Campo Seeks to Open Columbia Location

For students tired of the usual lunchtime choices on campus, a deal is in the works to bring a taste of southern Italy inside Columbia’s gates.

Campo, an Italian restaurant and weekend hot spot located on Broadway between 113th and 114th streets, is negotiating a contract with the University to open a new location on Columbia’s campus in the empty space between Furnald and the Journalism building, according to Campo co-owner Michael Wetherbee . The space—which opened in 2008 as a student lounge for students at the Columbia School of Journalism—was the gift of Antoinette “Toni” Stabile, a renowned investigative journalist and former J-School student.

According to Watherbee, plans for the new food venue would include a student-friendly menu with student-friendly prices. “It will be counter service, offering our grilled pizzas, warm sandwiches, soups, salads, and gourmet coffee. We would like to maintain everything under 6 dollars,” Wetherbee said.

Wetherbee noted that there were many bids for the space and that the deal is not yet finalized. “It has to make sense for both parties,” he explained. If the negotiations are successful, he hopes the new branch will open in the next four weeks.

When Wetherbee first announced the plan for a “Campo on campus” on Facebook at the end of December, he said that the restaurant would be up and running in “late January/early February!”
The consensus among a table of first-years eating at John Jay is that another alternative to dining halls would be greatly appreciated. “I like a different atmosphere once in a while without having to go too far or pay too much,” Andrea Folds, CC ’12, said. Many liked the idea of a menu with cheap options.

Campo’s campus location would accept Flex, which will be accepted as a form of payment in the main restaurant on Broadway this Thursday. Whether the campus spot would also accept Dining Dollars is still unclear, though some undergraduates have said that this would increase its appeal.

“It would be great if they accept Dining Dollars,” Alba Luengo, CC ’12, said, noting that she would be less likely to eat there if Flex and cash were the only options. When Uris Deli, a graduate school food court in Uris Hall, stopped taking Flex and Dining Dollars in 2006, it eliminated the majority of its undergraduate customers.

Journalism students were also happy to hear about the possibility of Campo on campus. “It would make grabbing lunch more convenient. People spend a lot of time in this building, and none of the places nearby are that good,” said Annie Jai, a student in the one-year Journalism program.

Others were simply appreciative that the space will be filled. “I am glad they are going to put something there. It is kind of depressing as an empty space,” Journalism student Adam Taylor said.

Wetherbee made clear that the campus Campo would not be the same sort of destination for large student-group-affiliated parties as the main restaurant, which opened in April 2008. He did, however, discuss his long-term goals for the new location as more than just a place to grab a quick lunch. “We would love to have fund-raising events there in the spring, jazz trios outside, wine and cheese events,” he said.

“Campo has been terrific at partnering with student organizations and fraternities,” said Columbia College Student Council President George Krebs, CC ’09. “It will be a great service if they can strengthen that relationship.” Krebs added that it’s always a good change when “area restaurants help broaden the Columbia dining scene.”

Wetherbee added that the restaurant would seek to hire about 10 new employees, almost all students. “We would love to give back to the students who will provide business,” he explained.

Yet for some, Campo’s potential arrival would simply be a new spot to pick up their usual on-campus order. “It is always nice to have another place to get coffee,” School of International and Public Affairs student Monica Gadkari said.

Columbia spokespeople could not be reached for comment after repeated attempts for the past week, though the University has a policy not to speak about ongoing negotiations.