Robert Morris University officially launched its first student-run restaurant, Eyrie, at 128 N. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park on Tuesday, October 4. The luncheon restaurant will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will feature seasonal dishes that mainly use local ingredients.
Under the direction of Chef Cheryl Corrado, the students are learning all aspects of restaurant operation. Chef Bryan Flower, associate dean of RMU’s Institute of Culinary Arts, and Nancy Rotunno, executive director of the program, have been involved in getting Eyrie off the ground from the start. “When we started the culinary program at Robert Morris, I always knew that a student-run restaurant would provide the practical experience our students need to step into key positions in the restaurant and hospitality industry,” said Ms. Rotunno. “We are all thrilled to see this goal achieved for the University.”
Students do food prep, cook, wait tables, clean, plan for supplies, ask for feedback from customers and pitch in wherever help is needed. They are not allowed to accept tips, but gratuities from patrons are contributed to the University’s scholarship fund.
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In addition to the involvement of culinary students in Eyrie, RMU students from other programs have been part of the restaurant’s development through the ICenter, a division of the University that brings ideas, innovation and implementation all together. ICenter students helped with Eyrie’s operational, business and marketing plans, as well as the graphic elements used in the image and branding. RMU encourages outside companies and organizations to consider using the ICenter for projects such as marketing campaigns, office designs, business plans and fund raising project management. It provides essential experience for students and input on projects for companies.
Robert Morris University is a private, non-profit, baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. For more information about programs of study at RMU's ten campuses in Illinois, check out the website at www.robertmorris.edu or call 800-762-5960.
