Restaurants at Windsor Run Focus on Creativity, Collaboration, and Socialization

At Windsor Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Matthews, N.C., residents savor a variety of delicious dishes prepared by professional chefs at seven on-site restaurants.

"I appreciate the combination of genuine quality and real choice," says resident Michael Cox.

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More important, each made-to-order meal provides the opportunity for social connection. Whether getting to know new neighbors over dinner, catching up with a friend over lunch, or celebrating a special occasion with loved ones, dining is a highlight of life at Windsor Run.

Variety for every taste

Each restaurant offers its own distinct menu and atmosphere, providing a range of dining experiences for every occasion.

The Grove offers an elegant ambiance for sit-down dinners and a diverse menu of pasta, beef, poultry, and seafood selections. The restaurant's Sunday brunch with build-your-own omelets is quite popular.

At Woodside Café, juicy burgers, fresh entree salads, deli-style wraps, and homemade soups are readily available for lunch--perfect for busy residents on the go. The cafe is open for breakfast and dinner service as well.

Residents love gathering to watch sports games at Tavern 1879, which serves up traditional pub fare and handcrafted cocktails. The Seaboard Grille offers sandwiches, burgers, and other tasty entrees for lunch and dinner daily.

At The Willows, residents enjoy small plates, homestyle favorites, and weekly specials such as a popular build-your-own pasta bar and Southern-inspired dishes.

With the opening of Fincher Station, Windsor Run introduced two additional restaurants. The Cardinal offers an elevated dining experience with an Italian influence, while the Midtown Pub serves up bar beverages and bites.

"My favorite restaurant is The Cardinal," says Michael. "I consistently find dishes there that appeal to my taste. That being said, my single favorite dish is the patty melt from the Woodside Cafe. Sometimes, the simple things done well are hard to beat, and that one delivers every time."

Powerful partnership

To ensure residents continue to enjoy five-star dining experiences, Dining Director Chloe Taylor and her team partner with the resident dining committee to identify strengths and ways to improve.

"The dining committee's role is to bridge communication between residents and the people working hard to feed us every day," says Michael, who serves as chair of the committee. "My role is to support that effort. It's collaborative and respectful on both sides."

"We really rely on the dining committee. They provide feedback that helps guide our menus and service," says Taylor. "They share what residents are looking for, and we use that input to make thoughtful adjustments. Our goal is to create dining experiences that feel personal, consistent, and enjoyable every day."

Residents can also provide direct feedback through online surveys, comment cards, monthly food chats, and, of course, one-on-one conversations with chefs.

Because all meals are made-to-order, chefs can easily accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and needs--something Michael says they're really good at. "The kitchen is responsive to individual needs," he notes. "When people know the kitchen is paying attention to them, they feel comfortable, and comfortable people are happy where they live."

Table of friends

Throughout the year, the Dining team also creates delicious menus for a range of special events, bringing residents together in fun, memorable ways. Resident favorites include Valentine's Day menus, steakhouse-themed dinners, Caribbean nights, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and breakfast for dinner.

Whether he's celebrating a holiday or simply catching up with a neighbor over dinner, Michael finds that socializing is the best part of his dining experiences at Windsor Run.

"If you want to grab takeout and enjoy a quiet evening at home, you can," says Michael. "But if you want company, two of the restaurants have community tables where strangers become friends over a shared meal. You can't manufacture real connection, but you can create conditions where it happens naturally. I've watched friendships develop because two people happened to share a community table at dinner."

He adds, "My wife Cathleen and I toured many senior living communities before choosing Windsor Run. One theme came up consistently everywhere we went--food is the most important amenity. We're happy to say that Windsor Run takes that seriously!"

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

By Kelly K. Shue