A buffet-style restaurant opened in 1901 Marketplace on Wednesday. With a rotating menu for lunch and dinner, the 1901 kitchen changes its menu weekly.
The venue is open Monday through Thursday, with lunch served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday service is limited to lunch only, though weekend hours might be added based on student demand.
One trip through the buffet is $12.95, with an option to add a second trip for an extra $6. Students can choose to pay for an additional trip upfront, giving them the flexibility to return later without waiting in line again, according to Campus Dining.
The concept behind 1901 Kitchen focuses on offering students more variety and customization, said Russell Monteath, Director of Commercial Services for Cal Poly Partners.
“We want to give students the flexibility to pick and choose how they want to eat,” Monteath said.
The menu features burgers, chicken sandwiches, a salad bar, jambalaya and a grill station where students can customize their burgers with a variety of toppings and preparations.
“It costs pretty much the same as everywhere else on campus, but you get a lot more here,” civil engineering freshman Andrew Dillon said.
Monteath said student feedback played a significant role in shaping the concept.
“I’m vegetarian so I’m pretty limited in my options,” Dillion said. “This place has options for me and way more food [than Vista Grande Express].”
Environmental sustainability is also a focus for 1901 Kitchen, Monteath said.
1901 Kitchen will initially use reusable to-go containers, with plans to transition to more sustainable options like ceramic plates and dining trays in the future, Monteath said.
“The to-go containers that we have are reusable, but in theory, we really want to get china into the mix… plates, bowls, forks, knives, silverware, glassware. That’s the hope,” Monteath said.
Managing foot traffic during meal transitions is a logistical challenge, but Monteath is optimistic that 1901 Kitchen will ease congestion at other popular campus restaurants like Panda Express and Chick-Fil-A. Students can use Grubhub to order ahead, pick up their reusable container at the register and walk right in.
Monteath and his team will be engaging with students during opening week to ensure the best possible dining experience, he said.
“We’ll be here almost every hour next week talking to students about what they like and what they want to see,” Monteath said.