Stags Hospitality recently announced that Fairfield’s popular late-night dining option, The Levee, will be making some menu changes. The introduction of Chef Art Smith’s Varsity Bird means new options such as Art Smith’s Chicken Nuggets, the OG Chicken Sandwich, the Cluckin’ Hot Chicken Sandwich, the Varsity Bird Bowl and Mac & Cheese. However, it also means the removal of fan favorites like the mozzarella sticks, the crispy chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, the garden burger, penne alfredo and the buffalo chicken sandwich.
The change in menu items comes with its pros and cons. The removal of classic, easy items like mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders could draw students away from The Levee. Part of its appeal as a late-night dining option is that students can get comfort foods quickly and easily, and the removal of certain foods from the menu could be disappointing to some. That’s not to say that the new menu items won’t also be easy comfort foods, but the familiarity of the well-loved options will be gone.
However, the change won’t necessarily be for the worse. The introduction of new items could attract students to The Levee. For students who have been searching for more variety outside of their usual choices, the implementation of the new menu items could be a refreshing addition.
Furthermore, the changes aren’t without their merits. According to Jay DeGioia, District Manager of Stags Hospitality, Chef Art Smith has restaurants across the country in locations such as Disney Springs, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and more. He was also Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef, has been a judge on popular food network shows, and is the winner of a James Beard Award–an award that recognizes exceptional culinary talent. He operates a concept called “Sporty Bird” at concert venues, as well. “This is exciting news for Fairfield University to introduce Art to campus,” DeGioia says. It’s safe to say that he is more than qualified to offer new dining options to Stags.
For those who just can’t live without their Levee favorites, the lost menu items aren’t necessarily gone for good. Some of the old favorites may still come back as specials. Anyways, most of the items that have disappeared from The Levee are still available in other dining options on campus. The Stag, for example, carries many of the popular items like the chicken sandwich, chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. While having those items in multiple places on campus is convenient, it’s not necessarily needed.
The new menu items offer some fresh variety for students, especially those who have begun to tire of on-campus dining. The new options will expand Stags’ choices without completely upturning the familiar menu, and many of the fan-favorites will still be available in other places on campus. While some students may be disappointed to see their go-to foods removed from the menu, the new menu gives them the opportunity to choose new favorites. Ultimately, the implementation of Chef Art Smith’s menu items will be beneficial for students and the university.
