Chapter 19:

 

THE ABBEY, R.I.P.

Daugherty Hall exterior, September 2006The Abbey had a nice five-year run; if you lived in North Central (like I did) during its existence, you ate there ALL THE TIME. It was right across the street, yep, in Daugherty Hall.

 

We’ll talk about the construction of Trabant and the demolition of the church’s “back half” in another chapter, but in terms of eating at the Abbey, here’s what you need to know: opened in 1989 (previously I think there was just a small snack bar there), and closed Spring of 1994. As I understand it, the traditional dining halls were packed in that gap of time post-Abbey closing, and pre-Trabant opening. Again, all of North Central frequented the Abbey; it was usually full for both lunch and dinner during the weekdays.

 

I'll call the Abbey a pseudo-dining hall, as it didn't have a full selection. Thusly, I got sick of eating there. But it did have higher quality food; most known for its taco bar (pay by the pound) and a weekly "Calzone Night."  I remember a lot of people loving the calzones, but I didn't get what the big deal was -- though I can’t argue with the line for them, which was often almost out the door!

 

Wait, where? Whoops, let me explain the place to you kids who never knew the Abbey as anything but a quiet study hall: seating was in the middle section of the church, there were booths and tables. The actual food and registers were in the back (cafeteria style tray railings), between those two back exits that currently put you into Trabant, by the multipurpose rooms. When I say the Abbey line sometimes stretched out the front door, I mean from where you got your food, all the way out to Main Street. So, if you’re facing Daugherty Hall from Main Street, you got on line through the left hand entrance. The food line would be along the left inside wall of the church.

 

The Grille. Was hidden downstairs, in the back half that got torn down to make way for Trabant. There was a narrow staircase from one of those back exits I referred to above, that took you down to the Grille. There was also an entrance directly from the outside parking lot, where Trabant now sits. The Grille had Scrounge-type fast food; burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, etc. Also down there was the “Grab 'n' Go,” which had been moved from Perkins; simply had chips, ice cream, soda, etc. Exactly what the name implied. It was deadly for junk food freaks, like myself.

Inside of the church, September 2006. We used to eat in here, now it's a study hall.

Eating Tacos in Church

 

“I also liked the Abbey, mostly for its atmosphere, but they also had a kick-ass taco bar.  Plus, it was convenient for lunch since a lot of my classes were near Kirkbride…History major here.”

 

- Edward P, UD '93

 

Abbey Yes, Grille No

 

“Loved the Abbey! I always thought it was cool that we were eating in an old church, don't ask me why. They had great deli food. I distinctly remember having the best turkey sandwiches there. I didn't eat at the Grille too much, though. The one problem with that place as a whole was that the hours weren't great.”

 

- Stephanie, UD '93

 

Grille Hugger

 

“The Grille! When I was pledging my sorority, the Grille was the place we could find sisters all day long. The interior was all dark wood, really medieval looking. It was dark and the food was okay, but the company was AWESOME! I remember my friend was DEVASTATED when she heard they were tearing down the Grille. I thought she might tie herself to the door when the bulldozers were coming.”

 

- Christa, UD '96

 

 

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