CWU Dining Services revives a campus legend, opening The Village Coffee, Market, Grill

The Village Coffee, Market, Grill made its much-anticipated return to the Central Washington University campus in early January, giving the CWU community a convenient comfort-food option it has been missing in recent years.

The Village Coffee, Market, Grill opened in early January on the north end of the Ellensburg campus.

The longtime CWU favorite, formerly known as The North Village Café, is open from 3-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The three-in-one setup of The Village Coffee, Market, Grill builds upon the traditional favorite foods from The North Village Café while adding mobile ordering and a larger selection of grocery items.

"The Village Coffee, Market, Grill provides the many students across north campus with homestyle comfort food within quick walking distance," said Dining Services student manager Belle Marks. "It's a popular choice for students to come and eat, play board games, and study while grabbing a bite and some coffee."

The Village Grill is now the first "ghost kitchen" on the CWU campus, operating in a take-out only format. The eatery makes use of innovative technology, with self-order kiosks and the Grubhub app so guests can pick up their orders at the takeout window and enjoy their purchases in the dining room.

"Popular items from North Village Café will make a triumphant return," said Joe Ritchie, CWU's Assistant Director of Culinary Operations and Campus Executive Chef. "The sweet potato tots, stuffed crust pizza, customizable mac 'n cheese, and the ever-popular Philly cheesesteak will be mainstays on a menu that focuses on craveable comfort food."

Café-themed photography lines the walls of The Village Coffee, a cozy coffee shop featuring eclectic seating and table arrangements. The Village Coffee offers a wide selection of Caffe Vita espresso beverages, energy drinks, and freshly made baked goods.

Convenience and selection are the themes at The Village Market, where the inventory is not limited to traditional convenience store items. The Market provides everyday grocery items ranging from milk and eggs to flour and toiletries. The Village Market also offers a wide selection of grab-and-go foods and beverages, and Marks looks forward to having a community hub and food resource on the north end of campus.

"Students love many parts about The Village being back," she said. "With just a quick walk, they can enjoy the food, cozy booths, or pick up the items they need to stock their fridges and even cook from the comfort of their apartments."

The Village Coffee, Market, and Grill plans to host events like open mic nights, special dinners, pop-up giveaways, and more. This late-night dining facility ensures that students and other members of the campus community will enjoy past favorites while making new memories.

Media contact: Hayley Harrell, CWU Auxiliary Enterprises Marketing Manager