Even before its 11 am ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, the air of anticipation outside of The Hilltoss was high: vibrant blue and green balloons bobbed across the ceiling, salad makers clapped along to the music, and a mass of students gathered outside the storefront. Hoyas were excited to see the opening of the Corp’s first official restaurant, a salad and smoothie bar housed inside the Healey Family Student Center that gives students a healthy new option to eat on campus.
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After a few inspirational words from Dana Mitchel, director of Hilltoss and a senior in the business school, the ribbon was snipped and Hilltoss was officially open for business!
Despite a near fiasco the night before, where the generator collapsed at 1 am and threatened to warm refrigerators, the atmosphere was upbeat and the opening went on without a hitch. The music was booming, the salad makers were friendly and the tables were gleaming.
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Hilltoss is “the home of the leaf”, as indicated by the slogans on the backs of the workers’ shirts. According to Mitchel, it is “the epitome of all things healthy.” Three cheers, people: Georgetown just acquired its very own hipster salad place. After the crazy success of Sweetgreen, started by Georgetown alums, we can’t say we’re surprised.
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Freshman Jordan Sabourin noted, “I was surprised—this is a really ambitious move. It’s really nice to have another healthy option.” Word.
We’re all about that health, right Meghan Trainor? And these salads are not only extremely healthy, but they are also wonderfully named. Options include the Amalfi Coast, Brutus, Jay Gatsby, Liberty Cobb, Far East Movement, Parthenon, Taos and Walden; each salad’s name gives a hint to its flavors, with Italian inspiration for the Amalfi Coast and an Asian influence in Far East Movement. On the wall of The Hilltoss hangs a map that shows, using tacks and strings à la Sherlock Holmes, the global origins of these salads.
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One of The Hilltoss’ claims to fame is that they source 75% of their products locally. “For example,” said Mitchel, “some of our cheeses come from Virginia.” Though we’re bummed that the farmer’s market is over until spring, this gives Hoyas a great option to continue supporting local produce.
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The Corp CEO and senior Sam Rodman was also excited about the opening of The Hilltoss. “We haven’t had a new storefront opening since 2003,” he said, referencing the opening of Hoya Snaxa with the Southwest Quad. “This is a big step forward, and it’s the first step to making our own food, to the restaurant business.”
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If The Hilltoss maintains the high quality look and food displayed during the opening, it looks like this will be a great success for The Corp. Mad respect. These salads are phenomenal, and green is the new everything. Welcome to the hilltop, Hilltoss!
Photo by Xinwei Zeng