The Spring 2018 semester will mark a new culinary era in and around the University of Nevada, Reno. Three chains that are popular among students will open in Reno this semester.
Dutch Bros. Coffee
The popular coffee chain, Dutch Bros. Coffee, held their grand opening at their Reno location on Wednesday, Jan. 17, where they were open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The grand opening event was extremely busy, according to Dutch Bros. Coffee barista Kirsten Overmyer.
“The lines were out to the road, we had traffic people out there,” Overmyer said. “Oh, God. Everybody was there.”
Before this opening, the closest location was in Carson City. It was a common occurrence for students to get up before their morning classes, drive down to Carson City for Dutch Bros., and return before their class starts.
Dutch Bros. is popular for their specialty mochas and energy drink-infused ice teas. It is located at 7250 South Virginia Street.
Ike’s Sandwiches
News broke of a popular California chain, Ike’s Sandwiches, opening in Reno after job postings for a new location went up online. The new location will be next to Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers on North Virginia Street, within walking distance for university students.
When asked on Twitter about the opening date, the founder, Ike Shehadeh, said they hope to open the new location within the coming month. Shehadeh himself will be at the grand opening event.
Since learning the news, Californian students at UNR have been voicing their excitement since the announcement.
“There’s an Ike’s in Reno. My life is made,” said Owen Descheemaeker, a student at the university.
Ike’s Sandwiches is famous for opening near large college campuses such as UC Davis and San Jose State University. They are famous for their Dutch crunch bread, Halal meats and vegetarian options.
SoHo Sushi Burrito
The wait is almost over. The Joe Crowley Student Union announced in June 2017 that SoHo Sushi Burrito would open on the second floor of the Joe, in the old WolfCard office. They are currently conducting job interviews.
The Mexican-Japanese fusion only has three other locations — all in the Las Vegas area. Their location in the Joe is their first venture into northern Nevada. This is their second location on a college campus, the first being on UNLV’s campus.
The menu features sushi items, such as California and dragon rolls, that can be served as a burrito or in a bowl. College menus are slightly modified from other locations.
The management has not commented on an official opening date.
Paolo Zialcita can be reached at mpurdue@sagebrush.unr and on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush.
