Open regularly on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the On The Rocks Pub and Grill is located on the York Hill Campus and completely run by students. With sit-in tables, booths, a bar and live entertainment, the restaurant-style services provide a unique dining experience that is not found at many other colleges and universities.

Two student managers, Mike Whipple ’26, MBA ’27, a 4+1 MBA dual-degree human resource management major, and Bea Ashley ’28, an environmental science major, have collaborated to develop the new menu, in addition to leading a team of student cooks and leading logistical operations.

The students utilized their management experience to collect student feedback and analyze data to adapt the new menu to the palate of the Quinnipiac community.

“We sent out a survey to undergraduates, and I spent a lot of time looking at sales trends,” said Whipple.

The updated menu provides many more unique options — including new handhelds, salads, bowls and desserts.

“The new bowls are often high sellers, especially the southwest bowl and pesto pasta, as well as the bank panini, all selling more than 30 portions a night consistently,” said Whipple.

The other staff also have their favorites from the new menu.

“Some of my favorites are the Sleeping Giant panini and the pesto pasta,” said Ashley.

Additionally, the desserts are made fresh each night that the pub and grill is open.

“Bea is making desserts in house now, and those also consistently sell out faster than she can make them,” said Whipple.

The reimagined menu has brought a significant increase in patrons to the pub.

“We are already seeing a 23% increase in total sales through traditional and mobile transactions,” said Whipple. “I look forward to using the skills this job taught me as my professional career develops.”

Tom Ellett, chief experience officer, works collaboratively with the Quinnipiac Dining leadership and Holly Raider, dean of the School of Business, to support the student managers.

“We are proud of the work that the managers are doing to reinvent the pub and grill,” said Ellett.

Any Bobcats who have not yet tried the new menu items must visit On The Rocks Pub and Grill for the most unique dining experience at the university.