Emily Ambery | staff writer
9/9/21
Switch up your lunch routine and explore the local Pittsburgh food scene from the comfort of the second floor of the Union. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, Connections is Duquesne’s newest dining spot for convenient on-the-go treats.
Stop by for breakfast featuring Coffee Tree Roasters coffee and Potomac Bakery doughnuts and pastries, or lunch which features dining services favorites and Salem’s Market. Connections accepts meal plan flex, PLUS, cash and credit card.
“We wanted to create a space in the heart of campus, where it would benefit the most students, that offers fast and convenient premium Grab’NGo salads, sandwiches, sushi, coffee, breakfast pastries and healthy side dishes” said David Manz, resident district manager of Parkhurst Dining at Duquesne.
Students and guests can enjoy rotating dining service favorites such as: chicken Caesar salad, steakhouse salad, sushi, pulled pork BBQ, General Tso’s chicken, buffalo mac & cheese and other house-made favorites. They can also enjoy authentic Halal meals and sides like curry chicken, chicken tikka masala, spinach paneer, baba ghanoush and fresh hummus from Salem’s Market.
Located in the Strip District on Penn Ave, Salem’s Market and Grill has been a Pittsburgh staple since 1983. Originally a supplier of Halal meats, the establishment grew into Salem’s market and Grill. While still supplying Halal meats and other middle eastern ingredients through the Market, it now serves the meals available at Connections and more through the Grill.
In the future, Duquesne Dining Services is planning to add foods and products from additional local partners throughout the academic year.
There is no shortage of caffeine at Connections. The new site offers Coffee Tree Roasters and STōk Cold Brew.
“The Pittsburgh community benefits through our Dining Services partnerships that enable us to feature great local brands like Salem’s middle eastern market, Coffee Tree Roasters coffee and Potomac Bakery pastries and donuts,” Manz said. “Every purchase at Connections is investing back into the Pittsburgh community.”
Next to Connections is the new permanent Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream kiosk. After several pop-up shops at Duquesne, Millie’s has now become a permanent part of campus.
Millie’s is open from 4:30 to 10 p.m. every day and accepts Flex, cash, credit or debit and PLUS. Millie’s is a very popular local business and has a strong following on campus.
“Millie’s is where we go for a celebratory Friday ice cream with friends, so we were really excited when it became a permanent part of campus,” said Lucy Barber, sophomore occupational therapy major. “It is always really fun to see all the flavors and toppings, I also appreciate that they have vegan and dairy free options.”
Connections and Millie’s take a space that has been previously dormant for most of last semester.
“My favorite thing about Connections is the wide variety of breakfast food options they have, like their bagels, sticky buns and cinnamon rolls,” said Vivian Chan, sophomore occupational therapy major. “It’s also a great spot to pick up a quick snack on the way back from classes.”
