Students on a carb diet better look out.
The Pasta House Co., which will be occupying the building formerly housing Colorado’s restaurant, is set to open for business Monday, Nov. 18.
While a Grand Opening is likely to be scheduled in January at the beginning of the spring semester, pre-opening events are in the works for the weekend before Nov. 18, said Rob Altholz, vice president of Business and Finance. Details of the pre-opening weekend are still being worked out, Altholz said.
SLU purchased the franchise earlier this year. The University originally wanted The Pasta House Co. to own and operate the restaurant, but the company said it would not be able to do so financially if it had to pay rent. Since the University already owns the building, SLU will have no rent fees.
The opening of the restaurant means a job opportunity for students who wish to work on campus. According to Altholz, positions are now open. “Pay ranges will be consistent with other Pasta House restaurants,” Altholz said.
One benefit of the University-owned franchise will be lunch and dinner specials. A Tuesday night special including all-you-can-eat pasta, salad, rolls and butter for $8.99 is currently being planned, Altholz said. For students on a budget, lunch prices will range from $3.99 to $7.99. Expect to pay between $8.99 and $14.99 for dinner.
“I think it will be a nice change of pace to have a good restaurant on campus,” said Vince Gatto, junior, resident of Village Apartments. He did, however, wonder if the University could have found something a little cheaper.
A “Frequent Diner” program is also being established, Altholz said. After $250 worth of meals have been purchased, a $25 gift certificate will be issued.
Another advantage to students is the ability to use “Billiken Bucks” at the restaurant.
“We are working to install the necessary connections to permit Billiken Bucks to be used at the restaurant,” Altholz said. “We hope that this will be in place by Nov. 18 when we open. If not, it will be ready shortly thereafter.” Flex points currently will not be accepted.
Grand Forest resident Geoff Wheeler, junior, thinks it is a benefit that Billiken Bucks will be accepted. “Most people in the apartments don’t have flex points anyway,” he said. Wheeler also suggested that a place specializing in breakfast is needed on campus.
Students interested in applying for jobs at the Pasta House Co. can either stop by the restaurant at 3757 Laclede Ave. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to pick up an application, or they can send an e-mail expressing interest to [email protected].
