Kent State University launches new entertainment-centric dining spot

This August, Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, replaced its Quaker Steak & Lube with a new dining spot called The Patio. “When we talked with guests about creating a new location for this space, many people told us they wanted to see their favorite, delicious options at a lower price point,” says Kevin Moodhe, Aramark marketing manager. “The Patio offers lower cost while offering more creativity and customization than the previous menu.”

As part of the location’s makeover, the Patio now also includes extensive gaming and entertainment spaces mixed in with seating. “These games were brought in to help elevate the location as an inclusive, student-centric dining location,” says Moodhe. The Patio, open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, is also on GrubHub to facilitate off-premise dining.

When entering, students are greeted with a 6-foot-tall Adirondack chair—a perfect setting for selfies. “As part of the redesign, we also created a custom shiplap wall with the logo highlighted as the focal point of the restaurant,” says Moodhe.

While waiting for food, guests can watch one of the 25 flat-screen TVs, play games such as giant-sized Jenga or Connect 4 in the green space, or battle each other on Skeeball, Pop-A-Shot and Pacman arcade games. Moodhe says the gaming area is mixed in with high-table seating so that students can eat while enjoying the various entertainment options.

Popular menu items at newly opened The Patio include a pulled pork sandwich; The Summit Street burger, which has two quarter-pound patties, cheese, housemade garlic aioli, two slices of sweet pepper bacon and crispy onion straws; as well as the plant-based alternative, The Beyond Burger. All menu items are listed with their calorie totals.

The Patio also offers value meals such as Create Your own Sandwich that starts at $5.95 and includes a sandwich, fries, a pickle spear and a canned beverage. The combo platter offers guests a choice of protein such as pulled pork, grilled chicken or burger with choice of cheeses, sauces and toppings like fried egg or sweet pepper bacon.

We wanted The Patio to really feel like a student-centric dining location,” says Moodhe. It’s located in the lower level of the Student Center, which as its next to the university library and is attached to the bookstore, has ample foot traffic.

“We work with student groups on campus to hold different events at this location. It is a great spot for students to host watch parties and club activity nights, for instance,” says Moodhe. Reoccurring weekly events that are held in the Patio are Game Night on Mondays and Karaoke on Fridays. “The kitchen is open while these events take place, and the events have helped contribute to the communal atmosphere that was our goal for this space,” he says.