"Joke Issue"--Billionaire to open new Warren 'Buffet'

When billionaire Warren Buffett comes to campus this month, audience members should expect to hear more about the famous investor's menu selections rather than his stock picks. Wharton officials announced yesterday that when Buffett -- the second-wealthiest man in the world, who dropped out of Wharton as a sophomore in 1948 -- returns to Penn, he will announce plans to open a "finance-themed restaurant" called the Warren Buffet, open exclusively to Wharton students. Bouncers will be on hand at the restaurant to man-handle students from the School of Arts and Sciences. The eatery will be located near the Locust Walk entrance of Wharton's new, $120 million Huntsman Hall business school facility, which is scheduled for completion in 2002. Wharton spokesperson Chris Hardwick said, "It is like Ponderosa meets the Hard Rock Cafe," describing the restaurant in a press release that was printed verbatim in a recent edition of The Wharton Journal. Hardwick noted that the new cafeteria will combine the latest in technology with a strong sense of tradition. "Unlike facilities for College students, there will be a Palm Pilot port and PC workstation at every table," Hardwick said. "Wharton students need to be able check e-mail and find out stock quotes." Student leaders said they were upset that the decision to open a Wharton-exclusive restaurant was made without their input. They are planning a rally to protest the issue later this week.