Local breakfast restaurant University Donuts has been awarded the Southeastern Spirit Award by the Alumni Association and the Hammond Chamber of Commerce for it’s support of Southeastern Louisiana University. On Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, the Lion’s mascot Roomie paid a visit to the restaurant to mingle with and entertain patrons and commemorate the award.
“I was very surprised and happy about receiving the award,” said owner Harry Ridgel. “We hire a lot of students, and I know they have a lot of pride about the award.”
One of those students is Marissa Cannon, a junior nursing major, who works the drive through window.
“It’s pretty amazing we won that award,” said Cannon. “I like working here, they work around my class schedule and they are pretty lenient. The atmosphere is really calm and everyone seems to be very family oriented.”
During his visit, Roomie was accompanied by Caitlin Carona, a senior psychology major, captain of the Lionettes and member of the Spirit Team; and Charlotte Banks, executive director of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce.
“To choose recipients of this award, we go around town and see who is displaying the most school spirit,” said Banks. “The whole idea is to rally local businesses around the hidden jewel of Southeastern.”
According to Carona, Roomie’s presence shows just how spirited the restaurant is.
“Roomie came here to show that there is more to this place than just the face of a lion,” said Carona. “Just look around at the decor!”
The restaurant’s walls are painted green and gold and covered in Lion’s posters, paw prints and banners. The menu lists dishes with college themed names such as the house’s special “A+ Casserole,” the restaurants best selling “Lion’s Way Omelet” and even green and gold sprinkled doughnuts.
“The doughnuts sell very well with students and kids,” said Cannon. “Though little boys seem to get them more; the girls like the sprinkles.”
While University Donut’s business is thriving, few students enter its doors now because of the summer break, a trend that Ridgel predicts will change once classes start.
“We miss them during the breaks,” said Ridgel. “We always get strong support from the athletes. We’re big fans of theirs and they’re big fans of ours.”
University Donuts is the second Hammond business to receive the Southeastern Spirit award, the first being the Hammond location of Albertson’s grocery store in June.