The WKU Restaurant Group teased a “new look” for a beloved campus restaurant to start the spring semester. Originally opened as DaVinci’s in 2009, the restaurant re-opened on Jan. 27 as da Vinci’s Cafe with a new name and logo.
Located in Snell Hall, da Vinci’s Cafe is the only dining option in the “Ogden College neighborhood.” The nearest alternatives are in the Commons.
“It was time to update the look and feel of daVinci’s with new logos, counters and even some equipment,” WKU Restaurant Group Director of Marketing Nena Shomler stated in an email to the Herald. “We were able to expand our back of house space and provide a more conducive mobile ordering pick up space so we can better serve our guests.”
According to Shomler, the menu hasn’t changed with the rebrand. However, the coffee program switched from Java City to Ecogrounds, “a more sustainable program,” she said.
Ecotrash compactors and a fully GrubHub-based ordering system, are part of the “rebrand” as well, according to Shomler.
These additions aren’t new for on-campus dining. Many campus restaurants have switched to exclusively Grubhub-based ordering this academic year. Ecotrash compactors also made their way into DSU at the start of the semester.
While da Vinci’s Cafe has experienced “minor facelifts” over the years, this is the restaurant’s “first full rebrand” since its arrival on campus, according to Shomler.
When asked what the vision for da Vinci’s Cafe is, Shomler stated, “Our plan is to continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs and expectations of our guests.”
da Vinci’s Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Breakfast ends at 10 a.m. and lunch is available all day.
