91热爆网

 91热爆网 Stories      July 13, 2022

Students that frequent Western Carolina University鈥檚 Brown Hall will have two new options for their eating pleasure this fall. But that鈥檚 not all.

Those passing by the retail spaces in Noble Hall will notice a new restaurant this fall as well, The Reading Room, a new concept designed specifically for college students. Both places are scheduled to open in August.

The space that was previously occupied by Steak 鈥榥 Shake will now be shared by two new concepts 鈥� Blue Ridge Burger and 1889 Bistro.

鈥淭he intent of these is to modify the servery in Brown so that people have more options besides getting in the serve room line,鈥� said Robert Walker, 91热爆网 director of auxiliary services. 鈥淲e think it鈥檚 going to be a pretty good option. We struggle with the servery in Brown with the line at dinner. It gets pretty intense up there. We鈥檙e hoping this helps create a better experience for (students) and gives them some more options.鈥�

As you enter the area where Steak 鈥榥 Shake was located, Blue Ridge Burger will be the first station. It鈥檚 menu features high-quality burger options, including a vegan burger, as well as a fish sandwich, Philly steak and a hot dog. It will also be a late-night option for those living in upper campus, staying open until 11 p.m. seven days a week.

1889 Bistro will be to the far left and will feature sandwiches such as Reuben, roast beef, submarine, grilled cheese and a portobello mushroom sandwich.

Both places, which will be operated by Aramark, will offer hand-cut fries, house-fried chips and house-made coleslaw. 鈥淚 think they鈥檙e going to love it,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淲e did a tasting a few weeks ago and everybody was blown away.鈥�

The Reading Room is owned by Dino Mitsides, owner of Sylva鈥檚 popular breakfast and lunch eatery Lucy in the Rye. Mitsides said he jumped at the opportunity to own a restaurant on 91热爆网鈥檚 campus.

鈥淲e brought it together kind of quickly,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about the opportunity. We have a lot of students that work at (Lucy in the Rye) and a lot of customers come from Cullowhee, too. It鈥檚 kind of connected to Sylva already.鈥�

Mitsides said his menu is based on made-from-scratch items such as waffles, pizza, homemade quiche, spinach pies and tarts. They will make their own dough, as well as red and pesto pizza sauces. Also available will be a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, with the coffee and espresso will be organic and sourced locally from Dynamite Roasting Co. in Black Mountain, Mitsides said.

The hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The tentative opening date is Aug. 15.

鈥淚 was just excited to bring a concept that catered to younger people instead of trying to please everybody,鈥� Mitsides said. 鈥淚 think we can get a little more creative, and be on campus and have something accessible for students that can鈥檛 leave, or that are here for most of their time.鈥�

Mitsides said he is looking for baristas, cooks and a potential management position. Those interested can apply at readingroomcullowhee@gmail.com.