Oyster House, Harvest will open later in summer

Graduating seniors will miss out on the two new upscale restaurants coming to campus because they will now open later than expected.

Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House is slated to open in June, and Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar plans to open in mid-August. The Oyster House was originally scheduled for the spring and Harvest for June. Both restaurants are currently undergoing construction and renovations.

Students will be able to enjoy fresh oysters and seafood in the upscale-casual Oyster House. Harvest will offer selections prepared using local and sustainable ingredients and healthy cooking techniques, with most dishes coming in under 500 calories. The Oyster House is replacing La Terrasse Bar and Lounge at 34th and Sansom streets, and Harvest will occupy Marathon Grill and MarBar’s former location at 40th and Walnut streets.

The Oyster House will be larger than its predecessor, as it is expanding the space formerly occupied by La Terrasse. It is also awaiting final business procedures, such as obtaining a liquor license, to be finalized.

Penn announced in January that Harvest would be coming to campus, but the restaurant is undergoing more extensive renovations than the Oyster House, which was announced in February, said Dave Magrogan, owner of both restaurants.

Harvest will have a new kitchen, outdoor patio and a new interior design to connect the two levels.

Facilities and Real Estate Services spokesperson Jennifer Rizzi said more time was needed for business matters and construction of the two restaurants. “The changes that they are making are making a better offering,” she said.

Even though the openings will now miss business from students during the school year, Magrogan does not see this as a problem.

“It’s a great way to gain experience with the market … [and] build a relationship with the residents,” he said.

Penn’s Executive Director of Real Estate Ed Datz expects both locations to be attractive to the community.

Datz believes that when the students return to campus in September, they will enjoy the restaurants. “They are two new offerings that are complimentary to the options currently offered,” he said.

Students looking for a comfortable place to eat quality seafood and relax for lunch and dinner will be attracted to the Oyster House, and those mindful of healthy eating will likely enjoy Harvest’s offerings, Magrogan said. He added that while both are considered upscale-casual restaurants offering high-quality dishes, they would be affordable for the average student’s budget.

Though Magrogan owns both, the decision was made because of the appeal of each restaurant’s individual concepts, Datz said.

Related

University City anticipates two upscale restaurant openings

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar to fill vacant space at 40th, Walnut

Harvest Seasonal Grill adds competition to local food scene

Oyster House to open on Sansom St.

Restaurant vacancies pile up around Penn’s campus

Campus restaurants are on a diet

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