The Holmes Student Center’s Pheasant Room has had a facelift.

The restaurant, which has been known by its former name since 1962, has been rechristened Ellington’s as of its opening Monday. Donning new logos, fresh paint and reupholstering, the dining room seems rehabilitated.

The restaurant is beginning its second year of partnership between HSC staff and the School of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences. FCNS moved in after outgrowing the kitchen in its former restaurant, the Chandelier Room in Adams Hall.

Joan Quinn, director of FCNS, said the need for more cooking space has risen out of the higher enrollment in hospitality and nutrition and dietetics.
“The program has been growing leaps and bounds,” Quinn said.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, patrons can enjoy a traditional buffet presented by the HSC staff. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, two sections of the FCNS 320: Quantity Food Production takes over, producing meals conceived, prepared and served entirely by students.

Arranged into managing teams of five, one team takes charge of the day’s operations while the rest of the students serve underneath them. Many of the dining room staff had never worked in such a capacity before.

“I have zero experience whatsoever,” said Scott Moy, a server waiting for his first table to arrive – a party of 16. Moy, a 21-year-old hospitality major, added that he was more excited than nervous.

“They just put us right in,” added Kevin Oman, 23, another hospitality major, filling in as a busboy.

Emily Toth, 24, the graduate assistant for FCNS 320, felt the number of patrons would be overwhelmimg but a good learning experience for the students.

“For their first day, it’s too many people,” Toth said, “but they can learn from the first time, get the kinks out.”

Ellington’s serves luncheons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Reservations are suggested and seating ends at 12:30 p.m.

Huskie Bucks, NIU meal coupons, checks, cash and most credit cards are accepted.

Prices will not exceed $8 and tipping is not required.

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