Damon's, Damon's Express Expelled

By Connect2Mason Director Christian Smith

Updated June 30 at 4:24 p.m.

Damon's Grill and Damon's Express will not be returning this fall to George Mason University. Rumors have been circulating around the University for some time, but were confirmed today by Dining Services' Resident District Manager Denise Ammaccapane.

"Damon's will be converting to the Rathskeller" said Ammaccapane, going on to say that Damon's Express will be replaced with a Burito del Rey.

"People didn't really have a lot of brand loyalty," said Ammaccapane citing a Dining Services survey taken by 4,100 faculty, students and staff. "We were having difficulty making sales there...[the revenue] was decent but far from what [Damon's] said we would do”

Its replacement, the Rathskeller, is making its second appearance at Mason. Previously housed in the current location of the Game Room in SUB I, the restaurant made its debut in 1988. Now 21 years later, the Rathskeller returns featuring much of the same decor Damon's boasted, including big screen televisions and a bar, but lacking servers. Patrons will now place their orders at a counter and have their food brought to their tables, a style also featured by off-campus restaurant Metro Diner, meaning tips will no longer be necessary.

Because Rathskeller is a Mason creation, it will be under Mason control, a luxury not afforded by the Damon's franchise. "The beauty is we can change the menu anytime we want," said Ammaccapane. Dining Services plans on naming menu items after Mason people and changing the offered items based on the season.

Also staying at the restaurant is the alcohol license. Wine and beer will be served and Dining Services hopes to increase the on-tap offerings from five beers to 10. Freedom, Mason Money, cash and Bonus Money will be accepted at the Rathskeller, meal plans will not.

The Burrito del Rey will feature a limited menu and allow costumers to build their own burritos, tacos and taco salads for prices ranging from $5.89-$6.25

George Washington University, which like Mason contracts its dining services to Sodexo, just opened a Burrito del Rey in March to mixed reviews.

Let us know what you think about the change; leave a comment below and take the C2M poll.