After 14 years, Mexican restaurant Distrito announces indefinite closure

After 14 many years of organization, Distrito, a campus favourite Mexican cafe at 40th and Chestnut streets, has shut for the remainder of the summer, with no identified reopening day.

The announcement of Distrito’s closing came abruptly on July 9, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Distrito posted on its web site that “We had hoped that we could hold out right up until the pupils return in the drop. But the unhappy truth is that the demand from customers just is not there and the restaurant can’t financially aid alone.” In 2018, a different Distrito locale in Moorestown, N.J. closed following 4 decades of procedure, correct ahead of filing for personal bankruptcy.

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Chef Jose Garces, who retains the title of Iron Chef from season two of “The Next Iron Chef,” opened Distrito in 2008. Garces established the cafe to showcase the delicacies and culture of Mexico City, with a menu concentrated on street foods served in the metropolis. Client favorites include things like the specific offerings on Taco Tuesday, these kinds of as the two for $7 tacos and $10 Milagro Reposado margaritas.

Growing School senior Spencer Rosato worked as a food runner and server at Distrito from April 2021 to May perhaps 2022, wherever he had numerous fond recollections. 

“What I actually beloved about Distrito were being the individuals that worked there. We were all good friends and experienced a wonderful time,” Rosato advised The Day by day Pennsylvanian. “Distrito is a component of the neighborhood that will be skipped.”

Distrito employees who have lost their jobs will be provided new work opportunities at Garces’ other restaurant locations, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported, together with The Olde Bar, Amada, Village Whiskey, Hook & Grasp, and Buena Onda. 

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Positioned a block from the west facet of campus, Distrito was routinely frequented by Penn pupils. Soaring School sophomore Hannah Liu claimed that she is saddened by the information and felt lucky to have visited the establishment right before its closure.

“I went there before the Spring Fling concert and the meals and ambiance [were] excellent! My buddies and I acquired a big round desk and shared a bunch of dishes,” Liu claimed to the DP. “I’m genuinely unfortunate and shocked that [Distrito is] closing due to the fact I understood how well-liked it was amongst learners.”

Soaring College or university junior Milan Chand was a regular consumer of Distrito, who told the DP that his favored component of the cafe was its vivid interior and the exclusive seating, this kind of as the Volkswagen Beetle car seats and swing booths. 

“I went there for the initial time my initial semester at Penn, so it’s constantly been in the vicinity of and dear to my coronary heart. It is been a single of my favored areas to go with all my mates,” Chand explained to the DP. “It’s a staple at Penn, and we’ll unquestionably pass up it.”