Top 10 Stories of 2023 – From now until Dec. 31, Grove City College is counting down our top news stories of the year. This story was published in the December 2023 GēDUNK.
After months of anticipation, Chick-fil-A in Breen Student Union opened on Monday, Sept. 18 with Willie the Wolverine first in line. Other Grovers made a beeline to the on-campus fast-food outlet, which has been doing a booming business in the space formerly occupied by the Gedunk grille.
The first week sales doubled expectations, according to Anthony R. Ippolito, senior general manager for Parkhurst Dining, which holds the franchise. On opening day, more than 1,200 students, faculty, staff, and others were served and about 850 chicken sandwiches were sold. Students can use up to three meal swipes per week at Chick-fil-A for chicken sandwich or nugget combos.
Chick-fil-A is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays in accordance with the faith-aligned corporation’s longstanding policy of observing a day of rest. Seating for the public is available inside Chick-fil-A, but not in the student union atrium. Designated parking for diners is available in the parking lot adjacent to the student union.
“They have been great to work with, Grove City College and Chick-fil-A are a perfect fit, and we view this as another and especially significant way to enhance the residential experience of our students and campus community,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said.
The announcement that the beloved fast food chain was coming to the College was greeted enthusiastically by students in February. Read more here.
In addition to Chick-fil-A and the College’s two cafeterias, students can get pizza, ice cream and coffee at the Garage at MAP Café and enjoy a coffee, espresso, smoothie, and other snacks at Urban Trail Coffee Co. in Henry Buhl Library.