Bruin Grounds, the newest dining service on campus, held its grand opening Wednesday morning in the Lila D. Bunch Library lobby.
Belmont President Dr. Robert Fisher, along with current and former members of Belmont’s Student Government Association, spoke to a crowd of faculty, staff and students packed in the library entrance, the new home of Bruin Grounds.
The café, which serves a variety of salads, sandwiches and Peet’s coffee and espresso, is a part of a larger effort to make the library a better place to accommodate students.
“This is something that makes this a more attractive place on campus,” Dr. Fisher said. “It creates an environment that is comfortable for [students].”
Dr. Fisher gave credit to Belmont’s SGA for laying the groundwork for Bruin Grounds.
“[Former SGA President] Eric Deems and his team… they’re the reason why it’s here,” he said. “It was their idea, and they got it done.”
The president also invited Deems to say a few words, most of which expressed his gratitude to Senior Leadership and the Lila D. Bunch Library staff for coming together to bring the new café to fruition.
“One of the more important lessons I learned at Belmont is collaboration,” Deems said.
Dr. Fisher then gave a call to action, expressing his hope more students would collaborate and offer input for more student-led initiatives.
Students at the opening think highly of the new facility.
“Rather than going to a cafe for Internet or coffee, students can go to Bruin Grounds and also access a greater variety of academic resources,” said senior Lindsey Ricker, who attended the grand opening.
Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bruin Grounds opened its doors for service. Free samples of coffee and pastries were available for those in attendance. There were also opportunities to win prizes, including $250 in Bruin Bucks.
Bruin Grounds is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and accepts Bruin Bucks and declining points.