Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
The student-run restaurant at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is set to unveil a new identity and menu. The former 100 West Café, located in Gerald Thomas Hall, has been rebranded as the Westside Bistro. This change will be revealed to the NMSU community and the public on Friday, February 28.
Chef Danielle Young, a college assistant professor overseeing the campus restaurant, explained that the initiative came from her hospitality marketing class. Last fall, students collaborated on a project aimed at attracting more customers to this food laboratory for HRTM 3310 and HRTM 4320 classes.
“After a lot of research and planning, they decided to name us Westside Bistro because we’re on the far west side of campus,” Young said. “They did a lot of research on what was popular in restaurants and bistros across the country.”
Young noted that her students found limited awareness about the restaurant within NMSU’s Las Cruces campus. They also learned that the three-course menu discouraged potential patrons, particularly those with time constraints.
In response, students suggested an à la carte menu with individually priced appetizers ($5-$6), entrées ($10-$12), and desserts ($5). The reservation requirement was removed so customers can now order food between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The dining room has been redesigned to create a bistro-like atmosphere. A core menu designed by Young will remain consistent weekly while students introduce rotating specials each week. Standard items include chilled avocado soup, fried buffalo artichoke hearts, carrot ribbon salad for appetizers; steak pesto Caesar salad, flatbread pizza, tomato jam BLT for entrées; and desserts like carrot cake and lemon tart.
“The goal is to make Westside Bistro function more like a normal restaurant,” Young stated. “Because when these students graduate and go out into the real world, they need to be ready to work as restaurant managers.” She added that they aim for a "fun and casual" experience for guests.
Westside Bistro will offer indoor dining every Friday starting February 28 but will close on March 18 and April 18. Takeout orders are available with a $2 surcharge by calling between 9-11 a.m. on service days at 575-646-5805.
Proceeds from sales support operational costs of the bistro directly. For further details about Westside Bistro or other HRTM events this spring, contact 575-646-7324 or visit their website.
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