Paint Touches is reporting Marquette Gyros is closing on June 30th. Say what you will about their decorating style, but I thought their late night food was pretty decent. I assume this is MU sprawl in action. Anyone have anymore insight?
The owner just became a millionaire.
Loved me some Marquette Gyros after a night out on Water St. Greasiest burgers on campus
I was never a fan. More into Real Chili, Pizza Shuttle or just hitting up Open Pantry but its always sad to see an institution closing down. Real Chili might be the only thing that hasn't changed in that block.
Chimi at Amigo's. Or pancakes at the IHOP.
Gyros was quality drunk food. I remember leaving the bag in my room after eating it and the room would be a hotbox of gyro the next morning. Ah memories
Quote from: damuts222 on June 14, 2014, 07:49:55 AM
Gyros was quality drunk food. I remember leaving the bag in my room after eating it and the room would be a hotbox of gyro the next morning. Ah memories
After eating late night gyros, we'd put everything into the bag(s) and throw them out the front door and into the apartment hallway. We'd take it to the trash the next morning/afternoon when we got up.
Really a D-move, but it's difficult to move after 20+ beers and a gyro.
Their frickles are amazing. Lucky I just set up a visit to MU the 28th-30th so I'll be getting a crazy gyro fix that weekend
Sad to hear of the closing. Many of nights spent there and my kids at MU have spent many there as well. Need to get there before they close.
Quote from: Skitch on June 14, 2014, 12:09:16 AM
I was never a fan. More into Real Chili, Pizza Shuttle or just hitting up Open Pantry but its always sad to see an institution closing down. Real Chili might be the only thing that hasn't changed in that block.
Same here. I always opted for Real Chili or Guliano's (2 slices & a drink) for like $2.50.
MU has owned the building for awhile now, since 2007 at least.
I was a bigger fan of Real Chili for late night drunk food, but every now and then a gyro and some of those curly fries were just necessary.
Sad to see it go.
This is sad. Like many others here, I preferred Real Chili but it is sad to see this establishment closing its doors as it really represents what little is left of the old-school Marquette campus. Hegarty's closing was especially difficult, and after Gyros closes Real Chili will really be all that is left, unless you count Angelo's rebirth as Sobelman's.
Marquette Gyros had the best $1.99 burger you could find, and a really solid gyro. But perhaps the best part was Gus, the proprietor of the joint. Here was a nice write-up on him from my senior year: http://marquettewire.org/2007/09/04/tribune/tribune-news/just-another-night-at-the-office/
I am told there is a bit of a background story to this. Gyros doesn't sell beer so this can't be related to underage drinking. Wouldn't want to speculate. But certainly a sad day.
I doubt today's kids are going to have the same lifelong loyality to Jimmy John's. And where will the Farley brothers go now?
Quote from: jsglow on June 16, 2014, 03:37:13 PM
I am told there is a bit of a background story to this. Gyros doesn't sell beer so this can't be related to underage drinking. Wouldn't want to speculate. But certainly a sad day.
I doubt today's kids are going to have the same lifelong loyality to Jimmy John's. And where will the Farley brothers go now?
This is an internet message board... If you say there is backstory, you must share!!
These things seem to exist on every campus. There was a story this weekend that a local restaurant (The Educated Burgher, misspelled on purpose) that has served Yale students the last 37 years was closing. The owners just said business was slow and as there was too much competition.
Can't be easy to keep the lights on when your market is give May to August and you're busiest time of the day is after 11P.
Quote from: tower912 on June 14, 2014, 05:29:05 AM
Chimi at Amigo's. Or pancakes at the IHOP.
+1 on Chimi. Add the Marquette special from Lucci's Pizza
Chicken bacon swiss was by far the best thing on the menu. and the 3am cheese fries my CT roommate was nice enough to bring me when he woke me up on after a long night of drinking on Wednesdays/Thursdays
Going to have to make a trek back soon.
Quote from: Ari Gold on June 17, 2014, 11:57:23 AM
the 3am cheese fries my CT roommate was nice enough to bring me when he woke me up on after a long night of drinking on Wednesdays/Thursdays
Uhh... say what?
(http://i.imgur.com/6e4bvjT.jpg)
cheese fries and those Ore-Ida crinkle fries.... drool.
The gyros were okay. I preferred Ziggy's tzatziki over Marquette's and the other place (escaping me rightn ow).
I was always a Louie D's fan. Mostly because of proximity (and the squeeze bottles of gyro sauce)
That extra one block walk to Marquette Gyros from Hegarty's was just wayyyy too far most of the time
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on June 17, 2014, 10:05:06 AM
+1 on Chimi. Add the Marquette special from Lucci's Pizza
The Lucci's special was awesome. Find 3 friends, chip in $2.50 each, get that pizza....and it was a good pizza. What was the name of the pizza place that had the pizza eating challenge? Something like if 2 people could finish an 18" x 36" pizza in an hour, it was free. Near 27th and Wisconsin, IIRC.
2 things:
1. my longest college "relationship" began at Gyros, no joke.
2. Guy from my dorm worked there freshman year. Kind of a scummy guy, but he was nice to us. Paid 100% under the table, and he told me all employees were paid that way.
Marquette Gyro's was on the way back to O'Donnell and Mashuda so I'd usually drop $2 on a cheeseburger...not bad when you were lit.
Quote from: PTM on June 16, 2014, 10:48:19 PM
Can't be easy to keep the lights on when your market is give May to August and you're busiest time of the day is after 11P.
The place was also pretty much never open at all during the week this school year. I never understood why; I'm sure a bunch of people would eat there when they aren't inebriated.
Quote from: Goose on June 15, 2014, 06:43:45 AM
Sad to hear of the closing. Many of nights spent there and my kids at MU have spent many there as well. Need to get there before they close.
Goose makes one last pilgrimage to the Mecca of Marquette Late Night Middle Eastern Dining
(http://blogs.voanews.com/photos/files/2011/06/afp_india_hindu_pilgrims_29Jun11-878x562.jpg)
Keefe
Counting the days to get home to enjoy one last stop the joint with my kids. My youngest son is staying on campus this summer and getting share while the old man works.
Curious if anyone remembers when MG opened. I don't recall it open during my day.
For a gyro, we used to have to go to either the Circle, or schlep it down Wisconsin avenue to a place by Grand avenue. The place on Wisconsin ave served monster portions. Good stuff.
Quote from: tower912 on June 18, 2014, 06:42:19 PM
The Lucci's special was awesome. Find 3 friends, chip in $2.50 each, get that pizza....and it was a good pizza. What was the name of the pizza place that had the pizza eating challenge? Something like if 2 people could finish an 18" x 36" pizza in an hour, it was free. Near 27th and Wisconsin, IIRC.
That location made delivery key. I think the Marquette special was $6.99 or $7.99 for a 16" sausage, mushroom and onion pizza, "pizza rolls" (seasoned puffed dough) and a liter of pepsi. And you could pay with a check, which was key after my last crumpled up dollar was in the hands of a bartender at the establishment of the evening. I don't remember the pizza challenge--how did I miss that???
Quote from: Bleuteaux on June 16, 2014, 03:39:09 PM
This is an internet message board... If you say there is backstory, you must share!!
Sorry Bleu, don't know what it is specifically. Just that MU seemingly has a role in this. Again, it can't be the 'you're serving underage kids and we've had this chat before' issue.
Quote from: real chili 83 on June 19, 2014, 04:26:16 AM
Curious if anyone remembers when MG opened. I don't recall it open during my day.
For a gyro, we used to have to go to either the Circle, or schlep it down Wisconsin avenue to a place by Grand avenue. The place on Wisconsin ave served monster portions. Good stuff.
Chili,
Somewhere between 1987 - 1991. It wasn't there when I started Marquette, but MG was there when I finished.
Quote from: jsglow on June 19, 2014, 08:08:02 AM
Sorry Bleu, don't know what it is specifically. Just that MU seemingly has a role in this. Again, it can't be the 'you're serving underage kids and we've had this chat before' issue.
I'm pretty sure Angelo's owned Gyro's so maybe when MU bought Blows they took over Gyro's as well, and of coarse MU would want to ruin a good thing. The food options on campus dwindle by the day.
Quote from: swoopem on June 19, 2014, 09:21:48 AM
I'm pretty sure Angelo's owned Gyro's so maybe when MU bought Blows they took over Gyro's as well, and of coarse MU would want to ruin a good thing. The food options on campus dwindle by the day.
MU had Gyro's before Blows.
I kinda think that MU figures that because they lose money on the Annex, if they close every other food option that drunk people love they might actually make some money on the Annex. Of course they ignore the fact that the food sucks, and the hours are crappy. I've been theorizing this since they closed Hags and Blows after my Freshman year.
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 18, 2014, 06:45:32 PM
2 things:
1. my longest college "relationship" began at Gyros, no joke.
2. Guy from my dorm worked there freshman year. Kind of a scummy guy, but he was nice to us. Paid 100% under the table, and he told me all employees were paid that way.
So you are the little guy that worked there and made out with his nasty red headed girl sitting on the counter.
Quote from: ZiggysFryBoy on June 19, 2014, 10:11:07 AM
So you are the little guy that worked there and made out with his nasty red headed girl sitting on the counter.
Ahh good ole Christos.
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 18, 2014, 06:45:32 PM
2 things:
1. my longest college "relationship" began at Gyros, no joke.
2. Guy from my dorm worked there freshman year. Kind of a scummy guy, but he was nice to us. Paid 100% under the table, and he told me all employees were paid that way.
Are 1 & 2 related? U dated a dude from Gyros?
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on June 19, 2014, 08:35:11 AM
Chili,
Somewhere between 1987 - 1991. It wasn't there when I started Marquette, but MG was there when I finished.
Those 4 years really are a blur, aren't they?
Quote from: Bleuteaux on June 19, 2014, 11:11:48 AM
Those 4 years really are a blur, aren't they?
That's about right. Weren't they for everyone?
as much as I loved Marquette Gyros and Real Chili - nothing beat late night filler of "Guliano's (2 slices & a drink) for like $2.50"
Quote from: real chili 83 on June 19, 2014, 04:26:16 AM
Curious if anyone remembers when MG opened. I don't recall it open during my day.
For a gyro, we used to have to go to either the Circle, or schlep it down Wisconsin avenue to a place by Grand avenue. The place on Wisconsin ave served monster portions. Good stuff.
A gyro place opened up on Wells in 79. The food was great but the shop was never crowded. I knew gyros from the doner kebab trucks that were popular in DC so I went to this place often. The owner was a great Lebanese guy but it was clear he wasn't making it. He moved to the east side near the Oriental Theater and did a booming business so it was more a matter of the Marquette crowd not being ready for 'exotic' fare.
Back then late night chow was limited to Angelo's, Real Chili, Wales, and Geo Webb so losing the gyro place was a 20% reduction in available gut fill. If one started drinking earlier you could hit Cousins; Suburpia had closed by then.
Quote from: madtownwarrior on June 19, 2014, 10:12:29 PM
as much as I loved Marquette Gyros and Real Chili - nothing beat late night filler of "Guliano's (2 slices & a drink) for like $2.50"
+1
Quote from: keefe on June 19, 2014, 10:25:37 PM
A gyro place opened up on Wells in 79. The food was great but the shop was never crowded. I knew gyros from the doner kebab trucks that were popular in DC so I went to this place often. The owner was a great Lebanese guy but it was clear he wasn't making it. He moved to the east side near the Oriental Theater and did a booming business so it was more a matter of the Marquette crowd not being ready for 'exotic' fare.
Back then late night chow was limited to Angelo's, Real Chili, Wales, and Geo Webb so losing the gyro place was a 20% reduction in available gut fill. If one started drinking earlier you could hit Cousins; Suburpia had closed by then.
What about the Ham 'n Egger?? IIRC, you were a fan of Hegarty's, which would mean you must have stumbled to the Ham 'n Egger once or twice! (And, in my years at least, Wales was not really a late not joint)
Quote from: keefe on June 19, 2014, 10:25:37 PM
A gyro place opened up on Wells in 79. The food was great but the shop was never crowded. I knew gyros from the doner kebab trucks that were popular in DC so I went to this place often. The owner was a great Lebanese guy but it was clear he wasn't making it. He moved to the east side near the Oriental Theater and did a booming business so it was more a matter of the Marquette crowd not being ready for 'exotic' fare.
Back then late night chow was limited to Angelo's, Real Chili, Wales, and Geo Webb so losing the gyro place was a 20% reduction in available gut fill. If one started drinking earlier you could hit Cousins; Suburpia had closed by then.
Two things. First: doner kebab's are delicious. A bunch of my buddies and I went to Munich last year to visit my friend who was stationed in Amberg for Oktoberfest and we probably each had 2 of those every night. The scene at these doner stands was hilarious. We absolutely crushed those things.
Second: is the place that moved to the east side Oakland Gyros? They're really successful and IMO it's the best gyro in Milwaukee
Hegarty's had excellent food 04-08.
Quote from: swoopem on June 20, 2014, 08:33:09 AM
Second: is the place that moved to the east side Oakland Gyros? They're really successful and IMO it's the best gyro in Milwaukee
Have you ever tried the Deluxe at the Gyro Stand on Oklahoma? grilled mushrooms, onions, tomato and green pepper
http://www.allmenus.com/wi/milwaukee/184933-the-gyros-stand/menu/
Never heard of it. I don't live in Milwaukee so next time I'm up there I'll try to check it out. I love me a gyro
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on June 20, 2014, 08:05:17 AM
What about the Ham 'n Egger?? IIRC, you were a fan of Hegarty's, which would mean you must have stumbled to the Ham 'n Egger once or twice! (And, in my years at least, Wales was not really a late not joint)
I was indeed a fan of Hegarty's and did some focused drinking inside that august hallway of a bar. Ham 'n Egger was just after my time. I believe it replaced a great lunch spot, Sy's Deli. Han n' Egger would have been great since it was right on the glide slope between Heg's and our house on 15th.
And I think you are right about Wales. It shuttered around midnight when it first opened so if you made an early night of it you could get some grease to counter the alcohol raging through your system.
Really disappointing. Much prefer Gyros over Chili and I would probably say on a nightly basis more people ate at Gyros than Chili now a days.
Quote from: swoopem on June 20, 2014, 08:33:09 AM
Two things. First: doner kebab's are delicious. A bunch of my buddies and I went to Munich last year to visit my friend who was stationed in Amberg for Oktoberfest and we probably each had 2 of those every night. The scene at these doner stands was hilarious. We absolutely crushed those things.
Second: is the place that moved to the east side Oakland Gyros? They're really successful and IMO it's the best gyro in Milwaukee
Doner kebab trucks starting popping up around DC in the 70s and they were a superlative drunken meal on the street. When the gyro place opened up at MU I was thrilled and turned my wife on to them too. That business just died at MU and moved up near UWM. Oakland Gyros is the same family that did the one near MU.
It is interesting that it failed at MU but flourished near UWM. My observation of the two student bodies is that MU students are from all over but try to assimilate into the MU community. UWM students are from Milwaukee but try to prove they aren't.
I remember back in the day we were with my wife's parents on the east side and I suggested we eat gyros. My future father-in-law glared at me and asked if it was more raw fish? They had visited DC and my folks took them out for sushi in Georgetown. My wife's German Thiensville Burgher dad was not amused.
Quote from: chitownwarrior2011 on June 22, 2014, 08:14:11 PM
Really disappointing. Much prefer Gyros over Chili and I would probably say on a nightly basis more people ate at Gyros than Chili now a days.
Young man, you disappoint me.
There was something magical about watching Blondie take away the innocence of one's real chili virginity.
Quote from: real chili 83 on June 23, 2014, 06:23:46 AM
Young man, you disappoint me.
There was something magical about watching Blondie take away the innocence of one's real chili virginity.
Mix it up! Mix it up good, boys!
I forgot Guillianos but was there nearly every Thursday-Saturday night my freshman year. $2.50 for 2 slices and a Red White and Blue. They served beer to anyone including my roomates 15 year old brother during little sibs weekend.
I remember being there the night they closed. People were tearing the booths out of the walls.
Hegartys did have solid food but I think the kitchen closed about 11 pm. The wings special was a good deal
Quote from: Bleuteaux on June 29, 2014, 07:40:09 PM
Hegartys did have solid food but I think the kitchen closed about 11 pm. The wings special was a good deal
The food may have been solid going in but it was pretty loose coming out
Speaking of loose, a Grinnell alum mentioned this weekend that he was a fan of "Loose Meat" sandwiches. He claims these are all the rage in in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana. From his description they don't sound very appetizing. What's the Scoop?
Quote from: keefe on June 29, 2014, 11:22:57 PM
Speaking of loose, a Grinnell alum mentioned this weekend that he was a fan of "Loose Meat" sandwiches. He claims these are all the rage in in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana. From his description they don't sound very appetizing. What's the Scoop?
Sloppy joe without the sauce. Its gross if you ask me.
Quote from: JWags85 on June 30, 2014, 12:36:20 AM
Sloppy joe without the sauce. Its gross if you ask me.
That's what the Grinnell guy said. Is it true there are restaurants dedicated to Loose Meat? If so I couldn't imagine they would survive...
Quote from: keefe on June 30, 2014, 01:32:12 AM
That's what the Grinnell guy said. Is it true there are restaurants dedicated to Loose Meat? If so I couldn't imagine they would survive...
Montreal's smoked meat is awesome.
Purely. Awesome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal-style_smoked_meat
Schwartz's Deli.
May Yahweh continue to bless thee for eons to come.
http://schwartzsdeli.com/ca/en/
Quote from: keefe on June 29, 2014, 11:22:57 PM
Speaking of loose, a Grinnell alum mentioned this weekend that he was a fan of "Loose Meat" sandwiches. He claims these are all the rage in in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana. From his description they don't sound very appetizing. What's the Scoop?
Its not the same but this reminded me of the cannibal sandwich, which is quite popular in small town Wisconsin.
Said my emotional good bye to Gyros this weekend. 2 orders of fried mac n cheese bites (they were out of fried pickles) and a gyros sandwich. RIP
Whatever happened to Wales? That place was a god send when it opened up. The food landscape was pretty bleak back in our day.
Quote from: keefe on June 30, 2014, 06:54:45 PM
Whatever happened to Wales? That place was a god send when it opened up. The food landscape was pretty bleak back in our day.
Why don't you come to campus sometime and find out?
Quote from: keefe on June 19, 2014, 10:25:37 PM
A gyro place opened up on Wells in 79. The food was great but the shop was never crowded. I knew gyros from the doner kebab trucks that were popular in DC so I went to this place often. The owner was a great Lebanese guy but it was clear he wasn't making it. He moved to the east side near the Oriental Theater and did a booming business so it was more a matter of the Marquette crowd not being ready for 'exotic' fare.
Back then late night chow was limited to Angelo's, Real Chili, Wales, and Geo Webb so losing the gyro place was a 20% reduction in available gut fill. If one started drinking earlier you could hit Cousins; Suburpia had closed by then.
The gyro place on Wells was called Charco. My roomie used to get gyros from there on Saturday nights, eat half and put the other half in the frig. By wake up time on Sunday that half gyro had gained lots of strength.
Quote from: warriorchick on June 30, 2014, 06:58:03 PM
Why don't you come to campus sometime and find out?
That was my wife's duty. Going back meant time with the in-laws
Quote from: keefe on June 29, 2014, 11:22:57 PM
Speaking of loose, a Grinnell alum mentioned this weekend that he was a fan of "Loose Meat" sandwiches. He claims these are all the rage in in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana. From his description they don't sound very appetizing. What's the Scoop?
Being a native Hoosier, I can't speak to loose meat sandwiches, but I have heard of them. However, my hometown has a hell of a breaded pork tenderloin, go ahead and diss, scoopers:
https://nickskitchen.net/
p.s., But if you're in northeastern Indiana, stop in, it's worth it.
Quote from: muhoosier260 on June 30, 2014, 08:50:51 PM
Being a native Hoosier, I can't speak to loose meat sandwiches, but I have heard of them. However, my hometown has a hell of a breaded pork tenderloin, go ahead and diss, scoopers:
https://nickskitchen.net/
p.s., But if you're in northeastern Indiana, stop in, it's worth it.
Same here....never heard of them in Northern Indiana.
Must be Made Rite that they are referring to.
http://maid-rite.com/
Quote from: real chili 83 on June 30, 2014, 10:02:21 PM
Same here....never heard of them in Northern Indiana.
Must be Made Rite that they are referring to.
http://maid-rite.com/
Spot on 83. maid-Rite is a tasty sandwich my Mom somehow had the recipe but it was called an "Otto" by her and my grandma. Wish they'd given me the recipe before my Mom died. My soon to be 100 yr old grandma doesn't remember it either.
Quote from: Lighthouse 84 on June 30, 2014, 10:40:14 PM
Spot on 83. maid-Rite is a tasty sandwich my Mom somehow had the recipe but it was called an "Otto" by her and my grandma. Wish they'd given me the recipe before my Mom died. My soon to be 100 yr old grandma doesn't remember it either.
84
There's a couple of recipes for it on line.
Quote from: Lighthouse 84 on June 30, 2014, 10:40:14 PM
Spot on 83. maid-Rite is a tasty sandwich my Mom somehow had the recipe but it was called an "Otto" by her and my grandma. Wish they'd given me the recipe before my Mom died. My soon to be 100 yr old grandma doesn't remember it either.
Otto is too dignified. Loose Meat has an earthier ring
Quote from: keefe on July 01, 2014, 02:26:45 PM
Otto is too dignified. Loose Meat has an earthier ring
Loose meat sounds like my ballbag on a hot humid day.
Quote from: ZiggysFryBoy on July 01, 2014, 08:31:21 PM
Loose meat sounds like my ballbag on a hot humid day.
Why do you keep your meat in a ball bag?
Quote from: Heavy Gear on June 30, 2014, 07:58:44 PM
The gyro place on Wells was called Charco. My roomie used to get gyros from there on Saturday nights, eat half and put the other half in the frig. By wake up time on Sunday that half gyro had gained lots of strength.
That's the place. Key finding: Don't ever bring home the greasy bag from any Gyro or Korean restaurant unless you wish your abode to reek like either an Incirlik or Osan back alley.
Back in the day of TDYs to Incirlik I brought back to my BOQ room the uneaten remains of a 2 kilo doner kebab meal. I awoke to the most ungodly stench that was likely worse than the doner kebab dude's ass crack. It was a heady mixture of garlic, fried onions, fetid flesh, and BO. The stink permeated everything in my room, including my flight suit. The nomex material soaked up every possible molecule of doner kebab funk. When I went to the briefing theatre that day people avoided me like the plague.
When I got back to Spangdahlem from Turkey I brought my bag into the house which my wife immediately threw outside. She was actually rather upset and I only heard her muttering, "I don't even want to know..."
MU restaurant update: Don't know if it's official or not, but Pita Brothers, a very popular food truck around campus, is putting in a permanent location about a half-block west of Walgreens on Wisconsin Ave. Certainly an upgrade from the dollar store that was there previously.
Quote from: warriorchick on September 11, 2014, 05:36:24 PM
MU restaurant update: Don't know if it's official or not, but Pita Brothers, a very popular food truck around campus, is putting in a permanent location about a half-block west of Walgreens on Wisconsin Ave. Certainly an upgrade from the dollar store that was there previously.
I thought that Starbucks was moving to that location because they wanted the bigger space. Btw, I really miss gyros.
I was a big Marquette Gyros fan. But this is the way the world is going. People don't want the "local" place anymore. They want name brands and franchises. Everything is becoming suburbia. Americans travel to Europe and are excited to see a McDonald's because it's what they know. Sad. Enjoy that Qdoba and Jimmy Johns or whatever. I seriously doubt 20 years from now there will be a thread about one of those places closing.
Quote from: Avenue Commons on September 11, 2014, 09:01:59 PM
I was a big Marquette Gyros fan. But this is the way the world is going. People don't want the "local" place anymore. They want name brands and franchises. Everything is becoming suburbia. Americans travel to Europe and are excited to see a McDonald's because it's what they know. Sad. Enjoy that Qdoba and Jimmy Johns or whatever. I seriously doubt 20 years from now there will be a thread about one of those places closing.
Pita Brothers couldn't be more local. From the Marquette Tribune:
Pita Brothers, a popular local food truck, will park its mobile food service this semester and move into the former Campus Dollar location on Wisconsin Avenue.
This is Pita Brothers' first brick-and-mortar location, a lot which it will share with another, unpicked tenant. It will be located in the 1600 block of W. Wisconsin Ave. alongside Starbucks, Cousins Subs and Walgreens.
"The space is being divided into two spaces, with Pita Brothers leasing roughly half of the space that was previously vacant," said Jenny Alexander, director of purchasing for the Marquette University Purchasing Department, in an email. "The Office of Finance continues to focus on supporting merchant partnerships that benefit both the university community and business owners, and is excited to be adding Pita Brothers to campus."
Vijay Swearingen, who co-founded Pita Brothers with his brother Manoj in 2009, said he is excited to come to campus and closely interact with his patrons.
"Marquette, I think, lacks and maybe still does (lack) enough healthy food options," Swearingen said. "Obviously, you have to create a menu that has healthy food options, but you have to do it in an efficient manner because people, whether they're students or faculty or work nearby, are always pressed for time."
Pita Brothers will operate much differently as a restaurant compared to a food truck. Swearingen said he plans to modernize his business. He said he has many ideas including an app and the use of iPads, but he said he's unsure if he can implement them all.
The restaurant will, however, be efficient.
"We're trying to be cutting-edge with everything," Swearingen said. "(The restaurant) is definitely a much more modern concept. The only thing that won't be modern is MarquetteCash."
A menu expansion is in the works for the business. It's not finalized yet, but the Swearingen brothers plan to cater to the Marquette community's desires, so they're open to suggestions from customers.
"We're not 100 percent sure how we are going to finalize the menu because we want to work with the students," Swearingen said. "We will add more choices but there won't be an incredible amount of more choices because we want to make sure we move things as efficiently as we can."
Moving into a retail space is a dream come true for the Swearingen brothers. While parked on campus as a food truck, they formed relationships with their customers.
"The people that have bought pita from our truck are directly responsible for helping us get to a situation where we can open a (restaurant,)" Swearingen said. "It's a street-to-restaurant type of story where we start on the street, develop a following, friendships or acquaintanceships with the people we serve, and then we take their money and we use that to directly expand our operations and hours to be available to them more often."
As for the future of the Pita Brothers food truck, its last ride will likely be this fall. Swearingen wants to focus on the restaurant but hasn't ruled out bringing the truck back in the spring.
"(The truck) will continue to operate until the (restaurant) is officially open and then we have to focus on the management of that (restaurant,)" Swearingen said. "Around November we should park the truck."
Quote from: warriorchick on September 11, 2014, 05:36:24 PM
MU restaurant update: Don't know if it's official or not, but Pita Brothers, a very popular food truck around campus, is putting in a permanent location about a half-block west of Walgreens on Wisconsin Ave. Certainly an upgrade from the dollar store that was there previously.
Best of luck to the new place. What was the overpriced, constant health code violating mediterranean themed place that was next door? Pretty sure it was on the corner of 17th and Wisc., where the newer dorm is now. I only dared to get a milkshake there as a hangover cure. This place was constantly empty.
Quote from: real chili 83 on June 30, 2014, 10:02:21 PM
Same here....never heard of them in Northern Indiana.
Must be Made Rite that they are referring to.
http://maid-rite.com/
This looks like a sloppy joe, no?
Quote from: muhoosier260 on September 11, 2014, 10:32:42 PM
Best of luck to the new place. What was the overpriced, constant health code violating mediterranean themed place that was next door? Pretty sure it was on the corner of 17th and Wisc., where the newer dorm is now. I only dared to get a milkshake there as a hangover cure. This place was constantly empty.
You mean ziggy's? brah? ;D
Quote from: Avenue Commons on September 11, 2014, 09:01:59 PM
People don't want the "local" place anymore. They want name brands and franchises. Everything is becoming suburbia.
Suburpia was local. The shop on Wells was witness to all sorts of shenanigans in the early morning hours. While I preferred Cousins Suburpia maintained better hours for the drinking man.
Quote from: warriorchick on September 11, 2014, 10:17:02 PM
Pita Brothers couldn't be more local. From the Marquette Tribune:
Pita Brothers, a popular local food truck, will park its mobile food service this semester and move into the former Campus Dollar location on Wisconsin Avenue.
This is Pita Brothers' first brick-and-mortar location, a lot which it will share with another, unpicked tenant. It will be located in the 1600 block of W. Wisconsin Ave. alongside Starbucks, Cousins Subs and Walgreens.
"The space is being divided into two spaces, with Pita Brothers leasing roughly half of the space that was previously vacant," said Jenny Alexander, director of purchasing for the Marquette University Purchasing Department, in an email. "The Office of Finance continues to focus on supporting merchant partnerships that benefit both the university community and business owners, and is excited to be adding Pita Brothers to campus."
Vijay Swearingen, who co-founded Pita Brothers with his brother Manoj in 2009, said he is excited to come to campus and closely interact with his patrons.
"Marquette, I think, lacks and maybe still does (lack) enough healthy food options," Swearingen said. "Obviously, you have to create a menu that has healthy food options, but you have to do it in an efficient manner because people, whether they're students or faculty or work nearby, are always pressed for time."
Pita Brothers will operate much differently as a restaurant compared to a food truck. Swearingen said he plans to modernize his business. He said he has many ideas including an app and the use of iPads, but he said he's unsure if he can implement them all.
The restaurant will, however, be efficient.
"We're trying to be cutting-edge with everything," Swearingen said. "(The restaurant) is definitely a much more modern concept. The only thing that won't be modern is MarquetteCash."
A menu expansion is in the works for the business. It's not finalized yet, but the Swearingen brothers plan to cater to the Marquette community's desires, so they're open to suggestions from customers.
"We're not 100 percent sure how we are going to finalize the menu because we want to work with the students," Swearingen said. "We will add more choices but there won't be an incredible amount of more choices because we want to make sure we move things as efficiently as we can."
Moving into a retail space is a dream come true for the Swearingen brothers. While parked on campus as a food truck, they formed relationships with their customers.
"The people that have bought pita from our truck are directly responsible for helping us get to a situation where we can open a (restaurant,)" Swearingen said. "It's a street-to-restaurant type of story where we start on the street, develop a following, friendships or acquaintanceships with the people we serve, and then we take their money and we use that to directly expand our operations and hours to be available to them more often."
As for the future of the Pita Brothers food truck, its last ride will likely be this fall. Swearingen wants to focus on the restaurant but hasn't ruled out bringing the truck back in the spring.
"(The truck) will continue to operate until the (restaurant) is officially open and then we have to focus on the management of that (restaurant,)" Swearingen said. "Around November we should park the truck."
I loved him in Deadwood
What was the cheesesteak place, on Wells in the late 90s? I have fond memories.
Quote from: reinko on September 12, 2014, 10:47:46 AM
What was the cheesesteak place, on Wells in the late 90s? I have fond memories.
Taste of Philly -- so good.....
Quote from: reinko on September 12, 2014, 10:47:46 AM
What was the cheesesteak place, on Wells in the late 90s? I have fond memories.
Earlier there was Rick's on Wells, which was outstanding. I only had it when sober too.
Quote from: ZiggysFryBoy on September 11, 2014, 11:56:05 PM
You mean ziggy's? brah? ;D
Hahah, duh! Thanks. The owner was super cool.
Quote from: wadesworld on September 12, 2014, 09:02:13 PM
Is that the same as The Philly Way?
Carlo Danisi - The Philly Phanatic of McCormick Hall
Quote from: keefe on September 12, 2014, 09:10:00 PM
Carlo Danisi - The Philly Phanatic of McCormick Hall
I don't even know what that means. All I know is The Philly Way is delicious and I believe is on 2nd St. I believe they also put one in on Brady St. within the last couple years.
Quote from: wadesworld on September 12, 2014, 09:37:50 PM
I don't even know what that means. All I know is The Philly Way is delicious and I believe is on 2nd St. I believe they also put one in on Brady St. within the last couple years.
This is true. I can say that the Brady Street recipe is identical, no difference, both delish. There used to be a downtown location, I believe around 2nd and Wells, but it didn't get enough business. Not enough downtown lunch people who appreciate good food.
Quote from: Frenns Liquor Depot on September 12, 2014, 12:13:34 PM
Taste of Philly -- so good.....
My gut owes them a big hat tip.
And many people didn't like the BBQ place near Vibes at Campus Town, but they did have some mean meats...and the best rice and beans I've had anywhere.
I heard they demolished Gyros today. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
I'm still pretty upset that this place closed. I was a big fan of their burgers, chicken bacon swiss, and philly cheesesteak, and now I'll never have an opportunity to try the actual gyro. Damn.
Quote from: swoopem on November 24, 2014, 04:11:46 PM
I heard they demolished Gyros today. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
I'm still pretty upset that this place closed. I was a big fan of their burgers, chicken bacon swiss, and philly cheesesteak, and now I'll never have an opportunity to try the actual gyro. Damn.
Confirm. Here are the pictures:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10476030_757509684315093_6499741403883426126_n.jpg?oh=2b444cca15dfe71658453841a719d225&oe=550B02E1&__gda__=1427241681_a9cbd72414c330629ae87821a5f6cab8)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marquette-Wire/190285484370852
Quote from: warriorchick on November 24, 2014, 07:53:39 PM
Confirm. Here are the pictures:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10476030_757509684315093_6499741403883426126_n.jpg?oh=2b444cca15dfe71658453841a719d225&oe=550B02E1&__gda__=1427241681_a9cbd72414c330629ae87821a5f6cab8)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marquette-Wire/190285484370852
That is a sad chucking picture.
Maybe Sobelman's will expand?
What else is MU gonna do with that little slice of real estate?
Quote from: Bleuteaux on November 25, 2014, 11:20:16 AM
Maybe Sobelman's will expand?
What else is MU gonna do with that little slice of real estate?
Actually, from what I hear, Sobelman's is putting in a beer garden there.
Quote from: warriorchick on November 25, 2014, 11:24:41 AM
Actually, from what I hear, Sobelman's is putting in a beer garden there.
Awesome!
Quote from: warriorchick on November 25, 2014, 11:24:41 AM
Actually, from what I hear, Sobelman's is putting in a beer garden there.
Nice!