Staff Editorial: Scoop's up

A good scoop of ice cream may soon be just a short walk away. Scoop de Ville, a Rittenhouse Square ice cream purveyor, is in serious talks with the University about establishing a location on campus.

If the deal goes through, it could be one of the best additions Penn could make to Houston Hall.

With the exception of Le Petit Creperie, the nation's first student union is lacking original Philadelphia eateries -- Aramark certainly doesn't count.

The Houston Market offers a fair variety of food options as it stands now, but outlets such as "Blaze!" leave a lot to be desired.

Instead of a generic hamburger shop, why not have something that people have heard of, such as Wendy's? Better yet, why not invite a landmark Philadelphia establishment to open a franchise in the food court?

That's exactly what Scoop de Ville would be for Houston Hall.

It is an eatery that started in the city and has made a name for itself among locals and visitors alike.

These are the types of tenants Penn should have in mind when seeking restaurants and retail to place around campus. Moravian Cafes, we're looking in your direction.

Furthermore, by bringing Scoop de Ville to campus, the University would be making Houston Hall more of a destination for those in need of a quick snack.

Recent additions along the 40th Street corridor have been a driving force behind shifting focus to the west end of campus. And while providing more options for students is always a good thing, one side effect has been a decline in people choosing to eat in the student union's food court.

Another anchor store in Houston Hall could be a major traffic boost in heart of campus.

Scoop de Ville came to Penn and asked to be a part of campus. In turn, the University should do everything it can to make that happen. And there's no better place than Houston Hall.

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