As summer kicks off, King of Prussia’s dining scene is sizzling, with eight new restaurants debuting since March and at least five more slated to open this fall. Retail and restaurant space continues to thrive in Upper Merion Township, where occupancy remains strong at 97.1 percent.
Restaurants are not just part of King of Prussia’s vibrant lifestyle; they’re a vital driver of the local economy. In 2022, 6.5 percent of Upper Merion’s workforce — 4,220 individuals — were employed in the Accommodation & Food Services sector, according to OnTheMap. In 2024, the National Restaurant Association and IMPLAN economic model projected that Pennsylvania’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes much of Upper Merion, benefited from $2.9 billion in direct restaurant spending. When factoring in supply chain effects and household spending by restaurant workers, the total regional economic impact climbs to $3.7 billion, supporting more than 34,000 jobs.
This momentum is reflected locally: restaurant visits in King of Prussia reached 1.8 million over the past 90 days, signaling a full recovery from pandemic-era disruptions.
“King of Prussia’s dining growth isn’t just about more options — it’s about the kind of energy and investment that signals long-term momentum,” said Eric Goldstein, President and CEO of King of Prussia District. “As more acclaimed brands choose to launch and expand here, we’re reinforcing our role as a regional destination for food, culture, and commerce.”
New restaurants in King of Prussia since March 2025 include:
- Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar (March) — bringing fresh coastal flavors, tropical cocktails, and island vibes to the King of Prussia Mall.
- Wonder (March) — 20-plus food concepts all under one roof in the Courtside Square Shopping Center.
- The Kibitz Room (April) — located in Valley Forge Shopping Center, this long-awaited Jewish-style delicatessen revives the legacy of Michael’s Deli, which closed in 2017 after 36 years.
- Valley Forge Casino Resort Food Hall (May) — a new fast-casual experience featuring Café Primo, American Grill, Peng Zu Express, and Taqueria Buena.
- Peter Chang King of Prussia (May) — James Beard Foundation semifinalist Peter Chang brings his acclaimed Chinese cuisine to Henderson Square Shopping Center.
- First Watch King of Prussia (June) — now open at 127 South Gulph Road, next to the new Residence Inn by Marriott and The Prussia Hotel.
- 610 SOCIAL Bar + Lounge (June) — a nightlife addition inside Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar at King of Prussia Town Center, with late-night DJs, upgraded sound, and expanded hours.
- CAVA (June) — Mediterranean fast-casual favorite joining First Watch at the newly activated corner of South Gulph Road.
With exciting new additions on the horizon — including Eataly, Tommy’s Tavern + Tap, Netflix Bites (inside Netflix House), Dave & Buster’s, and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar — King of Prussia continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the region’s premier culinary and commercial destinations.
Learn more about King of Prussia District and its progressive vision of King of Prussia as Greater Philadelphia’s economic powerhouse and premier location for community and commerce.
