Wisconsin Union prepares to open three new food units

The Wisconsin Union has opened Capital Cafe in Grainger Hall and Highland Grounds in the Waisman Center, while a licensed Peet’s Coffee and Tea will open in Memorial Union later this semester.

“Opening these new units reflects our commitment to improving customer service around campus by offering customers fresh, quality goods in convenient locations,” says Carl Korz, assistant director for food service.

Capital Cafe, on the first floor of Grainger Hall, serves freshly made sandwiches, tossed-to-order salads, soups and a full-service coffee bar in a contemporary setting.

“We’re focusing on healthier menu items using local, sustainable ingredients where possible,” Korz adds. “We offer baked goods and breads from Clasen’s European Bakery out of Middleton, Nueske’s Wisconsin Bacon, Wisconsin cheeses, Babcock Ice Cream, Gotham New York Style Bagels of Madison and local vegetables when possible.”

In addition to taking advantage of locally produced goods, Capital Cafe is also drawing on campus resources to become as sustainable as possible. “We’re working closely with the We Conserve program run by FPM to develop a pilot composting program. In the meantime, we’re already taking a classic approach by using reusable dishware and utensils in the restaurant. For carryouts, we provide biodegradable options.”

Cafe hours are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m., with made-to-order sandwiches and salads available 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

When Union South is decommissioned in December, Capital Cafe will help serve many of those customers in the area. Two other delis — E-squared — Engineering Eatery and ICU Deli in the Medical Sciences Center — are expanding their services to help until the new south campus union opens in spring 2011.

Besides increasing services in the central part of the campus, the Wisconsin Union has also expanded to the west with Highland Grounds located on the first floor of the Waisman Center. The deli features Clasen’s bakery goods and Seattle’s Best Coffee. The menu also includes Gotham Bagels, as do most Wisconsin Union locations. Hours are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Union surveyed students and conducted focus groups to discover that students want a coffeehouse with a brand name. However, Korz pointed out that the Union is licensing the brand, not privatizing the operation.

“This collaboration will help us enhance our primary mission as a student union: to help students, faculty and staff and guests connect in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere; in this case offering great tasting coffee and tea as well.”

The coffeehouse is scheduled to open this semester in the space formerly occupied by STA Travel.

For more information on all three venues, visit Wisconsin Union Restaurants and Delis.