By Mike Bacior

Penn State’s Cafe Laura begins a new era this week, as it will open its doors to serve dinner for the first time this year. Students from the hospitality management major enrolled in the HM 430 course will run the dinner, managing everything from the theme to the menu.

Students enrolled in the course are placed into groups of 10 or 11, and each group plans two dinner services throughout the semester. This provides students planning to enter into the hospitality field hands-on experience running their own restaurant. This sort of experience will prove invaluable as they head into the real world, while other Penn State students will be able to purchase reasonably-priced food in a fun atmosphere, all prepared by their fellow students.

For those wondering about the alcohol policy, fear not. The restaurant will allow those of legal drinking age to bring their own alcohol. Individuals can bring two 12 oz beers (one per person) or a 750 mL bottle of wine. Keep it classy.

The first dinner comes Tuesday night as Cafe Laura will hold a Greek-themed dinner. The full menu can be found online here. Dinners will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Log on to the website or call (814) 865-1853 to make reservations. Dinner will go from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.