After a summer with no Smokey’s, the popular campus eatery has re-opened with a new look and an expanded menu.
“We are excited that after $2 million in renovations Smokey’s is up and running,” Michael Mulligan, building director of dining services, said. “The new concept is Smokey’s Howl and the television with sporting events.”
Smokey’s Howl is a room filled with a UT football motif, from the paintings on the wall to the Astroturf floor. The room is completed by televisions to broadcast games live and run old favorites.
The main dining area features murals of student life on campus. Display cases with UT memorabilia complete the room.
“We have a variety of different seating areas from booths to tables, (which) is cozy and makes people want to stay,” Gina Mills, marketing manager of UT Dining Services, said.
In the back of Smokey’s, students can now surf the net. Several computers in the new lab area allow for students to do research and check their e-mail after grabbing a bite to eat.
“The food is the same campus tradition with a twist,” Paul Skwarczynski, location manager of Smokey’s, said.
Inside of Smokey’s there are six stations from which to choose food items. The first is Woodstone’s Pizza.
“We have a big oven just like all the other pizza places,” Ewing said. “There will be four different types of pizzas everyday and … pastas and breadsticks.”
Smokey’s Traditions will serve old favorites as well as seasonal food products. Items like turkey and ham with potatoes and macaroni and cheese will be served daily.
Open only at lunch is World’s Fare, which showcases international cuisine.
The Squeeze features smoothies and fresh juices. Students can also add supplements, such as an energy booster, to their drinks.
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ will also be serving all the favorite barbecue items that are traditionally on their menu.
Presidential Court’s Volunteer Bakery, which supplies Smokey’s with fresh baked goods daily, is another station.
The last area is the grab and go stand. Here students can grab a sandwich, salad or desert and go without having to spend time standing in line.
After getting food, register lines are not going to be as long this year due to the addition of one register, Mills said. He added that the traffic flow problems of the past should be remedied by the extensive renovation.
“In the drink area there was a traffic flow problem, but now, since we moved the fountains to the side, traffic isn’t an issue,” Mills said.
Since the re-opening, Smokey’s has gotten rave reviews from the students.
“The food is great,” said Lisa Brown, a sophomore in business. “The whole place is awesome.”
Smokey’s is currently open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.
