The Levee could temporarily close as early as March 5 and remain closed through the rest of the Spring semester, as Aramark, the university’s dining provider, relocates its catering operations from the Conference Center amid ongoing construction.
Jay DeGioia ’80, District Manager at Aramark, said renovations to the Conference Center, which is attached to the Media Center, would require the catering team to vacate its current kitchen.
During that period, The Levee would be used as a temporary hub. “The Levee makes sense for its location and the equipment needed to operate catering,” DeGioia told The Mirror.
The closure of the only late-night food option for students will lead to The Tully expanding its hours until 10 p.m., with Levee employees using the deli and pizza stations in addition to a grill in the dessert area.
“The Levee employees will transfer to the Tully,” DeGioia assured.
DeGioia specified that those stations would be used during the extended hours, indicating the operation may differ from the Tully’s typical full-service format.
It is also unclear whether students will be permitted to take food to-go during the extended hours or if dining will follow Tully’s traditional dine-in policy.
Closure Timeline Still Under Review
While the plan has not been finalized, DeGioia said Aramark anticipates closing The Levee prior to Spring Break.
“We are anticipating closing The Levee prior to Spring Break and will reopen as soon as the catering kitchen is complete,” he said. “March 5 gives us the best opportunity to open The Levee earlier in the fall.”
His reference to reopening “earlier in the fall” suggests The Levee would not reopen again this spring.
An official announcement will be made to students once the plan is finalized and approved.
Student Reactions
Students with whom The Mirror spoke to in The Levee expressed surprise when told about the potential closure.
Marcello Graffeo ’29, who said he visits The Levee multiple times a week, reacted immediately.
“This might be the worst news I’ve heard today,” Graffeo said. “I go to The Levee like three or four times a week. I love the pizza. I love the burger. It’s gonna be sad to not have this for the rest of the semester, but I am happy that The Tully will be closing a lot later. It’s gonna be very nice.”
While some students described The Levee as part of their weekly routine, others said convenience matters more than location.
Patrick Russo, a junior who said he does not frequent The Levee often, emphasized the importance of late-night dining options.
“I mean, as long as something stays open late, I don’t think it really matters,” Russo said. “I think it’s good that something’s staying open. And I think a lot of kids will like The Tully staying open.”
When asked how often he frequents The Levee, Russo added that his visits are typically based on the restaurant being open rather than his desire.
“Not often, just it’s the only thing that’s open,” he said.
Alcohol Service and Reopening Plans
The Levee resumed alcohol sales earlier this semester as part of what DeGioia described as both a test and a response to demand.
“We will look at other locations to serve alcohol if the data shows it is popular,” DeGioia said when asked about the potential for an expansion.
As Aramark plans for The Levee’s reopening, dining officials will analyze which menu items and offerings have been most successful.
It is not clear whether sales have been successful, but DeGioia shared that after The Levee’s Super Bowl celebration last month, The Levee performed well in meal exchange participation and food specials but saw limited alcohol sales.
