Hummus Grill, a popular restaurant for Penn students, closed its doors last week after 18 years.
The Mediterranean restaurant, located near the intersection of Walnut and 40th streets, has served West Philadelphia since 2008. Hummus Grill’s May 14 closure makes it the latest of several University City restaurants to cease operations in the last two years.
“We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers, neighbors, students, faculty, and staff who supported us throughout the years,” the restaurant wrote in a social media post. “Being a part of the West Philadelphia and Penn community has been a privilege that we will always cherish.”
Throughout its time in University City, Hummus Grill was a popular Mediterranean choice for Penn students. The restaurant offered dishes including shawarma, kebabs, and hummus in its pick-up and delivery menu, as well as several catering packages for larger events.
In 2012, Hummus Grill was awarded Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” award for its shawarma platter.
The closure follows a series of restaurant shutdowns in the area.
In January, Ochatto Hand Drawn Noodles, Japanese Cuisine, and Bubble Tea appeared to close indefinitely. The restaurant was ordered to temporarily cease operations in October 2024 due to several health code violations.
Pod also closed in February last year after 25 years at 36th and Sansom streets. The restaurant had offered sushi and Japanese cuisine before shifting to a broader Pan-Asian menu.
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Like many other restaurants, Pod was weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic and struggled to recover.
Last year, The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke to several local restaurant owners who credited increasing rent prices and a drop in retail consumption for creating significant business turnover in the area.
In the last few months, University City has also seen several restaurant openings. Earlier this year, Taco Bell, Mango Mango Dessert, and Korea Taqueria opened locations near Penn’s campus. Wonder, a growing food hall startup, opened a University City location last September.
RELATED:
Ochatto appears to permanently shutter doors after temporary closure in 2024
Mango Mango Dessert to open new location near Penn’s campus
Staff reporter Lavanya Mani covers legal affairs and can be reached at mani@thedp.com. At Penn, she studies English. Follow her on X @lavanyamani_.
