Grand Openings Set This Month for Raising Cane's and P.O.D. Market in University Village
The University Village, a 75-acre mixed-use development initiative of Old Dominion University, will welcome two new tenants this month.
Consecutive-week grand openings will be held for Raising Cane's, a restaurant chain that specializes in chicken finger meals, and the P.O.D. (Provisions On Demand) Market, an ARAMARK proprietary brand, a market that reinvents the campus store experience by blending the features of "corner store" quick convenience with modern market style and service.
Together, the new establishments, along with current tenants in the development on the east side of campus, are helping ODU realize its goal of making the University Village a destination all its own with restaurants, retail shops, recreational facilities, hotel, and residential, office and research facilities.
"We recognized the growth of our resident student enrollment the past several years with the creation of the University Village, along with the recent opening of The District housing development," said Bob Fenning, ODU's vice president for administration and finance.
"With that growth of a resident student population, it creates the need for convenient access to food items that can be purchased as part of our meal plans, variety in items including organic and international foods, and extended hours."
Fenning said that Raising Cane's, in particular, will help add to the growing sense of spirit in the University Village. "Cane's has demonstrated its commitment to student employment opportunities, creating a fun place to gather and eat, and becoming a community service-focused organization," he said.
Raising Cane's will have its grand opening Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 4100 Monarch Way. The chicken fingers restaurant chain will host a celebration featuring games, prizes and giveaways. The first customer will receive free Cane's chicken fingers for a year. ODU President John R. Broderick, Fenning and mascot Big Blue will be on hand for the opening, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Just like the P.O.D.-Quad, which opened in 2009 near the Student Recreation Center, the P.O.D.-Village will feature made-to-order 6- and 12-inch deli subs, pizza-by-the-slice and whole pizza pies, and hot wings, in addition to fresh produce, baked goods and convenience items.
The P.O.D.-Village, at 4108 Monarch Way, will celebrate its grand opening the week of Jan. 17. During that week, the store will hold vendor samplings and sponsor giveaways and random prizes.
The P.O.D.-Village will accept meal exchange for all meal plan holders from 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those students on the Block 120 Exchange plan, created specifically for the P.O.D. Market, can use meal exchange at both P.O.D. Markets any day of the week and any time of the day. Flex Points, Monarch Plus, cash and credit are accepted at all Monarch Dining locations.
"These two new locations will provide students with additional dining and meeting space right where they live," said Janet McLaughlin, resident district manager for Monarch Dining Services/ ARAMARK.
"And for those that don't live in the Village or District area, it will give them destination spots. We are here to support the university through its growth and to help enhance the campus experience for ODU students."
That's a sentiment echoed by Todd Johnson, ODU's assistant vice president for auxiliary services. "We are very excited about the additions of the Raising Cane's and P.O.D. brands. Strategically, this will enhance students' experience in the Village while supporting ODU's residential community," Johnson said.
Raising Cane's will be open from 10:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. P.O.D.-Village will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.