July 26, 2016
Ciao! restaurant to become Mustang Station – the official gathering spot on campus
SAN LUIS OBISPO – A new kind of gathering spot is taking shape at Cal Poly, just in time for fall. Mustang Station is slated to take over the former Ciao! location in the University Union – and will be a first-of-its-kind food and beverage space for the Cal Poly community.
As part of the university’s vision for an academically and socially connected campus, Mustang Station will blend food, drink and entertainment, while providing an ideal place for the Mustang community to gather. The venue will offer a comfortable, relaxed setting to grab a bite to eat and spend time with friends. In addition, customers 21 years and up can order a beer or glass of wine.
“Mustang Station was conceived to create a central hub for socializing on campus,” said Lorlie Leetham, executive director for the Cal Poly Corporation and associate vice president for commercial services. “The restaurant will be a fun, convenient spot for Mustangs fans to meet up before and after sporting events. The energy will be warm and welcoming.”
With the clear Mustang presence in its name and décor, Mustang Station will embrace and embody Cal Poly school spirit. The large screen televisions will be ideal for viewing of sporting and other events. The menu will be expanded to include a variety of appetizers as well as beer and wine on tap, in addition to the familiar pizza and calzones. Inside Mustang Station, Red Radish will continue to feature its popular made-to-order salads. Mustang Lanes will be included in the food, beer and wine service area, enabling customers to bring food and beverages purchased at Mustang Station and Red Radish into the bowling alley while they bowl.
According to Leetham, the availability of beer and wine in the University Union has received a broad level of support. Nonetheless, several measures are being taken to ensure service is offered in a safe, effective manner. The restaurant will uphold a responsible beverage service system, including extensive training and identification procedures. There will also be active supervision of beer and wine consumption, and any violations will be subject to review by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Leetham said that beer and wine service is not new to Cal Poly. Beer and wine have been served at Cal Poly for the past eight years during evening hours at Vista Grande/Sage, and have been served even longer at the Performing Arts Center and other catered events. In addition, students 21 and older are allowed to consume alcohol in certain on-campus apartments, provided they meet specific conditions set by campus housing.
“Mustang Station is a concept that has proven quite successful at other campuses,” said Leetham. “It also exemplifies a true collaboration between our students and the university.”
According to Leetham, the idea for Mustang Station was developed in partnership with key university stakeholders including the University Union Advisory Board, which is comprised primarily of students. “More than 3,400 students were involved in naming Mustang Station,” said Leetham, referencing significant student participation in the interactive polling process.
Mustang Station is initially set to be open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 12 a.m. on weekends; however, hours may change at the restaurant’s discretion.
About Cal Poly
California Polytechnic State University is located in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and has an enrollment of 19,400. With its emphasis on agriculture, architecture, business, engineering, science and mathematics, and liberal arts, Cal Poly is one of the nation’s top producers of well-trained, work-ready professionals in scientific and technical fields
About Cal Poly Corporation
Cal Poly Corporation is the non-profit auxiliary organization to Cal Poly, providing self-supporting, innovative, and high-quality services to the university and assisting the institution in achieving its educational mission. For additional information, visit deathstardivi.wpengine.com or call 805-756-1451.
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