2008 Woodie Awards
Serving up memories at the Greenhouse Grille
Blake Havard
Issue date: 2/23/06 Section: Feature
- Page 1 of 1
When Linn Hall was first constructed in 1969, students couldn't stop at the Greenhouse Grille to get a sandwich and soda.
In fact, as the Grille's name suggests, instead of a restaurant filled with booths and pop machines, it originally housed plants.
For 24 years the spot now occupied by the Greenhouse Grille was a fully functional greenhouse, as part of Kirkwood's horticulture program.
In 1993, when Kirkwood opened the Floriculture/Horticulture building on the east side of campus the greenhouse moved out of Linn Hall, leaving an empty space.
Since 1993, Kirkwood has transformed the space, making adjustments to its architecture and function.
"When it first opened it did not have a dropped ceiling but it did have a number of water tanks and pipes," said Ray Offerman, manager of the Greenhouse Grille.
Since its days as a greenhouse, Kirkwood has tried to convert the space into an eating establishment. Many businesses have shuffled in and out of the spot, including Rapids Vending and Kirkwood's food service.
"The last company to occupy the space was Cabo" said Lois Nanke, Kirkwood's vice president of administration.
Home to the Greenhouse Grille for two years now, Kirkwood still owns the space and plans all maintenance but the actual business is owned and operated by Cedar Rapids Pizza and Provisions.
As a business, the Green House Grille has had better success than any of the ones before it at the greenhouse. Part of this is due to unique marketing strategies. By placing a food stand in Linn Hall lobby, the Grille advertises its business in the commons area where many students take lunch or study breaks. At the food stand, students get to sample a taste of what the Grille, located on the second floor of Linn Hall, has to offer, without walking up the stairs.
True to its name, the Greenhouse Grille has retained the authenticity of a greenhouse by maintaining the climate of one. The lack of air conditioning within the restaurant has presented a business obstacle, though.
Last summer the Grille shut down business, due to the warm temperatures. This year, the Grille will attempt to stay open during the hot summer months.
"It is hard to keep a business up and running in the greenhouse without air conditioning during the summer." Nanke said.
Nanke added that the greenhouse climate also remains, due to Kirkwood's uncertainty regarding the function of the space.
"We do not have any long term plans for the green house. That is one reason why it does not have air conditioning." Nanke said.
The Greenhouse Grille is a place to grab something to eat between classes or breaks. The restaurant provides an assortment of fried and fast food including fries, burgers, onion rings and breaded mushrooms. Cooks include Kirkwood students--one of whom is a member of the culinary arts program.
The Grille is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In fact, as the Grille's name suggests, instead of a restaurant filled with booths and pop machines, it originally housed plants.
For 24 years the spot now occupied by the Greenhouse Grille was a fully functional greenhouse, as part of Kirkwood's horticulture program.
In 1993, when Kirkwood opened the Floriculture/Horticulture building on the east side of campus the greenhouse moved out of Linn Hall, leaving an empty space.
Since 1993, Kirkwood has transformed the space, making adjustments to its architecture and function.
"When it first opened it did not have a dropped ceiling but it did have a number of water tanks and pipes," said Ray Offerman, manager of the Greenhouse Grille.
Since its days as a greenhouse, Kirkwood has tried to convert the space into an eating establishment. Many businesses have shuffled in and out of the spot, including Rapids Vending and Kirkwood's food service.
"The last company to occupy the space was Cabo" said Lois Nanke, Kirkwood's vice president of administration.
Home to the Greenhouse Grille for two years now, Kirkwood still owns the space and plans all maintenance but the actual business is owned and operated by Cedar Rapids Pizza and Provisions.
As a business, the Green House Grille has had better success than any of the ones before it at the greenhouse. Part of this is due to unique marketing strategies. By placing a food stand in Linn Hall lobby, the Grille advertises its business in the commons area where many students take lunch or study breaks. At the food stand, students get to sample a taste of what the Grille, located on the second floor of Linn Hall, has to offer, without walking up the stairs.
True to its name, the Greenhouse Grille has retained the authenticity of a greenhouse by maintaining the climate of one. The lack of air conditioning within the restaurant has presented a business obstacle, though.
Last summer the Grille shut down business, due to the warm temperatures. This year, the Grille will attempt to stay open during the hot summer months.
"It is hard to keep a business up and running in the greenhouse without air conditioning during the summer." Nanke said.
Nanke added that the greenhouse climate also remains, due to Kirkwood's uncertainty regarding the function of the space.
"We do not have any long term plans for the green house. That is one reason why it does not have air conditioning." Nanke said.
The Greenhouse Grille is a place to grab something to eat between classes or breaks. The restaurant provides an assortment of fried and fast food including fries, burgers, onion rings and breaded mushrooms. Cooks include Kirkwood students--one of whom is a member of the culinary arts program.
The Grille is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.