Shop Penn

Shop Penn is thrilled to announce that Puyero will be joining its diverse culinary lineup, bringing authentic Venezuelan cuisine to the heart of University City along the iconic Sansom Row. Puyero Venezuelan Flavor serves up traditional dishes that transport diners to the Caribbean.  Visitors can look forward to experiencing the Venezuelan concept of "gozar un Puyero" – having a ton of fun – while savoring authentic arepas, empanadas, and other specialties. 

Puyero was founded in 2017 by three Venezuelan immigrants: brothers Gilberto and Simón Arends, and Gil’s wife, Manuela Villasmil, who runs the kitchen. The idea behind Puyero was to share Venezuelan culture and identity, but most importantly their food with the city of Philadelphia. At Puyero they focus on serving authentic Venezuelan street food, and their comida callejera revolves around the arepa, a round corn flour patty that is stuffed with a variety of fillings and enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their most popular arepas are the Reina Pepiada (chicken-avocado-salad) and the Pabellón (beef, beans, sweet plantains, and white cheese).  Other must-try menu items include patacones, tequeños, and a memorable tres leches for dessert.

"Puyero is more than just a restaurant; it's a piece of home we brought with us to Philly," said partner Gilberto Arends. "We're excited to share our culture, our laughs, and our flavors with the University City community and beyond," added Manuela.

Viewed as one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia’s Queen Village neighborhood (their original location) and a fan favorite feeding the Phillies clubhouse and a variety of MLB teams playing in Philadelphia in recent years, Puyero will now share their authentic fast-casual flavors with the University City community.  This exciting addition enhances the Shop Penn retail district's diverse array of eateries, among its curated shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets.

"We're thrilled to welcome Puyero to the Shop Penn family," said Ed Datz, Penn’s Executive Director of Real Estate. "Their delivery of authentic flavors and the creation of a joyful dining experience aligns well with our vision for our retail district."

Puyero is anticipated to open its doors at 3428 Sansom Street in November, offering dine-in as well as takeout, delivery, and catering. Learn more about the restaurant by visiting www.puyeroflavor.com, and watch for details around the opening of this new location by following @shopsatpenn and @puyeroflavor on social media.

MSC Retail represented the University of Pennsylvania in the transaction.

About Puyero Venezuelan Flavor

Puyero Venezuelan Flavor is a fast-casual eatery located at 524 S. 4^th Street in Philadelphia’s   Queen Village neighborhood. Puyero was founded in January 2017 by three Venezuelan immigrants, including brothers Gilberto and Simón Arends, along with Gil’s wife Manuela Villasmil. The idea behind Puyero is to share Venezuelan culture, identity, and most importantly, food with Philly, while also staying connected with their roots and becoming a home-away-from-home to the city’s growing Venezuelan community. The restaurant focuses on serving Venezuelan street food (comida callejera), which revolves around the arepa, a round corn flour patty stuffed with different fillings. The menu also includes classics such as patacones, tequeños, empanadas, and a variety of desserts.

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 65 curated shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets immersed in the region’s 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.