Willie Butler, weekend campus cook, will host a special Thanksgiving celebration at brunch Nov. 20 in the caf.
Butler is known for his specialty pancakes, but his holiday event will include a table full of new toppings for the first time. He plans to set up a topping station, where each student can fill up to two Dixie cups with any toppings they want in their pancakes. When students have their choices, they can claim a spot in the grill line and give their ingredients to Butler.
The table of about 16 different toppings will include Nutella, Oreos, red velvet, white chocolate chips, cheesecake, cookie dough, Reese’s Pieces and cups, and Snickers bites. Butler will make a list of all the options to display at the table.
“We’re going to have a ball that day,” Butler said. “It’s my way to show appreciation and thank the students for a good beginning of the school year.”
If students don’t want pancakes, they can bring bagels or another breakfast food that can be prepare at the grill, Butler said.
Butler also celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday by smoking turkeys for various people in his life. Two turkey donations will go to the basketball team, who have to stay here over break, Butler said. He also plans to give a few turkeys to his coworkers.
“I smoke turkeys differently by using whole fruits inside, and the juices keep the turkey moist,” Butler said. “I’m planning to smoke 15 turkeys that way and split them between the team, employees, my family, and my neighbors.”
Showing appreciation through food is part of the holiday season for Butler, he said. He plans to organize another special holiday brunch the weekend before Christmas break.
“The whole staff here appreciates you students,” Butler said. “I’m just very open about showing my appreciation.”
Alex Speight, acting junior, said she thinks the caf is doing a lot of things right.
“Willie’s pancakes are bomb,” she said. “I think the caf does a good job of catering to people with dietary needs, but they could still do more by having a larger vegan bar or more vegetarian and gluten free options.”
Sodexo, the campus food service provider, continues to implement changes based on student feedback. Most recently, they started serving breakfast for dinner once per month, and they now open the deli every Tuesday and Thursday for dinner.
The caf’s staff wants to take students’ suggestions, but you have to ask for it to get done, Butler said.
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