The traditional feel of the 1809 Room in Miami University's Shriver Center may begin renovation Monday as 'One Eight 09,' a modern spin on an older concept, according to Don King, assistant director of the Shriver Center.
"The last I heard late last week we were waiting to get the contracts back from the state," King said. "They have the ability to start it on Monday (June 22) (if) the contractors turn the contract into Miami and they turn it into the state," said King.
Why the change?
"The 1809 Room has used the same business model the last 20 years," King said. "During that time there were a whole lot of changes on campus, so we wanted to do something a little more exciting, something more faculty and staff could participate in."
One Eight 09, like the 1809 Room, will accept meal plans from students during Sunday brunch only, according to King.
The One Eight 09 restaurant will focus on servicing a larger number of faculty and staff or students with more of a fast-paced ordering service rather than a sit-down service like in past years, according to King.
"It's a little different than La Mia (Cucina)," said King. "Essentially (at One Eight 09) you'll place your order, be given a number and the server will bring it to you."
The reconstruction is being paid from accounts generated by the building from Shriver Center services, Carillon Catering, Haines Food Court and the 1809 Room revenue, according to King.
"We're not taking loans out," King said. "It's being paid for."
During August, King said One Eight 09 will host tastings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to generate a menu for the restaurant. Some of the 1809 Room menu will be preserved while new dishes are being introduced as well.
"(The menu will include) incredible burgers, sandwiches and pizzas ... grilled salmon, steak and Indian cuisine, some curries, all different kind of things," King said.
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The price point of One Eight 09 will be reasonable for the food served, King said.
"Some of the items may go down in price actually," King said.
King used the example of a large portioned macaroni and cheese the 1809 Room served. He explained they are looking to limit the portions or do a half portion and full portion on the menu. Although the menu is not final, he said prices for soups would be between $3 and $5 while entrees may be between $6 and $12.
"(It will be) pretty comparable to what we were charging in the 1809 Room," King said.
The goal is to finish renovations in October, although there is not yet a tentative opening date, according to King.
"Ideally we'd like to open back up for business in the fall semester," King said. "Once the contractors are done we still have to dial in the equipment, train on it for a little bit. It's a little more unique than anything we've done over here."
King said focus groups and surveys revealed most people felt the 1809 Room was too formal and that you had to be there for an hour lunch when you went.
"We didn't want that, we want to be that for the people who want a leisurely lunch," King said. "(But we also want to accommodate for) faculty on their way to class or staff who only have a half an hour for lunch."
Junior Christina Kazanjian, a frequenter of the 1809 Room in her two years at Miami, felt the change was abrupt and disappointing.
"Honestly that's kind of depressing," Kazanjian said. "I'm pretty sure that my friends would agree, it was a special thing on Sunday morning and for them to change it, it caught me off guard and wish they would've gotten more student feedback, and I'm sure they did. It was sort of a special thing on Miami's campus and I think it'll be sad to see the original go."
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