The Florida A&M University business and auxiliary services department is piloting the University Commons’ Orange Room, Rattlers Grille, during summer A session for students, faculty, and staff on Monday.
The Rattlers Grille is known for its burgers, wraps, wings, fries and salads. Since the Rattlers Grille is open during summer A, it will be beneficial for students and staff to eat on campus instead of leaving campus.
Byron A. Williams, director of business and auxiliary services, said they’re always looking for innovative ways to think outside the box and improve their services.
This pilot is to see if students, faculty and staff would utilize the services that are provided to them in summer A session and if it goes as planned, the Rattlers Grille will be open through session B.
On May 8, Rebecca Brown, interim assistant president of dining and auxiliary services, spoke with Metz, a culinary management team to open the Rattlers Grille on Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Orange Room.
“Launching the Rattlers Grille this summer will ensure that we are serving all students,” said Brown.
Students who have heard of the Orange Room news are excited and look forward to having another restaurant on campus.
Justice Pace, a third-year FAMU english student from Panama City, Fla., was pleased to know that FAMU now has dining available in the middle of campus.
“I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when I saw that the Orange Room was open.” Pace said.
Alan Bergman, the manager of Metz, said FAMU Dining definitely believes that today’s unbreakable working college students should be pleased with a dining service that makes eating on campus palate-pleasing, healthy and entertaining.
One of Metz goals is to create a dining experience by making it eventful and enjoyable.
"We will continue to make adjustments in order to keep pace with your ever-changing schedules, lifestyles, preferences, and nutritional needs,” said Bergman.
With a $2 million budget, FAMU dining and auxiliary services will renovate the student service center, and main cafeteria for the fall semester. There will be kitchen equipment, an increase of 200 seats for students and possibly an enhanced shack option for Palmetto north, south and Phase, according to Williams.