The former Silo Café and Pub will re-open today as the Gunrock Pub after a facelift that includes a new menu, new decorations and an environmentally conscious attitude.
Changes have been made to the pub’s décor, which has been the same since its opening in 1991, to include new tables and chairs, freshly planted olive trees at the entrance and new artwork to create a more formal, yet still casual feel.
“The whole point was to have something uniquely UC Davis,” said Robin Clemente, Marketing and Project specialist for the pub, “[We are] mixing eclectic with antique, with contemporary art to get something more sophisticated.“
Sodexho is picking up the tab for new china and linens while Student Affairs is funding the more permanent features such as the artwork and furniture.
Manager Shawn Carnes explained that the name change to the Gunrock Pub was made for historical and symbolic significance.
“As the UC Davis mascot, Gunrock reaffirms our connection to our primary guests; the campus community…and the symbolic significance in our association with a noble, enduring and intelligent animal,” said Carnes in an e-mail interview. “Association with the original Gunrock, the mustang housed at UC Davis in the 1920s, strengthens that historic connection in this Centennial year.“
The pub will see upgrades internally as well as externally. Menu options by Chef Ruben Andrade now include more locally produced food, produce from the Student Farm and Good Life Garden at the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, meat straight from the UC Davis Meat Laboratory and UC Davis‘ signature olive oil.
“The past five years campus production has exploded,” Clemente said. “We wanted to showcase the cool Aggie things that are coming to campus and bring it to the table so that its tangible for students and faculty to see it’s happening right here.“
James Boushka, marketing director for dining services recommends trying the classic French Dip sandwich and the seasonal salads. Local wines from Yolo county as well as sustainable beers will now also be included at the bar.
The pub will also feature environmentally friendly to-go containers made out of cornstarch that decompose after roughly 30 days as well as more energy efficient lighting.
The Gunrock pub, UC Davis‘ only on-campus full service restaurant and bar, aims to keep in mind that visitors might be in a rush and assures customers they will focus on speedy yet exceptional service.
“We are working on raising the bar as far as service goes,” said Karen Hagg, director of catering. “You know that you can go there and have good service and a good meal and get out under an hour.“
Today’s 11:30 a.m. grand opening will feature the Gunrock mascot himself for a ribbon cutting ceremony and the California Aggie Marching Band-Uh!. This is the first of many celebrations for the opening including free dessert for every customer.
The pub will also host wine tasting on the first Wednesday of every month.
The Gunrock Pub is open Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information go to gunrockpub.ucdavis.edu.
ANGELA RUGGIERO can be reached at campus@theaggie.org
