Students mourn loss of campus eateries

Leslie Wood is leaving the restaurant business – and she's not looking back. "I used to be in banking, so for me to make a radical career change is not an unusual thing," Wood, owner of Boccie and Saladalley, said last night. "It'll probably be distribution, consulting, or staying at home?I need a break." That break begins when the two popular campus restaurants serve their last crowds Sunday night, marking the end of an era for many University students. Wood said the two restaurants' imminent bankruptcy filing saddens her, especially after spending seven years working at 4040 Locust Street. "Certainly, it's difficult for me," Wood said, sitting on a bar stool amidst a busy crowd. "We may have turnover in terms of students who work here, but there's a lot of longevity here. I feel a sense of responsibility to these people." While the crowd may have been busy last night – and Wood and other employees only expect the crowd to grow in the final days – the two restaurants have suffered from the perception of the surrounding area. "There's been a rise in the crime rate that's been sensationalistic," Wood said. "A lot of adults from the Main Line aren't going to come in town to get a pizza anymore. "It's just a combination of a lot of little things," she said. Filing for bankruptcy will change not only Wood's life, but will have an impact on a number of University students as well. Boccie and Saladalley were packed for a Wednesday night, as students flocked to get their last supper while they could. College senior Sarma Melngailis was crushed when she heard the news of the closings – and almost didn't believe it. "It put a huge damper on my day," Melngailis said. "My first thought was, it's too early in the year for the [Daily Pennsylvanian] joke issue." "I told her to call the RAPLine," dinner companion Wharton junior Mike Graves said consolingly. Graves and Melngailis, with plates of Saladalley's salad bar pickings piled on the table, said they will really miss the restaurants. "It's the cheapest meal around, and it's all you can eat," Graves added. "If these two restaurants failed, I don't really see what could do better." Other Saladalley and Boccie patrons ventured guesses as to what should be the next business in the Warehouse property. "I was trying to think with some friends about what should be here next," College senior Michael Gorelick said as he waited to pay his Boccie tab. "Maybe TGIFriday's?" "It'll probably be another Kentucky Fried Chicken," Wharton senior Nicole Jacoby guessed. "I just don't want more fast food." Boccie and Saladalley, many customers said, will be missed for their unique cuisine. "There aren't many places to get something to eat that's healthy and low-priced," College senior Barbara Cohen said. But some customers weren't as heartbroken. "I'll miss the salad bar, but it's not a very big deal," Engineering junior Alexander Tsagamilis said with a shrug. "I've come here a few times. It's a cute place, but so?"

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