University officials dedicated UALR’s new nighttime bistro, the Trojan Grill, on Wednesday, Oct. 17, celebrating the stand-alone casual dining spot as a center around which the university’s growing on-campus community is thriving.

“I can personally attest to how good the hamburgers are,” said Eduardo Hernandez, vice president of the Student Government Association.

The grill has been open since the start of the fall semester, offering hamburgers, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and most importantly, community.

“We’re dedicating the Trojan Grill… for food, for fellowship, and community building,” said Chancellor Joel E. Anderson. “I know our students are going to enjoy it.”

Jane Dickey, chair of the UALR Board of Visitors, looked out over the four residence halls that form a plaza surrounding the new grill with lawns offering space for Frisbee throwing and pickup football tossing.

“This is a university that we didn’t even imagine 20 years ago (when the first UALR residence hall opened),” she said. “The Board of Visitors is so proud of all the students, the faculty, alumni, and staff. We watch with pride all the changes going on at the university.”

The 3,800 square-foot Trojan Grill – designed by Witsell Evans Rasco Architects, engineers TME Inc., and Development Consultants Inc. – was built by general contractor Baldwin and Shell.

The building has received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for its sustainable features including energy efficient HVAC and lighting systems.