By Mick Dillon / The Jambar
AVI Foodsystems introduced several new dining options across campus to kick off its new contract with Youngstown State University.
With the current Kilcawley Center renovations, AVI Fresh has consolidated a few of its options to the first-floor area near the Chestnut Room. There are still food locations in the Christman Dining Hall and satellite cafes in Williamson Hall, Cushwa Hall and William F. Maag Jr. Library — all redone by AVI.
Starting the review with Christman, AVI emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients, as well as a variety of choices in a buffet-style spread. With options like beef stir fry, fried chicken sandwiches and a salad bar, students have an affordable and reliable assortment of food options within walking distance to Lyden and Cafaro Houses that change daily.
As far as the satellite cafe locations, the optics are similar to cafe setups of years’ past. The self-serve style walkups feature menu items like preprepared cold sandwiches, protein bars and various snacks. Coffee stations are also found at each location.
The Chestnut Room features four new restaurants:
- Be Bowl’d
- Top & Toast Flatbreads
- Smoke & Fire
- Stack’d
Be Bowl’d is a Chipotle-inspired, assembly line style eatery for options to put in a bowl. The ingredients are remarkably fresh, and the current variety of Mediterranean toppings includes artichoke hearts, lentils, roasted squash, sweet potatoes and plenty more.
Top & Toast Flatbreads serves up a dynamic iteration of classic American-Italian cuisine. From the typical slice of cheese pizza to a fluffy panuozzo filled with delicately, light ingredients that balance the pallet, Top & Toast provides plenty of high-quality options.
Smoke & Fire Mobile Kitchen is a barbecue food truck with menu items such as brisket, pulled pork sandwiches and Youngstown smashburgers. The smashburger boasts hot peppers that perfectly balance out the classic smashburger flavor.