Food Science and Human Nutrition Aspen Grille

The Aspen Grille offers real-world practicum experience to students in the Hospitality and Event Management Program in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. The Aspen Grille emphasizes green efforts through the support of local and sustainable producers. Aspen Grille was recently recognized for its daily sustainability practices as a 3-Star Certified Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association.

Prospective students: learn about the Hospitality and Event Management Program.

The Aspen Grille is no ordinary restaurant. Beyond its modern bistro appearance, the Aspen Grille is a working classroom offering practicums for students majoring in Hospitality and Event Management, as well as other students at CSU. Read more about the Aspen Grille on SOURCE.

The Aspen Grille opened in Spring 2004 as result of a partnership between the Division of Student Affairs and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Eager to offer a higher-end dining experience on campus, Student Affairs picked up the tab to remodel part of the University Club. Hospitality and Event Management students, wishing to practice what they were learning, worked with their professors to decide on the kitchen layout, dining room decor, place settings, menu offerings, pricing, restaurant philosophy, and other details. “This whole project has been student-driven from the beginning,” said Ken Smith, former restaurateur and now retired associate professor and coordinator of the Hospitality and Event Management program.

Students conducted a feasibility study and then determined that the menu would offer simple, innovative cuisine, made primarily from locally and regionally produced foods. Each year, new and exciting foods are added to the menu. The decor carries on the restaurant’s “homegrown” philosophy.

The restaurant was completely remodeled in 2023.