ANDY'S MEDITERRANEAN at Ryan's Pub

Gallagher Student Center (GSC) might not be as ancient

as the Chamber of Secrets, but it has known its fair share of history. To name an example, three different managing groups haveowned Ryan's Pub since its construction in 2002: Sodexo, Inc., Chartwells and Andy's Mediterranean Grille. To name another, Ryan's Pub has not turned a profit in the last two and half years. "Last year, Chartwells came to us and said 'We cannot make any money at Ryan's Pub; we would like to be removed from our obligations with the University," Tom Barlow, director of auxiliary services, said. Barlow said Chartwells recorded they were not able to create profits for the two and half years they managed Ryan's Pub and requested they leave their contract with the University prematurely. "I didn't have anyone else to fill Ryan's after that. The only option was to lock the doors." Despite its financial baggage, Andy's Mediterranean Grille found a home at Ryan's Pub. Andy's is a well-known local

restaurant that often caters next to popular tents such as LaRosa's, Montgomery Inn and Graeter's Ice Cream at the Taste of Cincinnati. Andy's first restaurant, located in Walnut

Hills, is successfully selling Mediterranean food including

shish kabobs, falafel and shawarma. "I'm from Lebanon, but

I came to the States when I was 19 years old searching

for the American dream. Although, I'm still looking for it because the American dream only happened for a few lucky people," Andy Hajjar, owner and executive chef of Andy's Mediterranean Grille, said. Andy's at Ryan's Pub currently is without the meal swipe system, (which according to Barlow brought in revenues from kickback income) but is still able to produce enough financial support

for the business. "I plan on slowly expanding the business, adding menu items each year and marketing the restaurant

more and more as students begin to become more comfortable with the business we have here," Hajjar said.

In addition to menu items, Andy's is known to host local bands, such as the Xavier Jazz Band, Vanilla Sake, various DJs and other hired music entertainment. According to Hajjar, he is in a five-year contract with the University and plans to stay for the entirety of his contract.