Betsy's Bistro at Parkland: Grand Opening Sept. 10

New cafe to feature specialty menu items, incorporate area food producers

Parkland College announces the grand opening of its new cafe, Betsy's Bistro at Parkland, Monday, Sept. 10, starting at 7:30 a.m. in the Student Union cafeteria.

Special menu items for its first day of operation will include breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, fresh-made doughnuts and fresh-ground specialty coffees for breakfast, with burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh-cut fries, wood-fired pizza, wraps and a salad and noodle bar for lunch, according to Doug Richter, executive chef for the Parkland campus cafe.

Hours of operation for Betsy's Bistro at Parkland are 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cafe will offer made-to-order breakfasts, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and wraps; a salad and noodle bar; wood-fired pizza, grab-and-go items including sushi; cold-brew and nitro coffee; and a "comfort food" station featuring global foods. It will also incorporate local partners such as Ye Olde Donut Shoppe, Homer Soda Company, Piemonte Sausage, Central Illinois Produce and Columbia Street Roastery in its menu offerings. Prices will range from $3 to $10.

Parkland College trustees approved Urbana campus foodservice provider Hendrick House Dorms as Betsy's Bistro at Parkland under a five-year contract in July. With its focus on freshly prepared food using local ingredients whenever possible, Hendrick House has served as a campus residence and food option to University of Illinois students for 70 years.