The smell of turkey, stuffing and other Thanksgiving food moved throughout Downing Student Union where students lined up in anticipation, rushing to be first in line for food.
The WKU restaurant group held its annual friendsgiving event on Thursday at Fresh Food Company. Students had the opportunity to use a meal swipe for a Thanksgiving dinner.
“Freshgiving is our way of celebrating Thanksgiving, the holiday of inviting our students to come in and just enjoy food and fellowship with their fellow students,” Restaurant District Manager Robert Huffman said. “It gives our employees a chance to do some different food and set up a little bit different and just enjoy the time with each other.”
According to Huffman, the event previously required weeks of preparation, but the Restaurant Group’s experienced employees cut that time down.
“It used to be weeks ahead, and now it’s probably a week, week and a half,” Huffman said. “We have so many employees that have done it numerous times. It really is just said in their mind. They know what they’re doing.”
The event happens once every year, allowing students to create tradition with their friends.
“If I do come here it is with my buddies,” senior Jack Kazmaier said. “It’s usually been the same group I’ve had basically my entire college career, so that’s awesome.”
With Thanksgiving break only days away, some students use this opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving at their home away from home.
“It’s different, but honestly it kind of feels like home, like with your friends,” freshman Merrick Conckright said. “It’s just a way to celebrate here before you go, that was really good.”
Regardless of the big turnout, the Restaurant Group hopes to retain students coming back consistently.
“The thing that we would wish is that more students would come and enjoy freshgivings with us, not only today, but every day,” Huffman said. “Our employees and servers just love what they do, providing hospitality to our students and faculty and staff. It’s amazing.”
Staff Photographer Anna Bell Lee can be reached at [email protected].
