After months of rumors, we can confirm that Acme will run the grocery store at 40th and Walnut Streets currently operated by Fresh Grocer. In their Monday’s joint press release, the University of Pennsylvania and Acme Markets have announced the signing of a lease to develop a new supermarket at 40th and Walnut that will include a wine and beer shop and a Starbucks.
According to the press release, the new store will “offer an expansive variety of the freshest produce, top quality meats and seafood, and a large selection of natural, gluten‐free, organic, and local products” and will include indoor and outdoor seating. The University City ACME will also “feature a sushi and noodle bar, a guacamole station, a Starbucks, and a beer and wine shop.”
During the renovation period, Penn is planning to work with the surrounding community to provide some alternative access to products and services to “minimize disruption to the University and neighborhood customers.”
What remains in question though is when the transition to the new supermarket will begin. Fresh Grocer, whose lease of the space expired on March 31, tried to appeal Penn’s decision to end their lease agreement, and continues to operate in the space. An employee at the store said that he believed the store would remain open through the end of the semester. Fresh Grocer’s officials could not be reached for a comment.
April 11th, 2017 at 7:25 pm
They need to put padlocks on the doors and tell FG to get the Heck out. That place is a mess the fruits and veggies spoil with in 1 day of purchase and the workers are so rude.
April 11th, 2017 at 11:07 pm
When I heard that Penn took over and its an other store acem and I knew had a funny feeling its closing and customers and people told Me and 69th st its closing and I should told them its closing now my daughter gonna be out of a job soon and working at one job SPARC
April 13th, 2017 at 10:25 am
Hey lori
Actually, Acme will probably hire all of the employees at the store. They did the same thing when they took over Pathmark.
Your daughter will have a job.
Trust me 🙂
April 16th, 2017 at 10:05 am
I read they are resisting the eviction. Hey Fresh Grocer: DROP DEAD.
April 18th, 2017 at 2:54 pm
I’ve shopped at this Fresh Grocer since they opened and have never had an unpleasant interaction with a store employee. And, I can’t say that I’m looking forward to the sushi or guacamole stations either. This all sounds like a reason to raise the prices and already escalating meats and produce.