Alan Su Leased Philadelphia Space for New Sagami
The owner of the historic Japanese restaurant has secured a new site at the former Pod location in University City.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Japanese Food
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Alan Su has signed a lease to open a second Sagami restaurant at 3636 Sansom Street in Philadelphia. The new location, situated at the Inn at Penn, will replace the space formerly occupied by Pod.
Why it matters
The expansion aims to bring the legacy of the original South Jersey-based Sagami to a new student and neighborhood audience in Philadelphia. Su seeks to maintain the brand’s reputation while offering family-style dining options in the University City area.
The new restaurant will feature a large sushi counter designed for up to eight chefs, replacing the previous conveyor-belt sushi area. The space will also offer in-house noodle production.
The players
Alan Su
He is a restaurateur who owns Nom Nom Ramen, Umami, and Shiso.
Chizuko Fukuyoshi
She was the owner of the original Sagami restaurant who passed away in 2024.
The details
The restaurant will retain the three distinct dining pods that defined the site's previous tenant, updating the upholstery for the new establishment. Alan Su, who also operates Nom Nom Ramen, Umami, and Shiso, acquired the original Sagami restaurant in early 2025.
Timeline
1974: The original Sagami opened in South Jersey.
July 2024: Longtime owner Chizuko Fukuyoshi passed away at age 79.
January 1, 2025: Alan Su acquired the original Sagami restaurant.
February 2025: The Pod restaurant closed after 25 years of operation.
Summer 2027: The new restaurant is expected to open.
Culture Shift
The transition of this high-profile space reflects a broader trend of local operators reclaiming legendary dining spots to cater to evolving campus and neighborhood demographics. This move positions Su to blend the legacy of a James Beard semifinalist brand with the high-traffic demands of the University City market.
University City residents and students can expect a new family-style dining option and a sushi-focused menu by next summer. The restaurant will serve both lunch and lunch specials, offering a new dining choice for the local community.
The takeaway
This expansion brings a storied restaurant brand to a new, prominent location in Philadelphia. Visitors can look forward to a blend of traditional sushi service and house-made noodles when the space debuts next year.
Further reading
Learn more about the local culinary landscape in our Japanese Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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