Penn Welcomes PaperMill Asian Kitchen to Franklin’s Table
‘Home of the Spurrito’ Makes Itself at Home at the Food Hall
Media Relations Contact:
Jennifer Rizzi, Communications Director
Penn Facilities & Real Estate Services
215.573.6107, rizzi@upenn.edu
Fresh spring roll, meet burrito. Franklin’s Table, meet PaperMill. A food truck and caterer that specializes in fresh Asian foods, PaperMill will soon open its first ever brick-and-mortar location in University City at the Franklin’s Table Food Hall in March of this year, announces Penn’s Division of Facilities & Real Estate Services.
PaperMill Fresh Asian Kitchen started as a farmers market stall on the beaches of Sydney, Australia in 2016. It’s known for its signature Spurritos, fresh spring roll burritos wrapped in rice paper and filled with a wide choice of proteins, fresh vegetables, and house-made sauces. After a year of ‘slinging Spurritos’ out of a tent, Founder Alex Sherack followed his heart, venturing to Philadelphia to open a food truck in the city’s burgeoning mobile vending scene. Since those U.S. beginnings, PaperMill has been a staple at festivals and street fairs in the tri-state area, and known to vend regularly only a few blocks away from their new home, on the corner of 33rd & Market, at The Porch and at Pennovation Works.
“Our food is inspired by the vibrant flavors of South-East Asia, the Korean flavors I know growing up with my mother’s cooking, and a touch of influence from Aussie beach culture,” explains Alex. “The menu items are truly a labor of love; made to order, flavorful and will have you dancing as you take each delectable bite!”
Coming off two years of product testing, foodies can expect a broad ‘Fresh-Asian’ inspired menu that includes their famous Spurritos, made-to-order bowls, Banh-Mi hoagies, sides and a range of refreshing beverages. Some of the biggest hits have been their Korean style beef Spurrito with pickled cucumber and a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, a green curry bowl with chicken, and their sesame garlic tofu Spurrito dressed with spicy peanut sauce. PaperMill caters to all types of eaters, including gluten-free, vegans and vegetarians.
“Penn’s overall master planning and analysis of retail trends guide the latest additions to shopping and dining in our portfolio,” said Ed Datz, Penn’s Executive Director of Real Estate. “PaperMill is one of the area’s popular food trucks with a true fan following in Philly, and we are excited that they are bringing their unique brand of fresh, healthy Asian fusion cuisine to Franklin’s Table for more of the community to experience.”
Franklin’s Table opened in March of 2018 with a premier lineup of food and beverage offerings from critically acclaimed chefs and local best-in-class operators. PaperMill joins the popular food hall purveyors of Goldie, Dizengoff, DK Sushi, High Street Provisions, KQ Burger, and fellow food trucker Pitruco Pizza. This unique mix of local eateries under one roof in the heart of the University’s campus is delivering a quality and cultural feast that has something for everyone who comes to the table for a taste.
“Having the privilege of opening a storefront in a prime location like Franklin’s Table is truly a dream come true, “ Alex added. “It’s a surreal feeling to be setting up shop among some of the most renowned Philadelphia eateries here at the food hall. We’ve definitely come a long way.”
Learn more about the delicious offerings available at PaperMill by visiting papermillfoods.com and follow Alex’s culinary journey at @papermillfoods on Instagram and Facebook, and PaperMill Fresh Asian Kitchen on YouTube.
MSC Retail represented the University of Pennsylvania in the transaction.
About SHOP PENN Retail District
Penn’s retail district offers an inspired, contemporary shopping and dining experience, open to all. Spanning ten city blocks from 30th to 40th Streets and across Spruce, Walnut, and Chestnut Streets, the district features more than 75 curated shopping and dining outlets immersed in the region’s most beautiful and historic university campus. The diverse collection of retail offerings—including national brands and independent shops—provides the highest quality options at every price point for the Penn community, surrounding neighborhoods, and beyond. Visit the SHOP PENN website for a full listing of retailers.