The Fireside Grill in the McMahan Student Center has undergone a remodel and menu change since the summer and is now known as Habaneros Grill. “New equipment and serving lines were installed to facilitate this new concept and menu featuring fresh, made-to-order burritos, tacos, rice bowls and quesadillas,” said Brent Nipper, director of property and risk management, in a Milligan press release sent Aug. 29.
Similarly, senior Michael Ward said he’s “really excited” about the food and that it “looks promising and all the toppings are great.”
The updated Grill offers a traditional counter-service style “similar to Chipotle,” said senior Emy Rose Leggett, a student worker at Habaneros Grill.
While the change is exciting, it hasn’t come without challenges.
Leggett said she expected major changes because the setup is entirely new. She had to relearn everything she’d gained in the past three years working at the Grill.
The renovations also introduced a new coffee service: Doe River Roasters. a local coffee company based in Johnson City.
Junior Ravenn Monington said it’s “exciting that it’s a local company that we can support,” and that she’s “really happy about it.”
In addition to supporting a local business, Leggett said the new style of food is “healthier and quicker” and that she can “see benefits” from the menu already.
According to Brent Nipper, Milligan holds a contract with Pioneer College Caterers and Pioneer, “experienced some unexpected staffing shortages as the semester started,” and are “currently working to fill multiple positions, including a Grill/Habaneros manager.”
Cover Photo: Photo, zoomed out, of the Habaneros Grill sign, with chairs in the background
Photo 1: Photo of Sophomore, Izzy Vaca, sitting in the new Habaneros Grill
