August 26, 2015
Reading Terminal Market announced Wednesday that it will remain open during the pope's visit to Philadelphia, but it will run on a different schedule.
The market will stay open one hour later than usual on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26; it will close early on Sunday, Sept. 27.
“After much planning and preparation, we are pleased to announce that Reading Terminal Market will remain open during the World Meeting of Families Congress and for Pope Francis’ visit in September,” said Reading's General Manager Anuj Gupta in a statement.
The market will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. It will otherwise operate during its normal hours.
Related story: Reading Terminal Market unsure if it will be open for papal visit
There were fears that security measures put in place during the pope's visit would make it too difficult for Reading Terminal Market to stay open, but Gupta said that the business has worked around most of the issues.
"We have found solutions to some of the obstacles enough that the majority of merchants want to be open, and believe they can open and offer really good quality product," Gupta told the Philadelphia Business Journal.
The market is bringing in extra refrigeration trucks for storage and is considering running a shuttle to pick up employees who cannot drive in the traffic box.
The majority of stores will be open, but many vendors will likely offer limited menus.
Relatedly, the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia also announced on Wednesday that it will operate on a regular schedule during the Pope's visit.
