Brittain Dining Hall also opened in the late 1920s, and with The Varsity, endures as the longest-tenured dining options on or near Tech campus. In the hall’s early days, students listened to a full orchestra play as they dined. Pilgreen’s Steakhouse, a “fancy” sitdown restaurant once located across from the Varsity, was a favorite place for a “splurge” meal back in the day. You could reportedly get a T-bone steak, baked potato and fixings for a whopping 98 cents.
Junior’s Grill—perhaps the most beloved eatery in GT history—opened in 1948 on North Avenue and eventally moved next to Tech Tower. At its height of popularity, the family restaurant last run by Tommy Klemis claimed to have served 800 students a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many visiting Yellow Jackets wish they could still order a basket of those delicious battered chicken fingers, but alas that’s no longer possible as Junior’s closed in 2011.
Food options kept getting more plentiful. In 1974, three Tech students turned an old liquor store on Spring Street into the Mellow Mushroom, treating the campus to their eccentric, artful takes on pizza. Today, there are more than 160 Mellow Mushroom locations in 17 states.
Speaking of yummy guilty pleasures, Krispy Kreme opened on Ponce de Leon Avenue in 1965, and students swarmed to get boxes of their glazed donuts on what they referred to as “K runs.”
Time Machine 5 years ago, in 2010, I <3 GT Week is established to raise school spirit. • 10 years ago, in 2005, After two years and $45 million of work, the newly renovated Campus Recreation Center opens its doors. • 25 years ago, in 1990, Georgia Tech’s football team is named the national champion by UPI after winning the ACC Championship and the Citrus Bowl. • 50 years ago, in 1965, Georgia Tech stops requiring students to participate in ROTC. • 75 years ago, in 1940, Fred Lanoue begins teaching his infamous “drown proofing” course. •
Since the 1980s, fast food and higher-end options have invaded and surrounded Tech campus, offering students more dining options than ever. Curious to know what and where today’s Yellow Jackets eat? Turn to page 12 and find out!
Have a Tech memory to share? Send mail to Editor, Georgia Tech Alumni
100 years ago, in 1915, ANAK make freshmen wear RAT caps, beginning a long Tech tradition. • 125 years ago, in 1890, North Avenue is paved for the first time.
Magazine, 190 North Ave. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30313, or contact us by email at publications@gtalumni.org. GTALUMNIMAG.COM VOLUME 91 NO.1 2015
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