Gannon University students will soon have yet another dining option on the school’s Erie campus.
A Chick-fil-A will be built on campus in the university’s Waldron Campus Center and is expected to open after the start of the Fall 2021 semester. It will be Gannon’s first national chain restaurant on campus and will enhance the variety of dining options available to students, which include a traditional dining hall, grab-and-go as well as made-to-order locations within academic buildings, along with its university-owned restaurant and café. Metz Culinary Management, the university’s food vendor, will work closely with Chick-fil-A to maintain the day-to-day operations in the fall.
“Chick-fil-A is a great fit for our students and our campus, and we are excited to welcome them to Gannon,” said Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., provost and vice president of Student Experience.
“Offering quick, fresh and healthy food options is important for our students, and Chick-fil-A serves that up with a hearty side of hospitality that aligns with Gannon’s dedication to delivering an exceptional, high-quality experience for students and employees.”
There are several values the university felt aligned with their own that positioned Chick-fil-A for this partnership – to creating experiences rooted in care for others, to creating an optimal workplace for employees, as well as advancing commitment to education and strengthening the communities in which we serve.
Iwanenko elaborated on why Gannon chose to partner with Chick-fil-A, citing various considerations for its population of students on campus, one of which was an accommodating menu to meet the dietary preferences of student-athletes, commuters and global students alike. “Our students represent more than 60 countries across the world. Chick-fil-A will fit into our many campus cultures very well,” said Iwanenko.
This will be the third Chick-fil-A location in Erie, with the other two locations being just a short drive from campus with one located on 12th Street and the other on Peach Street. This third location on Gannon’s campus will be open to the university and Erie communities. It will serve Chick-fil-A favorites in both sit-down and to-go styles to meet the needs of all its customers.
