Gardner-Webb’s Expanded Chick-fil-A and Starbucks Plan Formal Ribbon Cuttings on March 20

Restaurants will Offer Giveaways to Celebrate New and Enhanced Presence on Campus

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University campus and community has welcomed the expanded presence of Chick-fil-A and Starbucks to the Tucker Student Center. Now, formal ribbon cutting ceremonies to celebrate the popular restaurant and coffee house will be held on Monday, March 20, at 4 p.m.

The occasion will feature giveaways—mini plush cows from Chick-fil-A and pens, hoodies, backpacks, student ID holders and cups from Starbucks.

“The addition of a full-service Starbucks and Chick-fil-A restaurant in our student center has been a huge hit with our students, faculty, and staff,” observed Gardner-Webb President Dr. William Downs. “Never underestimate the positive impact that popular food and beverage amenities can have on a college campus. At GWU, we see these upgrades as part of an ongoing process of continuous improvement, and even while we’re cutting ribbons on March 20th we’re also making plans for future enhancements at other campus locations.”

Plans to expand Chick-fil-A’s menu and bring Starbucks to campus were announced in March 2022 when Gardner-Webb officials selected Aramark as the new dining services provider. A trusted leader in the industry, Aramark was chosen based on its demonstrated ability to align with GWU’s strategic focus to impact both student success and engagement as well as foster a connected community culture. With the addition of Barnes and Noble managing the University Campus Shop, the Tucker Student Center is now home to three nationally recognized industry leaders. 

Chick-fil-A owner Truett Cathy created the perfect recipe for his chicken filet sandwich in 1964 in Hapeville, Ga. According to the company’s website, the capital A is on purpose—it means “grade A top quality.” The iconic cows came on the scene in 1995, painting the first billboard in Texas with the message: “Eat Mor Chikin.” Serving communities across the country with more than 2,400 restaurants, customers can find Chick-fil-A inside airports, malls, college campuses, in the heart of Manhattan, and nestled among the thousands of busy streets connecting neighborhoods in 47 states and Washington D.C.

In 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company opened its first store in the historic Pike Place Market in Seattle, Wash. The store offered fresh-roasted coffee beans, tea and spices from around the world. The company’s website says the name was inspired by the classic tale, “Moby-Dick,” evoking the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders. In 1983, Howard Schultz experienced the coffeehouses in Italy and brought the concept to Seattle. Today, with more than 35,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.

Chick-fil-A is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Starbucks’ hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 10 p.m.

Both will close at 5 p.m. on March 10 and be closed during spring break (March 11-18).

Hours are subject to change. Check the Dining Services website for the latest details.

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.