HipCityVeg permanently closed its University City location on South 40th Street earlier this month, marking the latest in a string of restaurant shutdowns near Penn.
The vegan restaurant has not specified the reason for ceasing operations. HipCityVeg posted a flyer on its front door which announced the closure and asked patrons to visit its Rittenhouse location on South 18th Street instead.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our neighbors, students, families, and every guest who supported us over the years,” the flyer read. “Thank you for making this location such a special part of our journey.”
A request for comment was left with HipCityVeg.
HipCityVeg’s last remaining Washington, D.C. location also closed this month, leaving only the Center City storefront on the restaurant’s website. Two other Washington, D.C. locations closed in 2023.
In previous years, the restaurant had a more expansive footprint, including an additional location in Center City, three in the Philadelphia suburbs, and one in Manhattan. In 2019, HipCityVeg opened locations in Ardmore and Radnor that have since closed.
Founded in 2012, HipCityVeg describes itself as bringing “delicious vegan food to people everywhere.” The restaurant’s “fast food-inspired menu” includes burgers, nuggets, salads, and shakes made using “fresh, often local and organic ingredients.”
HipCityVeg joins a growing list of University City restaurants that have ceased operations in the last two years.
Vegan falafel chain Goldie is closing three of its restaurants in the coming weeks — including its location in Franklin’s Table — leaving only one store in Center City. The owners cited a shifting post-pandemic landscape for restaurants, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Hummus Grill, another popular restaurant for Penn students, closed its doors this May after 18 years.
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.
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. 7th Street Burger is set to open a location in the property formerly occupied by Hummus Grill.
