Students can soon ease their hunger pangs at Chats TOO!

Students tired of choosing between Taco Bell and Tomassito's will now have increased late-night snack options and socializing space with the September debut of Chats TOO! The newest offshoot of Chats will open in the basement of 1920 Commons, just below Chats, according to Chats Retail Manager Gary Brodbeck. Designed to "appeal to a larger segment of people and provide more space," Brodbeck said Chats TOO! will include several culinary options from Sysco -- the national food service distributor affiliated with the University -- in addition to original concepts. Casa Solana, a Mexican concept established by Sysco, will replace Taco Bell in the primary Chats. Because Casa Solana is not a national franchise, Dining Services will not have to pay franchise fees and will be able to provide higher quality food with a minimal price increase, according to Brodbeck. Chats TOO! will also include Block & Barrel Deli, another Sysco concept which already has a location in the Quadrangle's McClelland Marketplace. Similar to the Boston Market chain, Willie P's -- which derives its name from original Pennsylvania colonizer William Penn -- will offer carved sandwiches, mashed potatoes and other homestyle foods. The Ivy Grill will serve burgers, fried fish and French fries. Beijing Express will move downstairs to Chats TOO! and will probably open for lunch from Monday to Thursday and for dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Brodbeck said these culinary options reflect student desires. "Not everyone wants pizza or Mexican every night," he said. "Students wanted healthier options like salads and sandwiches and a custom deli." Brodbeck said Chats TOO! will also offer more space for social activities. There will be computers with Internet and e-mail access in both Chats and Chats TOO!, and more TVs and VCRs will be installed. "A lot of people depend on Chats as a place to meet and conduct study groups, student government meetings and poetry meetings or just to socialize," he said. "We figured the more space available, the better." Brodbeck said the Pit -- the commissary and recreation area in the basement of Hill College House -- will also be revamped. It will cater to students who live in Hill House and King's Court/English House and will probably include a menu of hot entrees similar to Tomassito's. Brodbeck added that selections will complement the commissaries' current offerings. "The menu is still being developed," he said. "We are trying to work in conjunction with the existing commissary, not to compete with them."