake, Franklin's Table honors Ben Franklin's legacy as one of America's original "foodies." Franklin was known for his philosophical writings on diet, moderation, and the social importance of shared meals. The food hall features witty Franklin quotes reinterpreted through a culinary lens, reminding diners that practical wisdom extends to food choices. Design elements incorporate Penn's signature red and blue throughout the industrial-modern space, creating a distinctly Penn atmosphere while maintaining a welcoming vibe for the broader University City community.

Vendor Lineup

Campus Dining Reimagined

What sets Franklin's Table apart from typical campus dining is the caliber of operators. Goldie comes from CookNSolo Restaurant Partners, the James Beard Award-winning group behind Zahav (one of America's best restaurants) and Federal Donuts. DK Sushi is developed by Michael Schulson, whose Double Knot and Sampan helped define Philadelphia's modern dining scene. Pitruco Pizza earned its reputation through years as a beloved food truck before landing its first brick-and-mortar location at Franklin's Table.

This means students aren't settling for mediocre cafeteria food—they're getting the same quality dishes served at critically acclaimed Philadelphia restaurants, just in faster, more affordable formats. For many Penn students and faculty, Franklin's Table has become a daily ritual rather than an occasional treat.

Design & Atmosphere

The 8,000 square-foot space features an industrial-chic design with exposed elements, modern lighting, and a mix of communal tables and individual seating for approximately 175 people indoors. A back patio offers outdoor café-style tables during warmer months. The layout is open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. Unlike cramped food courts, Franklin's Table provides breathing room—you can have a conversation without feeling like you're eavesdropping on your neighbor's discussion.

Each vendor maintains its own distinct brand identity with custom counters, signage, and decor that showcase their personality. The effect is less "generic mall food court" and more "boutique food hall" with individual character at every stall.

The Student Experience

For UPenn students, Franklin's Table solves the eternal problem of group dining when everyone wants something different. One person can get vegan falafel from Goldie, another orders a burger from Gouldsburger's, a third grabs sushi from DK, and they all sit together at communal tables. The convenience of online ordering ahead for pickup during busy lunch hours makes Franklin's Table ideal for students managing tight class schedules.

The food hall also serves as a social hub and study spot. Students bring laptops, spread out at tables with friends, and treat Franklin's Table as an extension of campus life—somewhere between a dining hall and a café. The WiFi is reliable, the seating is comfortable, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between energetic and focused.

Beyond Students: Community Appeal

While Franklin's Table primarily serves Penn's student body, it has become equally popular with faculty, hospital staff from nearby Penn Medicine facilities, and University City residents. The location at 34th and Walnut makes it easily accessible for anyone in the neighborhood, not just those with a PennCard. Weekend hours (though reduced compared to weekdays) accommodate locals looking for quality fast-casual options in University City.

The quality-to-price ratio attracts diners who appreciate restaurant-level food without the full-service restaurant price tag or time commitment. A $12-15 meal at Franklin's Table delivers flavors and ingredients you'd expect from a $20-25 sit-down restaurant experience.

Hours & Accessibility

Franklin's Table operates seven days a week with extended hours Monday through Friday (11 AM - 8 or 9 PM depending on vendor) to accommodate students' varied schedules. Weekend hours are more limited (Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM), reflecting the campus community's patterns. Individual vendor hours vary, so it's worth checking which specific stalls are open before visiting.

The location is directly on Penn's main campus at the corner of 34th and Walnut, accessible via SEPTA buses and trolleys. Parking is available in nearby campus garages, though street parking in University City is notoriously difficult. For Penn community members, the food hall is an easy walk from dorms, academic buildings, and libraries.

Visitor Tips

Visit during off-peak hours (2-4 PM) for the most relaxed seating and shortest lines. Lunchtime (12-1:30 PM) gets packed with students between classes. Order online ahead when possible to skip the line. Pitruco Pizza's mushroom pizza and Goldie's tehina shake are customer favorites. DK Sushi offers "Sushi School" at the bar where you can watch chefs work while learning about different rolls and fish preparations.

Why Visit?

Franklin's Table demonstrates that campus dining can rival the city's best fast-casual restaurants when universities prioritize quality and curation over convenience alone. It's ideal for quick, high-quality meals whether you're a student rushing between classes, a professional grabbing lunch near University City, or a foodie exploring Philadelphia's diverse dining scene. The mix of established Philly favorites (Goldie, DK Sushi) with rising stars (Pitruco, PaperMill) ensures there's always something new to discover, while the communal atmosphere makes dining alone feel social and welcoming.