Marathon 'elected' to close?
Court records show a debt to the landlord of more than $186,000.
Marathon 'elected' to close?
Michael Klein, Philly.com
There are at least two sides to every story, and the seemingly abrupt closing of the Marathon Grill at 1339 Chestnut St. on Dec. 7 is no different.
Marathon released a statement late that evening, explaining: "Due to increasing rental expenses, Marathon has elected to close its Broad and Chestnut Street location."
Philadelphia Municipal Court records show Marathon was evicted from its location of 15 years over back rent of more than $186,600. The landlord filed suit back in March. Several extensions delayed any action. (See the notice.)
It's highly unusual for an eviction to be carried out during business hours.
A now-unemployed waitress, who asked me not to disclose her identity, said she and other servers were wrapping up the lunch rush about 3 p.m. when a woman asked to see the manager. At once, two men came in and changed the door locks. A Philadelphia police officer stood in the doorway. Staff was ordered to tell customers, some of whom were still eating, that they had to leave. Their food was packed up to go. Then staff - including cooks and dishwashers - was told to gather their personal belongings and leave.
Staff got an email about 4 p.m. that read:
HEY EVERYONE, We will be closed tonight and tomorrow. We will be keeping everyone updated on changes that are happening and [manager] will call a meeting as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience during this time. Management
This was followed at midnight by another:
Crazy how they spin the truth. Can't trust these owners. How soon before all the sites close down? Bye, Marathon!— PhillyWings- The owner is Neil Steins sister Cheryl. Yes the same Neil Stein that owes the city $1 million in back taxes, nough said right?
— 420-24-7 - Marathon is a local treasure. If those who don't realize that, or take Marathons for granted, just travel around to other cities and taste test their local chains. By comparison, Marathon offers quality food at very reasonable prices, in nice, clean settings, with excellent service.— mmds
- Sure... if you "treasure" meh food and slooooooow service. — blunted1
- Ha ha. Sure if you think a chain somehow represents the best culinary offering of a city. — Kcrul147
- I am not sure how it is a treasure, but I agree it is local. I have only had *decent* food there with pretty good service. Marathon is perfectly fine, but I can't see that making it a treasure.
What was a treasure was that Indian place at the corner of Juniper and Walnut that IHOP replaced after a "rent increase." That was a real shame. - You mean that indian place that moved a few doors down? Get in the city much? — p
- The Indian restaurant a few doors down from Juniper and Walnut is Minar Palace, which used to be on Sansom Street past 16th. The one that closed, where IHop is now, was A Passage to India -- a different restaurant altogether.
- The Indian restaurant a few doors down from Juniper and Walnut is Minar Palace, which used to be on Sansom Street past 16th. The one that closed, where IHop is now, was A Passage to India -- a different restaurant altogether.
Of course we all feel for the people that lost their jobs. Though questions remain. What was Marathon's monthly rent and how long did it take to accrue the debt of $186K ? Why didn't they pay their rent ?- The lack of anything relevant in this article is maddening.— SilliBilli
- I ate at this place while visiting Philly over Thanksgiving and it was not good...and the service was worse...— soalivetoday
- They are related to Neil Stein. What do you expect?— Reprehensible
- no this is a simple case of childeren taking over a parents businesses and running it into the ground....this is the 3rd Marathon Location to close in 3 years ..(University City/Old City/and 13th and Chestnut)..... even the parents original partners (the Spain Family) dont't want to be in business with the children ....— genius1977
- I know why the place closed. It was truly awful! Non-payment of rent is just a secondary reason. No loss here, at all.
NEXT...maybe a really good place will take its place.— Chris Van Wyk
