After a lengthy delay, Marathon Grill is preparing to open this summer.
The restaurant, which will be located inside of the Bridge: Cinema de Lux at 40th and Walnut streets, was originally slated to open in January. However, zoning problems have pushed back the eatery's opening to June, according to Cary Borish, one of the restaurant's owners.
"Primarily, it was a zoning change," Borish said. "Originally, it was zoned just as a restaurant -- not to provide takeout food. We got a takeout variance."
Now that Marathon has obtained the needed zoning changes, construction on the restaurant's interior have begun to transform the space.
"It takes about three to four months to construct a restaurant since we're doing it from the ground up," Borish said.
Additionally, the restaurant's second floor will be the home of MarBar, a bar and lounge catering specifically to students. Borish also said that during the warmer months, customers can expect an abundance of outdoor seating.
And despite Marathon Grill's projected summer opening, the University isn't worried about a lack of student clientele.
"Marathon Grill is also a destination restaurant," University Real Estate and Facilities spokesman Tony Sorrentino said. "You're talking about a very big market for that restaurant. That location can't be beat."
Sorrentino went on to say that the summer opening also gives Marathon Grill "an opportunity to open and stretch their legs" in anticipation of the onslaught of students in September.
And the University is not the only group to be excited about Marathon Grill coming to the area.
The Bridge also stands to benefit from the restaurant, as it will be located inside of the theater.
"We expect that the addition of this new restaurant will help drive more traffic to the theater," said Jennifer Hanson, a spokeswoman for National Amusements, the company that owns the Bridge.
Hanson added that Marathon "will provide additional options to people looking to combine dinner and a movie and make an entire afternoon or evening out of their trip to the theater."
Sorrentino echoed that postive sentiment.
"The folks that live in University City are going to be excited to have an incredible restaurant above an incredible movie theater," he said.
Marathon Grill, owned and operated by the Borish family, was established in 1984 in Northeast Philadelphia. Today, the chain has six restaurants, all of which are located in Center City.
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