April 30, 2026
Tasty event and survey will help finalize menu for SIU’s new 1869 Grille
The eagerly anticipated debut of SIU’s new 1869 Grille is coming soon to the Student Center — and the campus community is invited to help finalize the menu.
A mini-taste testing is set for noon on Tuesday, May 5, in the 1869 Grille lobby. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to enjoy free small samples of food items – while supplies last – and complete a survey to assist with the final selection of menu items for the 1869 Grille and other Student Center dining options.
Named for the year the university began, the grill will feature classic menu items including flame-broiled hamburgers, French fries, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, toasted/grilled sandwiches and other popular fare. Set to open by the beginning of the fall 2026 semester or before, the new dining option concept will focus on providing high-quality food quickly at affordable prices.
The 1869 Grille isn’t the only new thing coming to Student Center dining. The center, in collaboration with University Housing, has engaged a food service consultant to assist in planning future dining options. The goal is to introduce new dining concepts and enhanced meal plan options for students.
Officials are also announcing that after serving the campus for many years, Chick-fil-A has elected to close its Student Center location on May 29. The company notified the university via a letter that nationwide it is shifting away from its licensing program across the breadth of its campus restaurant portfolio. Chick-fil-A expressed appreciation for the care, dedication and hard work SIU and its people have given to the brand through the years and emphasized that the decision in no way reflects on SIU.
“The SIU Student Center remains committed to offering a variety of delicious, diverse, reasonably priced dining options for the campus community for many years to come,” said Kent Epplin, Student Center director.