Villanova Getting New On-Campus Restaurant, Café

VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University students, faculty, staff, administrators and neighbors will have another spot to get a meal later this year, as a new on-campus restaurant is in the works.

Villanova and Greg Dodge of Zavino Hospitality Group (ZHG) have teamed up for a restaurant and grill — dubbed "The Refectory" — that will open this August on the university’s Main Line campus.

The restaurant will be located at the corner of Lancaster and Ithan Avenues within The Commons, a group of new residence halls that are part of a nearly $300 million transformation of the institution’s former surface parking lots. The school's new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, slated to open in early 2020, will be located adjacent to the new eatery.

The Villanova-owned restaurant will serve elevated American classics to both the University community and area residents.

"The Refectory" describes a dining room for communal meals at academic institutions and monasteries.

As the first full-service eatery at Villanova, the restaurant and grill will provide a dynamic dining destination by combining the high energy of a bustling restaurant with the vibrant atmosphere of the university’s Main Line campus.

It will feature a horseshoe bar, ZHG’s reliably recognizable captain’s chairs, and dining room complete with wood-finished banquettes and cedar-stained floors. The space will seat more than 200 guests, including 18 seats in the bar area and plenty of standing room, and the décor will highlight Villanova’s history and tradition with artwork and other design elements.

There also will be a vault room for accommodating private parties and special chef tastings.

"The Refectory is an exciting addition to our campus, which has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past several years," said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President. "Villanova is proud to partner with Greg Dodge and Zavino Hospitality Group on our first full-service restaurant, which will create a Villanova-centric dining experience for our campus and local community. With its family-friendly atmosphere and location in the heart of campus, I know it will become a premier gathering spot for Villanovans, visitors and patrons of all ages."

In addition, ZHG and Villanova will partner with Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar to set up an adjacent grab-and-go café where guests can choose from a small menu of prepared breakfast options, sandwiches, homemade pastries, salads and coffee drinks.

Both the restaurant and café will be open weekdays and weekends to serve students and area residents alike.

"The quality of the food will be matched only by the attention to detail from both our front-of-house and kitchen staffs," Dodge said. "We designed this restaurant with students, alumni, faculty, families and neighbors in mind, as a place where they all can gather and linger over a great meal and delicious drink."

Contributed photos