An interactive map of University City restaurants that accept the new PennEats discount card. Related article: Penn eats cheap with new card
Penn students now have a way to save money without giving up their favorite restaurants.
Launched in July, PennEats is a student-run company that allows members to save 10 percent at nine participating restaurants near Penn.
Discounts are redeemed using a wallet-sized plastic card, available online and through PennEats representatives around campus.
Cards have been selling for $12.99 throughout the summer and will cost $15 starting this Friday.
There are a limited, though unspecified, number of cards still available. The discount lasts through May 2011.
According to its website, “PennEats is a business founded by Penn students for Penn students.”
Elizabeth Wessel, a College junior and the CEO and founder of PennEats, decided to start the company last spring when she realized that many other schools had discount programs, but none existed at Penn.
Wessel, a Daily Pennsylvanian contributing writer, created PennEats with Vice President and co-founder Adam Friedman, a College senior.
After seeing similar discount cards elsewhere, Wessel brought her idea to Friedman.
PennEats employs students from diverse parts of campus life — including many fraternity and sorority representatives, as well as club members and athletes — to sell the cards.
“I think the PennEats card is a great idea because it gives students the chance to eat out more and take advantage of the amazing places to eat on campus on a more affordable level,” said Hannah Littman, a College sophomore and cardholder.
She added that since buying the card last week, it had nearly paid for itself.
Wessel said she thinks the cards will help local businesses expand their clientele.
Marco Lentini, owner of Gia Pronto and Taglio, said he decided to include his restaurants in the PennEats program after hearing a pitch from the “persuasive founder.”
He added that he admired the entrepreneurial “grassroots effort,” which he said was similar to how he started his restaurants.
Wessel and Friedman plan to donate a large percentage of their profits to the Southeastern Pennsylvania branch of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program.
The pair mentors for the organization in West Philadelphia.
“We are very grateful for the financial support we receive from PennEats, which will help us bring more Penn student mentors into the lives of children who need them,” said Marlene Olshan, the CEO of the regional BBBS program.
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