Doc Magrogan's in University City is closed
It shut down over July 4 for what was described as repairs. "We have been discussing possible partnerships or even selling this location with several groups over the past year," the owner said.
The 4-year-old University City branch of Doc Magrogan's Oyster House - on the former site of the Penn landmark La Terrasse, 3432 Sansom St. - has been closed since early July with what's been described as a plumbing issue and water damage related to an upstairs apartment.
Now it appears that owner Dave Magrogan won't reopen it, at least as a Doc Magrogan's.
A sign has appeared on the door proclaiming "an exciting new restaurant coming this fall."
Magrogan, through his representative, said his company was focusing its energy on its Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bars. Magrogan owns a Harvest at 40th and Walnut Streets.
"With four Harvest locations opening next year, we have been looking for the right opportunities to find partners of sell some of our non-Harvest restaurants," he said in a statement.
"We have been discussing possible partnerships or even selling this location with several groups over the past year," he wrote. "During our annual 4th of July break (we normally close this location for the week as business is very slow, which gives us time to do maintenance, paint and repairs), we had a significant water leak from an apartment above, which flooded our bar area. This required us to extend the time we were closed, which accelerated the conversations with interested parties."
A rep of the University of Pennsylvania, the landlord, directed questions about the property last week to Magrogan.
Magrogan has been juggling his portfolio as he concentrates on Harvest, whose concept is based on locally sourced, nutritionally sound food.
In July 2015, he sold Kildare's Pub in West Chester. In December, he sold his Barra Rossa Italian restaurant in Downingtown. In April, he sold the Center City Barra Rossa to a manager.
Meanwhile, he recently opened a Harvest in Radnor and a Doc Magrogan's in Sea Isle City.
A check of public records shows an IRS judgment against Fish Market University City LLC, the corporate entity of the University City Doc's, for $27,680.