Xavier University has for the second year in a row undergone a radical transformation. The closest comparison I can make to Xavier’s new cafeteria is a Disneyland resort restaurant. I have also heard the new dorms referred to as the “Taj Ma’sophmorehal”. However, some of us who have been able to stop gawking at the amazing new
facilities and wander back into our old stomping grounds have noticed another change. At first glance Gallagher Student Center appears to be the same as it always has been. Maybe the stairwell has a new paint job, but everything seems to be in its rightful place. The Front Desk is as helpful as ever and the bookstore is bustling.
However, there is a big change on the bottom floor. Fresh Fusions is certainly not Fresh Fusions any more; Ryan’s
is not the same as it once was either. Say “hello” to Andy’s Mediterranean Grille. If the name sounds familiar
to you, it should. Andy’s is a local Cincinnati business not far from campus and is a favorite among local Cincinnatians as the best Mediterranean in town. I was lucky enough to be introduced to the restaurant by the Interfaith C o m m u n i t y E n g a g eme n t leader, Rabbi Abie Ingber, last year. On the trip I got to meet Andy Hajjar, the owner of Andy’s. Andy is from Lebanon and he is really excited about the location on campus. I want you to know that if you have never had authentic Mediterranean food before, you must try Andy’s. However, if falafels and hummus is not your thing, then have no fear! Andy’s at Ryan’s Pub is offering a full range of your favorite old Ryan’s classics but includes new foods as well. Menu aside I think the thing that will get students talking about Andy’s are its hours of operation. Andy’s at Ryan’s Pub is open until 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and will be open long enough to ease the 1:00 a.m. weekend rush at Subway. A lot of students will be eating at Andy’s over Subway not just because of the better quality of the food, but also for the bang for your buck. Andy’s has a five-dollar 12-inch pizza, enough to split between two or even three people for a decent size meal, and here is the best part, the pizza is delicious! Not in the mood for pizza? Try a burger. Andy Hajjar himself was describing his double-decker
burger to me, and I practically was drooling. If you are trying for the more Fresh Fusions style of food
then the excellent wraps available at Andy’s won’t disappoint you. With all these options, Andy’s is going to be the premier place to satisfy those late-night cravings any day of the week. Besides food, Andy’s will have a fully stocked bar ready to go. Between the new food, the extended hours and the friendly proprietor and staff, Andy’s is going to become a favorite pit stop for Xavier students at any time of the day or week.