Marathon

Details Emerge On Jen Carroll’s NYC Restaurant

Posted by Jason Sheehan on November 27th, 2012

Curious about what’s happening with Jen Carroll’s new Greenwich Village version of Concrete Blonde? Even more curious about the events that transpired which drew her out of the confines of Philly and into the deep waters of the NYC restaurant scene? Well, over on the Philly Post, Richard Rys has some of the answers–which include ex-boyfriends, battles with investors, the loss of a damn-near-perfect Center City location (rhymes with Schmarathon…) and the magic of television.

Here’s a taste:

[Carroll] refuses to nail down a target opening date (“sometime in 2013”), and acknowledges that while her Top Chef cachet kept her afloat this past year, it may work against her in a city where jaded gourmands feast on failed celebuchefs. Her plan to avoid that fate is blunt, as usual: “The food has to be fucking amazing,” she says. “I need to live up to it. If not, it’s my fault.”

You can check out the whole interview right now, over on the Philly Post. Just follow the link below.

Jen Carroll Dishes On Her New York Restaurant [Philly Post]

Will Marathon Go the Distance?

Posted by Foobooz on April 2nd, 2012

Philadelphia magazine’s Steve Volk looks at the Marathon restaurant chain and its recent troubles.

The Marathon Grill restaurant chain has been serving up as much drama as grilled chicken of late. First its University City location shuttered. Then the company left its 13th and Chestnut store over a not-so-little matter of $186,600 in back rent. And the 10th and Walnut location closed as part of a recent legal settlement with longtime partners Murray and Bernard Spain, who alleged in a lawsuit that co-owner Cary Borish had led the restaurants into a “series of … problems, and … encountered severe financial distress.”

Restaurant Death Watch: Which Marathon Will Be Next To Go?

Posted by Jason Sheehan on December 12th, 2011

Things are looking rough for the Marathon empire. Between the lawsuits, closures, property seizures and rumors of worse on the way, the local chain (which has lost half its locations in the past year, two just last week) seems to be heading in a decidedly southerly direction. As of today, there are still operating locations at 16th and Sansom, 19th and Market and 19th and Spruce, but…

…in May of this year, the chain shut down its University City Marathon and MarBar locations at 40th and Walnut, citing lagging business.

…early last week, the Borish family (who own the Marathon operation) settled a lawsuit brought against them by partners Bernard and Murray Spain. As part of that settlement, the 10th and Walnut Marathon location went to Barry Gutin and Larry Cohen, the guys behind Cuba Libre. Word is, they’re going to be opening a new restaurant there and Matt Levin (ex of Adsum) is going to be their chef.

…on December 7, the 13th and Chestnut location got a visit by a Philadelphia police officer and two other men who changed the locks and booted everyone out–in the middle of lunch. Though Marathon is claiming that they chose to close due to “increased occupancy costs,” the landlord says different, claiming that Marathon was evicted due to more than $186,000 in unpaid rent.

So, with things trending in a downward fashion for the once-powerful restaurant group, the next question is obvious: Which Marathon do you think will be be the next to close?

Answers in the comments section, and don’t forget to show your work.

Another Marathon Is Finished

Posted by Foobooz on December 8th, 2011

Tuesday we received word that the Marathon at 10th and Walnut was changing hands and Matt Levin would be the chef at the new restaurant. Today we were forwarded this email stating the Marathon on the 1300 block of Chestnut was also closing.

From Marathon Restaurants on behalf of the Marathon family.

Due to increasing rental expenses, Marathon has elected to close its Broad and Chestnut Street location. Marathon has been operating restaurants in this City since 1984 and will continue its commitment to focus on its primary passion of serving locally sourced, quality food at affordable prices to Philadelphians at its other Center City restaurants located at 16th and Sansom Streets, 19th and Spruce Streets, 1818 Market Street and 10th & Walnut.

This will mark the third Marathon to close this year as the University City location was shuttered earlier this year. High rent was also blamed.

Marathon [Official Site]

Matt Levin Has a New Restaurant?

Posted by Foobooz on December 6th, 2011

Just yesterday, we were literally weighing the 300-page lawsuit that Bernard Spain and Murray Spain had brought against Marathon restaurants and the Borish family. Today, we find out from Dan Gross that the suit is settled. Phew, that’s a lot less reading for us.

Gross notes that as part of the settlement, the 10th and Walnut location of Marathon will be taken over Barry Gutin and Larry Cohen of Cuba Libre. That’s where our pal HughE Dillon steps in with this great nugget: He hears Matt Levin will be the chef at the new restaurant.

Dan Gross [Philadelphia Daily News]
Matt Levin Makes a Move [Philly Chit Chat]

Slideshow: Down On the (Marathon) Farm

Posted by Victor Fiorillo on June 6th, 2011

This Saturday at 10 a.m., the brand new half-acre Marathon Farm in North Philadelphia debuts its community farm market. I took a ride out there on Friday to take a look around with Marathon Grill owner Cary Borish and farmer Adam Hill. I managed to eat some beets out of the ground, avoid the bees, and snap a bunch of photos. Click through to the jump for a slideshow of my morning at the farm. Read the rest of this entry »

Tonight: Dollar Drinks and Free Food

Posted by Foobooz on May 11th, 2011

As Victor Fiorillo tipped us off in his Weekender Newsletter, the Marathon Grill at 1818 Market is kicking of its outdoor happy hour today. From 5 to 6 p.m. drinks are $1 and food is free.

First Bite: Marathon’s $11 Cheesesteak

Posted by Victor Fiorillo on March 31st, 2011

Yesterday, I had the chance to try the new cheesesteak from Marathon Grill, which the company has been toying with over the last few months. The latest prototype was on the specials list for the first half of the week, though if you’re feeling hungry, note that it’s not available today. Like many cheesesteaks in and around town, this one is served on a Sarcone’s roll. Unlike virtually every cheesesteak on the planet, this one features local grass-fed organic beef, specifically from the family-owned 100 acre Jennings Farm in Medford. Read the rest of this entry »

Never Settle for a Subpar Salad

Posted by Foobooz on May 3rd, 2010

marathon veg grain salad

Perfect for a Monday after too much weekend eating: Living on the Vedge says you should never settle for salad. Here are six to try without compromise.

Marathon – Grilled Vegetable and Grains
Standard Tap – Beet Salad
Thoreau – The Inverno and the Asian-Pacific Salad
Bar Ferdinand – Ensalada de Col y Garbanzo
Farmicia – French Lentil Salad
A Full Plate – Brussels Sprout Salad

Raising the Salad Bar [Living on the Vedge]

Tonight

Posted by Foobooz on April 5th, 2010

The Wishing Well opens at 8th and Catharine. Check out the SHAME Burger after reading these previews. [Grub Street, Meal Ticket]

Later this evening Marathon on the Square kicks off an industry night. There will be $3 beers, $5 sangria, $4 bites and live DJs from 9pm to 2am.

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