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University Cafe opens
University Cafe opens
Date published: 5/4/2009 BY JEFF BRANSCOME University of Mary Washington students Lindsay Sekel and Emma Peck will be turning 21 soon. So they decided to scout the University Cafe during its grand opening Friday evening. After all, it stays open Friday and Saturday nights until 2:30 a.m. The girls stayed only about 10 minutes, but the hangout at 409 William St. passed their inspection. "Fredericksburg needs to be more of a college town," Peck said. "We'll see what happens." The downtown eatery, bar and coffee lounge opened Friday afternoon for what manager David Allen called a "fun run." It's modeled after Tryst Coffeehouse and Bar in Washington, whose motto is "No corporate coffee, no matching silverware." Friday afternoon and into the night, the establishment attracted families, UMW students and alumni, and middle-aged couples. "I think there's definitely a need for this," Sekel said. The University Cafe stretches back 120 feet from its entrance. It boasts couches and plush armchairs with different designs, three flat-screen televisions, local artwork and a bar with 11 stools. Another bar in the back enables customers to watch their food being prepared. The dimly lit lounge is unlike any other Fredericksburg spot, said waiter and UMW alumnus Sean Placchetti. "It offers a low-key atmosphere for people to come in and sit for a long period of time," he said. About 15 casually dressed servers were working on Friday. They took orders from people seated at couches and tables. But the cafe isn't all about food and spirits. UMW alumna Elizabeth Spotswood plans to organize local art shows, the first of which is scheduled for May 19. UMW art students will participate in future shows, she said. "We're trying to get a community effort," Spotswood said. "I think there's a lot of conflict between local and college." The cafe limited its menu to burgers, pizza and other simple fare on opening day. A hamburger with four patties--dubbed the Quad--came with this warning: "We are not responsible for pending health problems after the quads consumption." Sam and Emily Kaye, who graduated from UMW, ordered beer and cheese fries Friday evening. They said they plan to return soon for a full meal. "We've been curious about it for a couple of weeks," Emily Kaye said. "It's something we wish would've been here when we were in school." A little after 10 p.m., about 30 people mingled in the cafe. A young couple sat on a two-seat couch and sipped beer. Two college-age girls chatted nearby. Others claimed tables outside and smoked (the inside is nonsmoking). Anthony Lugo and his fiancee, Ashley Hartman, lounged on armchairs and sipped Sumatran coffee, which they recommended. "I think [the cafe] has great potential," Lugo said. Allen, the manager, said he envisions a community hangout: "I think with what's going on in the world right now, let's all get together and hang out." Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Date published: 5/4/2009
Don't bother they won't be around long...
(posted by
All_Fugged_up
, May 5, 2009 6:39 pm)
The service was okay. I ordered a double burger with lettuce, tomato, sauteed mushrooms & blue cheese.
I got a double burger with lettuce, tomato, sauteed onions, 3 small pieces on mushroom and mustard.
Oh, buy the way, the fries were cooked to a burnt orange crisp. Not very tasty at all.
I was sooo disappointed I won't be going back.
A Great Addition
(posted by
WineLover
, May 4, 2009 3:24 pm)
I already love going here. I think the appeal stretches beyond University students. Yes, they have kinks to work out, but where else can you go to sit on a comfy couch, get good food, beer and a cup of coffee? I hope they do well.
Has Potential But ....
(posted by
Einstein
, May 4, 2009 2:14 pm)
Went to UC twice over the weekend as it is in the neighborhood. The space is nicely renovated, comfortable and very large. The service and organization is, well . . . there was none. Granted opening weekend is always a training period, but as our server said, "i don't know what's going on -- ." I am sure they'll work the kinks out, but waitering is waitering, not rocket science. The confusion and befuddlement was overwhelming and is wasn't even that crowded on either day.
"more of a college town"?
(posted by
MrZorro
, May 4, 2009 1:27 pm)
Whatever non-college identity Fredericksburg had is quickly getting erased by the steamrolling administration of UMW. The total population is a fixed 20,000, and many colleges are much larger. The name should be changed to UMWburg.
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