The University of Pennsylvania will add a healthy fast-casual eatery to its lineup later this spring.
Root & Sprig, a concept by acclaimed Chef Tom Colicchio, will open on the ground floor of the Perelman School of Medicine’s Kelley Research Building at 421 Curie Blvd., according to a press release.
Colicchio, an eight-time James Beard Award winner and head judge on Bravo’s Top Chef, opened the eatery in 2019 with co-founders Dan Guaricci and Maryrose Galez, the website reads.
The new location will be Root & Sprig’s largest, featuring a full dining area. It will join the brand’s existing University City outpost at the Health System’s Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs.
“As our first location featuring a fully designated dining space, the opportunity allows us to optimize the guest experience by offering chef-inspired meals alongside a space designed for rest, conversation and connection. We look forward to serving students, educators, administrators, and the broader community with an experience they truly deserve,” Guaricci said in a statement.
The menu will feature breakfast sandwiches and wraps made with cage-free eggs. A standout option is the Spicy Pepper Egg’wich, which combines eggs, roasted red peppers, Cabot white cheddar, arugula, sriracha, pesto aioli and lemon vinaigrette on a toasted English muffin. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m.
Beyond breakfast, Root & Sprig features avocado toast, sandwiches including a pressed option, fresh salads, acai bowls like Berry Delight and Chocolate PB&B and soups such as chicken and dumpling, tomato basil and Italian wedding.
“A meal should do more than simply meet basic needs–it should nourish the body and support overall well-being. We’re here to provide inspiring food, thoughtful experiences, and a comforting space where every person feels seen, valued, and cared for,” Colicchio said in a statement.
To pair with meals, the eatery offers specialty coffees with a coffee subscription program, handcrafted teas and smoothies.
The new location will offer dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery, along with grab-and-go food options.
Penn’s executive director of real estate is excited about the new healthy addition.
“Root and Sprig’s commitment to delivering chef-inspired, health-conscious meals in a warm, inviting setting perfectly complements our vision for Shop Penn,” Ed Datz said in a statement.
Visit the Root & Sprig website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
