VCU news

By Sarah Murphy

Virginia Commonwealth University students will soon have two new on-campus restaurants to choose from: Au Bon Pain, the Boston-based bakery and café chain, will open at 944 W. Grace Street, and Shake Smart, a healthy lifestyle smoothie bar, will open in the former Market 810-2-GO space inside Shafer Court Dining Center.

Both are expected to open in the fall semester in cooperation with VCU Business Services and Aramark, which oversee more than 20 dining locations at VCU.

“The dining brands we bring to campus are a direct result of the wants and needs of the VCU community,” said Diane Reynolds, assistant vice president for business services. “When the opportunity for a new location on campus becomes available, we reach out to students, faculty and staff to gauge their preferences. This time, Au Bon Pain was a top choice, as was the request for a smoothie location.”

Renovations to 944 W. Grace Street will convert the former VCU Police headquarters into a 3,400-square-foot Au Bon Pain café with seating for 64 guests. Au Bon Pain offers a menu consisting of sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods and a variety of coffee beverages.

As a part of the VCUDine program, Au Bon Pain will accept VCU dining plans (meal exchange swipes and dining dollars) as payment options. For those without a dining plan (including the general public), cash and credit will also be accepted. Au Bon Pain will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and will offer a full catering menu.

“Au Bon Pain and our team look forward to opening a new café on the Monroe Park Campus at VCU,” said Steve Kibler, vice president of real estate at Au Bon Pain.

Shake Smart was founded by two college students looking for a healthy food option that also fit their on-the-go lifestyle. Today, the restaurant is popping up on college campuses across the country, including the University of Florida, the University of Texas and San Diego State University. The location at VCU will be in the center of campus, making it a convenient dining option for students.

For more information about the VCU dining program, including a complete list of current dining locations and dining plan options, visit vcu.campusdish.com. For updates regarding the Au Bon Pain and Shake Smart openings, follow VCU Dining Services on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @VCU_Dining.