For college students, next to sleep, nothing is more important than food. For Elon students, this past Friday afternoon marked the opening of the long-awaited Colonnades Dining Hall.

“The Colonnades opening highlights two years of an entire student-influenced process.” said Rita Gordish, district marketing manager of ARAMARK. This process utilized surveys, demographic studies, and interest planning groups to better recognize Elon students’ needs and satisfaction.

The resulting two-story, seven-restaurant hall and market is, “the kind of place that could easily be one of the nicest campus facilities around,” junior Mac Wilson said. “It’s really upscale, I feel off-campus.”

Looks weren’t the only thing students praised. At the 1889 Grill Room, a full-service restaurant named after the year of Elon’s founding, students were stunned to find an upscale establishment that actually takes meal plan swipes. One student joked that it was “unprecedented and finally putting our meal dollars to value”.

Another eatery is on the second floor include Isabella’s, a restaurant named after Elon’s own Isabella Cannon and her passion for cultural diversity. Isabella’s serves up international cuisine right before guests on the Mongolian-style grill.

If Isabella’s isn’t your style, there’s a meal at Tuscany, the all-you-care-to-eat Mediterranean style firestone oven buffet where pasta and pizza are always on the menu. For a sweet treat or a fix for a carb-craze, the Bread Basket bakery offers a number of breads, pastries, sandwiches, soups and delectable desserts.

For those who don’t have time to sit down upstairs, the Colonnades first floor is doing its part to satisfy on-the-goers, too.

Shopping at the organic Fountain Market is made easy and get the same products supplied to Whole Foods Market chains. During prime growing seasons, the marketplace even offers regionally grown produce from area farms.

“I personally like the green ideas behind the Fountain Market. I’m glad I can purchase fresh produce on campus and be environmentally conscious.” remarked Gordish. She mentioned that other attempts to meet those fast-paced go-green needs include Boar’s Head deli fresh sandwiches and Croutons fresh tossed salads, all located within the Fountain Market.

“There’s something for everyone here. And if you’re not happy, speak up!” says Gordish. “ARAMARK has an Open Door Policy. Stop in our offices on the Colonnades first floor.”

ARAMARK is counting on to that feedback to gauge the Colonnades’ success. As a long-time anonymous staff member remarked, “it’s been a labor of love getting to this point. The hardest part is over. Now we’re just waiting to see the students respond.”

Reporter: Kristin Feeney - 09/19/07