Shifting dining options: Saint’s Snack Shop returns and Bernie’s Pub closes

This fall semester at the University of St. Francis (USF), students are witnessing a noticeable shift within the dining landscape as Bernie’s Pub is officially closed and the Saint’s Snack Shop makes a comeback. For years, Bernie’s Pub has served as a central afternoon, late-night dining, and social spot for students; making this closure quite notable. While Bernie’s Pub has closed its doors, the space still lives on through the return of the Saint’s Snack Shop.  

Deriving its name from the official Saint Bernard mascot of USF, Bernie’s Pub has been a cornerstone of the campus’s eatery atmosphere. It specifically taps into late-night bites, having a different atmosphere than the Terrace Café or Three Oaks Bistro. In fact, it was even cited within the “Saints Bucket List: ‘Must-dos’ from Alumni”, published under the official Alumni Resources for Students webpage, as a place all Saints should visit once before they graduate. 

 Yet, all good things must come to an end.  

With the necessity for an opening of an additional dining location to accommodate the hours and menu convenience Bernie’s Pub once had, USF Dining has brought back the Saint’s Snack Shop. Just around the corner from the Terrace Café in Tower Hall, students can find the returning location open from Monday through Thursday during the serving windows of either 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

Despite the change in locations, the menu located at the Saint’s Snack Shop closely mirrors the items previously offered at Bernie’s Pub and currently at the Three Oaks Bistro. For example, students can order entrees such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, and cheese quesadillas; or even options such as vegan chicken nuggets or the Beyond Burger. Not only that, but the Saint’s Snack Shop offers a variety of side, dessert and drink options to complement.  

This makes the Saint’s Snack Shop an adjacent, grab-and-go dining option that seamlessly transitions the needs once met by Bernie’s Pub. It provides the USF student body with an additional on-campus option for late lunches, dinners and quick snacks between classes. 

 However, this may not be the last scene of Bernie’s Pub venue. According to recent developments shared at the Student Government Association Town Hall meeting on Sept. 2, the Bernie’s Pub space is still open to students to hang out or host club activities. This news prompts eager excitement for the semester ahead. 

Ultimately, while the kitchen lights may be turned off, the spirit of Bernie’s Pub remains intact. Through the transition of the physical venue into an open lounge and event location, while moving its popular menu to the Saint’s Snack Shop, USF Dining has managed to preserve both the flavors and spaces Saints have come to know and love.