Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumnus and well-known local restaurant entrepreneur Chris Russell will open his newest establishment this spring at the Williamson Avenue location previously occupied by Brown & Company, which has closed. The restaurant will be called "The Town Table, food and drink," and is part of the university's plan to attract more privately owned businesses to the areas surrounding campus, serving Â鶹ÊÓƵ's students, faculty and staff and the entire local community.
Russell, who graduated from Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 1994, currently owns and operates popular Burlington restaurants B. Christopher’s, B’s Bistro and Microlounge and Benjamin’s Seafood Room. He describes the concept for his new Â鶹ÊÓƵ restaurant as “French brasserie meets American tavern.”
Brown & Company, which was operated by Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s food service vendor, ARAMARK, closed on Dec. 18. Renovations to the building will begin in January, and The Town Table opening is currently planned for mid-March or early April.
“We are excited that an Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumnus is eager to join in our efforts to build a more vibrant local retail community,” says Gerald Whittington, vice president for business, finance and technology. “This initiative is part of the university’s new strategic plan, The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Commitment, and we hope it will attract more local businesses that will see the potential in serving Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s students, faculty and staff.
Russell says he is excited about opening The Town Table in the heart of Â鶹ÊÓƵ this spring. “The Town of Â鶹ÊÓƵ has become a vibrant place of business and I look forward to serving the growing town and university,” Russell says.