Kelley Wilkins, SIU Student Center assistant director of dining, officially open the 1869 Grille. With Wilkins from left, are Jeffery Burgin, vice chancellor for student affairs, Chancellor Austin Lane, Chef Aaron May, Wilkins, Greyson Applebee, USG president, Zuzanna Gaik, student trustee, SIU System President Daniel Mahony, and Aayush Timsina, GPSC president. (Photo by Cyrian Mills, SIU Student Center)
August 27, 2026
1869 Grille officially opens in the Student Center
Nationally renowned Chef Aaron May along with university officials including Chancellor Austin Lane and SIU System President Daniel Mahony were on hand Aug. 25 to celebrate the culinary grand opening of the 1869 Grille in the Student Center.
As part of the ribbon cutting, May participated in an autograph session and moderated public discussion.
The varied menu includes premium “Big Dawg” burger, featuring a beef patty from cattle raised at SIU’s University Farms.
The 1869 Grille is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday when the Student Center is open.