Korea Taqueria Just Expanded in University City, Marking the Third Location for Its Growing Concept
Korea Taqueria is starting 2026 with a major milestone: the Philly-born concept has officially opened a brand-new location in University City, marking its third brick-and-mortar and first-ever quick-service format. The new outpost is now open inside Franklin’s Table at 34th and Walnut Streets, right on the UPenn’s campus.
Owned and operated by Alexander Sherack and Rene Lopez, Korea Taqueria has grown rapidly since launching as a food truck in 2022. The duo opened their first brick-and-mortar in Gray’s Ferry in 2023, followed by a second location in Kensington in 2024. Now, with the University City opening officially debuting on January 20, the team is bringing their Korean-Mexican flavors to one of Philadelphia’s busiest food hubs.
Unlike Korea Taqueria’s previous locations, the UPenn spot is designed as a fast, streamlined concept. Guests can expect a condensed menu focused on bowls, burritos, and tacos—built for speed, convenience, and customization.
“Think Chipotle-style service, but with all your favorite Korea Taqueria flavors,” Sherack explained.
The move wasn’t random. The team had already been operating a different concept, Paper Mill, out of the same Franklin’s Table stall. With Korea Taqueria gaining momentum, the decision was made to fully convert the space.
“We were already in this stall, and Korea Taqueria was really on a roll,” Sherack said. “We always wanted to try this quick-service model with burritos and tacos, so we decided to turn the space into a full Korea Taqueria and just roll with it.”
Despite the rapid expansion, Sherack emphasized that growth remains thoughtful and measured. There are no aggressive franchising plans or massive rollouts on the immediate horizon.
“Rene and I are slowly growing one by one,” he said. “Everything feels like a natural step—not too risky, not a stretch of our abilities. This year we’re focused on tightening things up and doing what we already do really well.”
