Gardner-Webb University Caf Serves up Tropical Delights to Celebrate Grand Reopening

New Dining Space Open to Campus and Community with Expanded Seating and Menu Options

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—With the smell of meat smoking and a feast waiting inside the new Caf, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs noted to those gathered for the ribbon cutting the most important feature of the building. “There’s a cross on that glass façade that means a lot to us,” he asserted. “It’s very special. It’s important. It reminds us that first and foremost, this is a place that nourishes souls. This is, and shall forever be, a Christian university.”

Downs called on Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrot to offer the invocation and ask God’s blessings on the space. After the prayer of gratitude, Downs returned to the podium to give a brief history of cafeteria dining at Gardner-Webb and to recognize all those who helped with the impressive project.

“We’ve come a long way, my friends,” Downs observed. “It’s bright; it’s fresh. There’s an amazing big pizza oven. There are lots of action stations. Not only is there this signature cross on the window of our new addition, but there’s also one on the back wall. Thank you to Dr. and Mrs. (Philip E.) Turner for their support in making that back wall and that special cross possible.” 

Downs continued, “We want to thank the Cleveland County chamber for being here today. Your presence signals something important to us. This space is an asset, not just to our campus community, but also to our community at large and we welcome the public to come and eat with us each and every day. And we hope in the days and the months and the years ahead, we will break bread with Cleveland County families and neighbors and businesses, not just in this space, but just as we welcome you to our Starbucks, our Chick-fil-A and to Bo’s Smokehouse We are open for business.”

The “Back-to-School Luau Cookout” included a DJ, games, entertainment, giveaways, and multiple food options from Hawaiian pizza to jerk chicken. Executive Chef Thomas Tessner and Downs served smoke ribs and beef brisket sliders from a grilling station outside. Representatives from Tractor Beverage Co., gave out samples of their certified organic drinks. Diners praised the selection and flavor of the food. 

Matt Rogers, Aramark regional vice president, also spoke during the opening ceremony. He thanked everyone for their patience during the transition and noted his appreciation for Tessner and General Manager, Suzanne Glasscock, for their efforts in utilizing the temporary dining space in Tucker Student Center.

“When we first met with the campus and the community of Boiling Springs, what was very important was that the Caf was the center of the community. The students and the Boiling Springs community came to dine together,” Rogers shared. “I was told over and over again, ‘The best meal in town was actually here.’ And so, as Dr. Downs said, the patience you exhibited to get through the renovations, we appreciate. This is your dining hall; we believe that this is a part of your kitchen. So, we want you to come and enjoy it. Spend time here; break bread; build community. What you do in this building will last for a lifetime.”

All campus dining facilities are open to the public.

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.