Boston University Dining Services have made two new additions to the Union Court in the George Sherman Union: a deli-style sandwich shop and a late-night diner that will open in October.
Charles River Bread Co. replaced the D’Angelos sandwich shop, which had been consistently losing business in the past few years. Charles River Bread Co. is an upscale delicatessen offering pre-made and custom sandwiches, featuring Boar’s Head deli meat and freshly baked bread.
Diner-style Rhett’s will also open in October and will sell 1950s-inspired burgers, root beer floats and milkshakes at later hours of the night.
While Panera Bread and Quiznos scored high on student surveys as options to replace D’Angelos, Dining Services Retail Operations Director David Davenport and his coworkers decided to create a “BU brand” restaurant to avoid excess franchise costs, while keeping sandwiches affordable.
“We feel that Charles River Bread Co. is a good solution and will be able to offer the quality that students are looking for,” said Dining Services Marketing Director Michelle Vitagliano in an email.
Dining Services employees researched delis in Boston and New York before choosing Charles River Bread Co.
“The quality of the deli meat is significantly higher than any meat you can buy,” Davenport said. “It’s hormone-free [with] no preservatives, so it’s pretty much the top of the line. . . . As we get into full cycle, you’ll see breads being baked throughout the day.”
The new sandwich shop will serve five pre-made paninis and five pre-made signature sandwiches each day, but the menu will change mid-week, Davenport said. Standard sandwiches include the Boston Gobbler, Rhett’s Classic Club and South Campus Jerk Chicken.
“[D’Angelos] was pretty good, but it was more of a fast-food place,” said College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Murray Cohen. “Just the quality and variety of the breads [at Charles River Bread Co.], I’m really happy about.”
Rhett’s, the other new addition to the Union Court, will have a Late Nite-style menu and will be open until 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 1 a.m. the rest of the week.
“[Rhett’s] allows the [GSU] to be more program-friendly,” Davenport said. “We do recognize that a good portion of the student body is up and about at 11 o’clock, 12 o’clock and 1 o’clock. Rhett’s is going to be a great concept.”
Rhett’s ice cream products will use local brand Richardson’s Ice Cream. Other menu items will include sundaes, frappés and banana splits.
“I think it seems like a good balance,” said CAS sophomore Jennifer Badurski. “The sandwich shop seems more health-oriented. . . . Then there’s the [Charles River Bread Co.]. [The GSU] has a good balance. It has both sides.”