The grand opening of SIU’s 1869 Grille, with an appearance by Food Network programs’ Chef Aaron May, is Tuesday, Aug. 25. The classic menu will include (bottom photo) a grilled chicken sandwich, in addition to a premium 1/3-pound “Big Dawg,” hamburger with beef patties from cattle raised at SIU's University Farms. (Photos provided by Cyrian Mills and Emily Karr, SIU Student Center)
August 18, 2026
SIU’s 1869 Grille grand opening to feature Food Network programs’ Chef Aaron May[
CARBONDALE, Ill. — A new dining destination and experience is making its debut this month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale — and nationally renowned Chef Aaron May will help open the culinary celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
May, who is known for appearances as a judge and chef on Food Network programs, will attend the grand opening of the 1869 Grille in the SIU Student Center. Chancellor Austin Lane, Chef May, university officials and student government leaders will be on hand for a ribbon cutting set for noon, Aug. 25.
“The opening of 1869 Grille is a step in reimagining the campus dining experience for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors,” said Tena Bennett, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary enterprises and student affairs. “Partnering with Chef Aaron May has allowed us to create a distinctive concept that showcases great food, outstanding hospitality, and the pride we have in SIU. As we continue investing in our dining program, 1869 Grille represents our commitment to providing experiences that make students proud to call SIU home.”
Media availability
Reporters, photographers and news media are invited to attend the grand opening of SIU Carbondale’s 1869 Grille on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in the SIU Student Center. The ribbon cutting is set for noon. At 11:30 a.m. Chef Aaron May, Chancellor Austin Lane, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffery Burgin, along with SIU student leaders will be doing grill work during a ceremonial opening. For more information, contact Kent Epplin, Student Center director, at 618-453-3766 or kepplin@siu.edu.
Named for the year the university began, the grill will feature classic menu items including flame-broiled made-to-order hamburgers, French fries, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, toasted/grilled sandwiches, and other popular fare, including ice cream and specialty “dirty sodas.”
The new concept was developed in response to student feedback and demand for additional dining choices within the Student Center, said Kent Epplin, Student Center director.
“The addition of the 1869 Grille reflects the Student Center’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the campus dining experience by providing students, faculty, staff, and visitors with more diverse and appealing dining options,” Epplin said.
May will also introduce some specific surprise additions to the 1869 Grille menu during his visit.
Meet Chef Aaron May
Guests are invited to visit the 1869 Grille between 12-2 p.m. for a meet-and-greet and autograph session with May while experiencing the new dining venue firsthand. May will also participate in a moderated discussion that is open to the public at 2 p.m. in the Student Center’s Old Main Room.
May, who is originally from Chicago, is known for his flair — in both the kitchen and on television. He discovered his culinary passion early, working pantry shifts at 15 years old and later refining those skills at École Ritz Escoffier, a cooking and pastry school in Paris, France. After returning to the United States, May was inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame in 2010 as “chef extraordinaire,” held key positions at elite venues like the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale. He launched his first restaurant, Sol y Sombra, in 2006, followed by other local establishments such as Over Easy, The Lodge, and Goodwood Tavern in Arizona. Named one of the Food Network’s most-captivating and on-air talents, he’s appeared on shows including “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives,” “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and “Guy’s Big Bite,” and is a familiar face as both a contestant and judge on “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Guy’s Ranch Kitchen.”
Varied menu choices
Epplin credits Kelley Wilkins, the Student Center assistant director of dining, with menu development. One of the more natural homegrown items is the premium “Big Dawg” burger, featuring a beef patty from cattle raised at SIU’s University Farms. The Student Center is working with University Farms to purchase the beef.
The varied menu will include:
- 1/3-pound fresh, all beef hamburgers, that can be dressed with fresh tomato , lettuce, onion, and crisp garlic pickles on a brioche bun.
- Chicken options include a grilled chicken sandwich that can be topped with the same fresh veggies on a brioche bun, or crispy fried chicken strips with variety of sauces.
- Grilled cheese on either white or wheat bread and can be topped how you like.
- Side dishes: crisp fries, thick onion rings, creamy mac and cheese.
- All of the entrée items can be made into a meal with side and a fountain beverage.
- “Dirty sodas”: Classic dirty soda, Peach dirty soda, vanilla dirty soda, a dirty Dr Pepper, and a few other variations.
- Hand dipped ice cream served on a cone or in a cup or a delicious ice cream sundae all with a cherry on top.
1869 Grille hours
The 1869 Grille will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday when the Student Center is open.