By: Sydney Franklin
The Grill, Milligan’s only dining alternative to the cafeteria is expanding this fall. And be prepared people, we are getting a Starbucks.
“It’ll be a surprise when everyone gets back,” said Mark Henry, director of food services on campus.
The Grill will go under construction this summer, taking over the Fireside Lounge and renovating its style and menu to resemble popular restaurants like Panera Bread Company and Jason’s Deli.
All plans are tentative thus far, including furniture, layout design and menu. But President Greer announced two weeks ago at “Pizza with The President” that students could expect big changes. And one of those changes is the addition of a fully operating Starbucks on campus.
“The project has been under development for the past couple of years,”
said Greer. “We’re able to complete it this summer thanks to the generous support of Pioneer Food Service and the Hoover-Price Foundation of Ohio, who have provided funds for the project.”
Milligan and Pioneer College Caterers have a deal with franchises like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A that allow certain restaurants to be put on campus. Henry said Milligan is too small to bring in enough revenue for Chick-fil-A, which requires a certain quota of money each year.
Both Henry and Greer decided implementing an on-campus Starbucks was the best option.
“This project is part of our ongoing efforts to provide the best experience possible for our students,” said Greer. “In this case, the project will benefit both residential students as well as commuters, providing everyone with a much more pleasant dining option.”
Henry describes the Starbucks as one you might see at Target or Barnes & Noble. He said that Milligan will be hiring and training students to work there starting this fall.
All espressos, lattes, smoothies and pastries offered at the Johnson City Starbucks on Roan Street will be featured here at Milligan too.
The Starbucks will be open Monday to Friday 7-12 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday 7 p.m. to midnight. Starbucks gift cards will not be accepted at this time.
Henry is especially excited about new menu for The Grill. While keeping the tradition of selling American style recipes like cheeseburgers, personal pan pizzas, chicken finger baskets and quesadillas, the menu will feature some healthier options as well.
Henry hopes to add gourmet salads, specialty sandwiches and soups similar to the Panera menu. This may even include a half soup/half salad/half sandwich combo. The Grill is receiving new equipment like the Turbochef Oven that will toast a sandwich in just seconds.
The new and improved Grill will even have a pager system. Students can order their food and leave the dining area because the pagers will work anywhere in the building.
Next year students can also expect an upgrade from 15 to 25 exchanges meals each semester.
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