Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is set to renovate nearly 18,000 square feet of space at the Cary & Belvidere Residential College, transforming the area into a new headquarters for the university’s catering operations. The $8.5 million project will feature a catering kitchen and event space, located in the former Chili’s restaurant space at 355 W. Cary St.
New Purpose for Former Restaurant Space
The street-level area of the building, once home to various eateries including a long-standing Chili’s location, has been underutilized since the restaurant closed last year. The renovation aims to provide VCU Catering with a larger, more efficient facility to better support campus events. Currently, VCU Catering operates out of the Shafer Court Dining Center, and the move will help free up space there for expanded student dining options.
Catering Facility Over Restaurant Space
VCU officials have noted that the foot traffic in the area surrounding the dorm isn’t sufficient to support restaurants. As a result, the new catering facility is considered a more fitting use of the space. The university’s board of visitors is scheduled to vote on adding the project to VCU’s six-year capital projects plan later this week.
Closing of Other Campus Eateries
In addition to the closure of Chili’s, the building has also housed Starbucks and Cary Street Market & Deli, which closed in 2020 and was replaced by Avo Kitchen, a health-focused eatery. Avo is set to close as part of the renovation, but its menu and allergy-friendly options will continue to be available at Market 810 in the Shafer Court Dining Center.
Upcoming Renovations
Renovation work is expected to begin this fall, pending approval from the university’s board. This project comes a year after the Chili’s location closed, which had been a fixture in the dorm since 2008.
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