Students work hard, and they get hungry. AVI Foodsystems, Inc., at PennWest Clarion is helping to alleviate that hunger in a convenient way. New this year, Gemmell Ghost Kitchen offers dining choices that can be ordered ahead and picked up in Gemmell Food Court. Currently, orders are placed in person, but beginning Sept. 23, the campus community can place orders through the GrubHub app.

“Traditionally, ghost kitchens are delivery-only commercial kitchens,” said Sarah Penniman, AVI’s resident director for the Clarion campus. “Our version is mobile-order only via GrubHub.”

The ghost kitchen model allows for more compact staffing, while maintaining a robust and varied menu, which AVI plans to expand. Gemmell Ghost Kitchen has four distinct food concepts:

• Craft – Traditional grill fare
• Agave – Burritos and rice bowls
• Toss’d – Salads and grain bowls
• Flatz – Flatbread pizzas and paninis

The menu offerings, which include vegan and gluten-sensitive options, have been well received, Penniman said. Beverage choices are canned sodas and bottled water.

Guests download the GrubHub app and place their order, designating pickup at Gemmell Food Court. The app provides real-time updates to the guest on the progress of the order, from “received” to “ready for pickup.” Students can purchase meals in several ways. Each concept has meals available that are meal-swipe only, which students can use as a cash equivalent.  The cash equivalent is equal to $7.40 and is different from a straight meal swipe. Gemmell Ghost Kitchen also accepts Shop Dollars, Dining Dollars and credit cards.

When the student sets up an account in the GrubHub app, there will be a section in which they select their school and attach their account. Students will not be charged an extra fee to use GrubHub for Gemmell Ghost Kitchen orders. 

The Ghost Kitchen is open to employees and the community, too.