Celebrate the New Gardner-Webb Expanded Caf at Ribbon Cutting on Aug. 21

Reopening Includes Luau Cookout with Food, DJ, Games and Giveaways

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Caf has been reopened for nearly a month and now it’s time to celebrate all the improvements with a Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting. The entire campus is invited to the event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 10:45 a.m.

“If you love food and you love Gardner-Webb, you’re simply not going to want to miss this special celebration,” affirmed Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs. “This day has been a long time coming, and there are so many people to thank and congratulate. Once we show our appreciation for the work that’s gone into this massive project, we’ll cut the ribbon…and then it’s going to be a feast for the ages!”

The “Back-to-School Luau Cookout” includes a DJ, games, entertainment, giveaways, and food. The opening program will be held on the Dover Campus Center porch just outside the Caf entrance. Downs will welcome everyone, and Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrot will lead in prayer.

Before cutting the ribbon, Downs and a representative from Aramark will give remarks. General Manager, Suzanne Glasscock noted, “Our campus deserves this memorable experience on Wednesday. Our entire team has worked extremely hard to make sure we give the Gardner-Webb campus the best of the best.”

When entering the Caf for the Luau, students will get a “Taste of Campus Tour Card” from the cashier station that will allow them to visit all campus dining locations. Once they have visited each of the dining locations and the card has been completed, students can turn it into Aramark Marketing Coordinator Anastasia Cornish to be entered to win a gift basket valued at $100.

Outside, Executive Chef Thomas Tessner and Downs will be grilling up some community favorites and sharing samples. Guests can also expect a tropical fruit palm tree display made by Tessner.

“I am super excited about opening the new Caf to the entire campus and community as everyone returns for the first day of classes,” said Tessner. “We created a flavorful, tropical-themed menu for this occasion that everyone will enjoy.”

The menu for each station will consist of:

• Outdoor Tent Station with Tessner and Downs: Smoke ribs and beef brisket sliders.
• The Iron Skillet: Kalua pork, coconut rice, and island vegetables.
• True Balance: Caribbean jerk chicken, candied sweet potatoes, and grilled green beans.
• Ignite: Teriyaki grilled chicken.
• Savory Stack: Cuban sliders.
• Global Kitchen: Tropical shrimp fried rice bowl.
• Pizza: Hawaiian BBQ chicken.
• All Day Breakfast Station: Tropical smoothie.
• Dessert: Hawaiian cake, key lime shooter, and pineapple fluff shooter.

Along with the delicious menu, guests will find a tent outside to tie dye shirts and tote bags with the Dawg Dining Marketing team. The new beverage vendor, Tractor Beverage, will have samples, and attendees can play games for free Tractor swag. Local DJ Ty Oliver will entertain with music and announce exciting information.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.