Chartwells is rearranging with the intent to bring a new dining experience to Saint Louis University.
“The program needed to be reinvigorated. It was stale,” Resident District Manger Paul Taylor said. “So we conducted a survey in February, and there were some things that we needed to make immediate changes to this academic year.”

The cafeterias in both Griesedieck and Reinert Hall have been renovated and new dining options have been added, including a Trattoria, a Chef’s Table and new Hydrate options.

Chartwells also added more self-serve options and created an extended sustainability program to demonstrate how the average diner can make a difference in the environment.

“Reinert has seen some big improvements,” freshman Megan Reece said. “It looks great and the food seems better.”

The dining hours in Griesedieck have also been extended. Monday through Thursday, the cafeteria will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The operating hours of the cafeteria have long been a concern among students, and many are thrilled to see them change.

“This is a great thing,” freshman Sarah Gordon said. “I can eat before work now.”

There are a few new additions to Grand Market, as well. A new Italian eatery called Tomato Red Head is replacing Famous Famiglia. Tomato Red Head not only serves different kinds of pizza, like thin and stuffed crust, but also serves various kinds of pasta, including ravioli, fettuccini and spaghetti and meatballs. Grand Market now also features a deli counter called Wheat Street Deli, which provides a wide array of sandwich options.

“And soon, sushi will be available,” Director of Marketing Eric Macharia said.

Changes are also being made to the Outtakes options offered in places like the C-store, the Bean and Fusz food court.

“We have expanded the menu, added gourmet breads on all sandwiches, added new sandwiches to the menu, new petite parfaits and fruit cups,” Macharia said.

Chartwells is making more of an effort to reach out to the student body, as well. It is hosting the first-ever Billiken Street Fest on Wednesday, March 31. With the promise of food, fun and prizes, Macharia says that Chartwells is hoping students and faculty alike will come out to enjoy the festivities.

Chartwells has also redesigned its Billiken Dining Services website. It has been revamped with new features like improved menus, more nutrition information, photo albums and a dining blog.

“The feedback [about the changes] has been positive so far,” Taylor said. “That’s what we were hoping for.”