Shop Penn District Welcomes Delco Steaks and Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea to Franklin’s Table
Media Relations Contact:
Jennifer Rizzi, Communications Director
Penn Facilities & Real Estate Services
215.573.6107, rizzi@upenn.edu
Local favorite cheesesteak shop, Delco Steaks, and globally popular boba tea shop, Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea, plan to open at Franklin’s Table Food Hall in the coming weeks. These two unique dining options will add to the already diverse mix of local eateries under one roof in the heart of the University’s campus. Franklin’s Table opened in 2018, and has since been delivering quality and culturally inspired cuisine that has something for everyone who comes to the table for a taste. Delco Steaks and Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea bring authentic traditions and local favorites to the premier lineup of food and beverage offerings at the food hall.
“We curate the mix of shopping and dining options at Penn to be a destination experience,” explains Ed Datz, Penn’s Executive Director of Real Estate. “The additions of both Delco Steaks and Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea to Franklin’s Table will add to the lineup of critically acclaimed chefs and local best-in-class operators at the Food Hall, making it a destination for culturally diverse cuisine and local favorites.”
Delco Steaks is not just another typical cheesesteak shop. Using Pennsylvania-farmed prime rib eye and rolls from South Philly’s Carangi Baking Company, Delco Steaks’ goal is to provide the best tasting food using locally sourced meats and dairy. Owners Nick Reynolds and John McKenzie, along with Steve Reynolds as the COO overseeing daily operations, are excited to bring their award winning cheesesteaks to Franklin’s Table in University City.
Delco Steaks opened their first restaurant in March of 2020 right as the COVID-19 outbreak began. While the pandemic provided a variety of challenges for most restaurants, Delco Steaks began to gain a strong following. Shortly after, they were named the ‘2021 Best of Philly’ for cheesesteaks by Philly Mag and have continued to grow in popularity with locations throughout the Delaware Valley.
Having a passion for cooking and great food, the menu contains favorites such as burgers, chicken, and fries to complement their signature cheesesteaks. Delco Steaks believes these Philadelphia staples are enhanced by using the best and freshest ingredients, and they hope to expand upon their existing success with the opening of their University City location.
Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea is a cult-favorite boba tea shop, established by the love of traditional Taiwanese recipes and techniques. The company is committed to providing the highest quality boba tea infused with raw ingredients. Yi Fang creates all of their hand crafted beverages utilizing old-fashioned brewing methods passed down from generations.
Yi Fang, named after the family’s matriarch, originated from humble beginnings. For three generations, their family had been planting pineapples for a living. Their grandmother braised overripe golden pineapples into a homemade jam, and this secret recipe became the main ingredient in the company’s most popular drink, Yi Fang Fruit Tea.
Yi Fang is thrilled to treat University City to a taste of Taiwan by bringing their unique teas and beverages to Franklin’s Table Food Hall. Each beverage is crafted with home-made organic cane sugar, seasonal fresh fruits, and natural ingredients making them 100% real and organic. Franklin’s Table will be Yi Fang’s second Philadelphia location.
The vibrant mix of local entrepreneur retailers and quality purveyors at Franklin’s Table continues to meet trending food desires: wood-fired pizza, specialty sushi, falafel, shakes, and top-tier sandwich selections -- most from local sources. Delco Steaks and Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea are eager to open and will enhance the already thriving food destination in University City with their premium offerings.
Follow on social media to stay up-to date on their upcoming openings and offerings for Delco Steaks (@delcosteaks – Instagram, Facebook; @delco_steaks – Twitter) and Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea (@yifangphilly – Instagram, Facebook).
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 and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (@shopsatpenn) for information on openings and offerings.