The Tech Room at OSU Institute of Technology is open and accepting reservations to serve guests with a dine-in experience or curbside service. 

The Culinary Arts student restaurant is open to OSUIT students, employees and the general public every Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon until the end of the semester. The last service will be offered on April 15. Service is limited, and reservations are required. At this time, walk-ins are not accepted. 

In addition to the traditional dine-in option, the same menu is also available to order through the new to-go curbside option. Anyone can place an order online and pick it up when they are ready. This even includes students with meal plans or declining balances. 

“Safety standards have always been high in this field, but now the safety measures used to protect customers and students amid a global pandemic are even more rigorous,” said Celia Melson, Culinary Arts instructor. “Students are gaining experience with what is transpiring in the industry, which includes a shift to more online and curbside orders and experience in implementing the best practices and regulations that the state and governing bodies have set.”

Guests will be required to wear masks until they are seated at their socially distanced table or while interacting with the Culinary team through curbside service. Guests are asked to arrive within five minutes of their reservation time.

The Tech Room is a place for patrons to enjoy a tasty meal and an educational course for students enrolled in the Culinary Arts program. This modified version of the Tech Room allows for increased learning and new skillsets. 

“The ability to be adaptable is one of the skillsets that is so necessary for the restaurant industry,” said Melson. “Right now, the instructors and chefs are learning and adapting right alongside the students to keep everyone as safe as possible.”

A total of four classes work in unison to create a unique experience for guests. Students get to refine their soft skills, learn how to work as a team and effectively communicate as they navigate through a service.

The Tech Room has been called a hidden gem by many patrons. Tucked away inside the Culinary Arts building is a unique, modern, high-end restaurant featuring exciting specials unlike anything in the area. 

The program has been operating under these new guidelines since the Fall 2020 semester. Melson said that the response from re-opening has been positive.

“Our regulars are very pleased that they can join us again for lunch. They missed having access to a menu like ours and the unique experience our restaurant offers for the area.”

This semester’s menu includes dishes such as a signature bacon burger, chicken primavera, grilled shrimp and pork chili verde. Each meal will cost $10 and includes a choice of tea or water, soup or salad, an entree and dessert.

 The traditional buffet service remains closed until further notice.

Visit the Tech Room website at osuit.edu/techroom for reservations, curbside orders, updates and menu information.