Mark your calendars – Carrie’s Café at Missouri State University is back with some good news.  

For the first time ever, the café will feature two different menu themes, giving guests even more to enjoy this semester.  

“It’ll be new to our regular guests who always look forward to our menu every semester,” said Wajeana Bonczyk, senior instructor in the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership.  

The student-run restaurant will open its doors Feb. 26. It will operate every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on days that classes are in session through April 28.   

What’s new this semester 

From Feb. 26-March 26, guests will enjoy a French Bistro experience. The menu will feature dishes, such as smoked salmon dip, fried feta, a French-style smashed burger, a French pot pie and dessert crepes.  

Then, beginning March 31-April 28, Carrie’s will transform into a Coastal Mediterranean café. The second menu will be light and fresh, featuring hummus dip trios, burger flights (a selection of slider burgers), margherita pizzas and lemon cheesecakes.  

Both menus include vegetarian items and proudly serve Mo State beef.   

“The students have worked hard to come up with some great recipes to wow our guests,” Bonczyk said. “I think this will create a bit of excitement on campus.”

Learning by doing 

As part of their coursework, six hospitality leadership students are leading every detail, from choosing the theme to designing the menu, cooking and guest service. 

“During class, I provide both front of house and back of house training, and we do a lot of food prep ahead of time,” Bonczyk said.

Once the café opens, three students will serve guests and three students will cook in the kitchen. Two teaching assistants will also guide and support students in both areas. 

Real-world experience 

Carrie’s is more than just a place to grab a bite — it’s a live training ground where students gain hands-on experience running a restaurant.  

Through this opportunity, students build problem-solving skills, adaptability, resilience and creativity. By putting their knowledge into action, they gain valuable preparation for hospitality careers. 

“The limited time the restaurant is open challenges students to work quickly and attentively, while still delivering great guest service,” said Bonczyk. “When things don’t go as planned, they learn how to address them in a professional manner and adapt to making the situation as perfect as possible.” 

Visit Carrie’s  

• Days of operation: The café opens Feb. 26 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. except on days that Missouri State classes are not in session (such as spring break). The final date this semester is April 28 (check the website for the full schedule). 
• Location: The fourth floor of Pummill Hall on the Missouri State campus. 
• Reservations: Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 417-836-4409 (8-11:30 a.m.) or 417-836-4224 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.). 
• Menu and more information: Visit the Carrie’s Café website.