If you’ve been to Philadelphia’s William Gray III 30th Street Station lately, you might’ve noticed some big changes.
Trains are operating as usual, but the start of a long-planned, large-scale renovation has shuttered the Amtrak station’s previous food and retail options — from a Wendy’s to a Philly Pretzel Factory to a flower stand.
The South Concourse is slated to reopen in summer 2025, and long-term plans include a reimagined retail and food area with around 20 “new eating and retail shopping options, including local brands,” Amtrak spokesperson Beth Toll told Hey Philly in January.
The interim food situation isn't as extensive, though. It’s left some passengers wondering where to grab a bite before their journeys from 30th Street — the third-busiest Amtrak station in the country.
Here’s a rundown of what’s available right now.
Hudson — a company you might recognize if you’ve traveled through airports in North America — is operating a temporary stand with snacks, souvenirs, magazines, and other travel items while the renovations are underway. There are self-checkout counters, with attendants standing nearby.
The Dunkin’ near the station’s 30th Street entrance offers baked goods, coffee, and other breakfast foods. It’s open around the clock, according to the company website. Owned by a local franchisee, the location is included in the station’s permanent programming plan, according to Toll. There’s also a second Dunkin’ location (with more limited hours) located on the SEPTA Regional Rail concourse, which is in the northwest corner of the building.
The temporary Pret A Manger kiosk on the main concourse of 30th Street Station. (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)
You’ll find two locations of the British sandwich chain at the station right now: one on the main concourse, and another at the top of the ramp that leads to the SEPTA concourse.
Both of those Pret outposts are temporary, according to Toll, but passengers can expect to see a permanent location as part of the long-term plan for food and drink at 30th Street.
Vending Machines
You can find two Farmer’s Fridge vending machines along the main Amtrak concourse, which include salads, sandwiches, and other dishes packed in jars. The Chicago-based company’s website says each jar’s contents are made with “fresh, whole, clean-label raw materials.”
Next to that, there’s a machine where you can buy small-batch layer cakes, including a couple vegan options, made by South Carolina-based Daisy Cakes and packaged in little jars.
More traditional vending machine fare, like packaged snacks and bottled drinks, are available from vending machines on the SEPTA concourse.
Next Door: Garces Trading Co.
30th Street Station is directly connected to the skyscraper Cira Centre, which has a cafe in its lobby. Garces Trading Co. is only open on weekdays, between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. To get there, follow the signage at the end of the SEPTA concourse.
The original version of this article was published in January 2024. It has been updated to reflect the offerings at 30th Street Station as of June 2024.
