Teresa Aguilera, Photographer
North Porch Cafe, Memorial Union, has reopened for Spring 2022 after being closed due to the impact of COVID-19 and University of Housing and Dining Services being understaffed. This illustration shows students waiting in line to order from the cafe.
North Porch Cafe was closed for almost two years due to staff shortages. It reopened March 15, and will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
North Porch is located in the west wings of the Memorial Union and will serve rice bowls, Banh Mi sandwiches, and other drink options.
North Porch will reopen after University Housing and Dining Services had tried to reopen the facility since fall term 2021. Jaimie Herrera is assistant director and executive chefs at UHDS. According to Kerry Paterson (director of campus dining and catering at UHDS), it was closed in 2020 after OSU moved completely remote.
Paterson stated, “I don’t want to see us open something and then have to close it again because of staff shortages in other areas.” We offer a fun environment for anyone who wants to work in Dining. They can apply online at the OSU student job page.
Herrera stated that the strategic decision to open North Porch on Tuesday during finals week was one of the best.
Herrera stated that campus tends to have a lower food demand. This will give us the chance to manage the logistics and flow for prepping, cooking, service and delivery.
Paterson says that the lower demand for food during finals week will allow for professional training of student staff and professionals on the menu and flow of service.
Herrera stated that while our staffing is still limited, the need for more variety on campus for students and staff has always been a priority. Therefore, North Porch will be opened on a limited basis.
Other dining options available on campus include Weatherford Hall’s Bings Cafe, and McNary Dining Center’s La Calle.
Patterson says that La Calle will be reopen two days per week during spring term, on Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Bings Cafe however, will remain closed until their staffing needs improve.
According to Debb Mott who is the director of the MU North Porch was opened for business in 2015. The wooden counters were made from local woods, possibly from trees on campus.
Paterson hopes that North Porch Cafe’s hours will increase as more staff are hired.
North Porch has been a great place for students to work because it is centrally located on campus. We intend to keep it fun, said Paterson.
Paterson says that the current North Porch menu will only be a small version of the full menu. However, as more students are employed, the menu and hours will grow.
North Porch Cafe’s start menu will feature Banh Mi sandwiches with your choice of pork, Thai barbecue chicken, or Asian Tofu. Asian rice bowls can also be ordered with yellow or red curry. There are also Thai BBQ chicken, Asian Tofu, and various toppings.
