ALMA — Students, staff and faculty at Alma College, as well as the communities of Alma and Gratiot County, will have new dining options when Loch Lomond Cafe holds its grand opening on Aug. 28.
Loch Lomond Cafe will feature a Qdoba Mexican Eats restaurant — the only one of its kind in Gratiot County — as well as Mac’s Grill, a diner offering American classics, and a convenience store designed for college students. Loch Lomond Cafe will open inside the new Greg Hatcher Learning Commons, a renovation of the Alma College Library that opened earlier this year.
“Our students, staff and faculty are very excited for the opening of Loch Lomond Cafe and all the fantastic options for on-campus dining that it offers,” said Damon Brown, vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer. “The opening of Loch Lomond Cafe represents the completion of the Greg Hatcher Learning Commons, which was designed to be a place for students to gather and collaborate, centered on community. We’re looking forward to seeing our campus community, along with members of the public, utilize this new space for many years to come.”
Qdoba is a chain of fast casual restaurants, serving Mexican-style cuisine, with more than 750 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Entrees such as burritos, quesadillas, nachos, guacamole and tacos will be available, along with vegetarian and vegan options.
“Qdoba is a national brand that many in our community already know and love before they arrive on campus,” Brown said. “Bringing that familiar sense of name recognition to Alma College will have a positive impact on campus and beyond. We are grateful to our campus dining partner, Metz Culinary Management, for helping see this project through.”
Mac’s Grill offers options including salads, chicken and a wide variety of burgers, including vegetarian options. Prices for entrees at both Mac’s and Qdoba generally range from about $8 to $12.
A grand opening celebration, with raffles, door prizes and free samples, is planned for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28.
For the Alma College Fall Term, Qdoba will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 1 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Mac’s Grill will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.