The Arkansas State University community will have new dining options open to them as soon as next week. The Yard, a multi-cuisine restaurant located on Aggie Road next to campus, will open its doors Monday, March 21 at 10:30 a.m. 

Despite much adversity, The Yard is finally ready to begin serving the A-State community. In a previous article titled “The Yard offers students a new dining experience set to open Feb. 15” it was published that The Yard would open on Feb. 15. This date had to be pushed back for several reasons. “We want to do the right thing with city inspections and the health department,” Tuan Le, co-owner of The Yard, said. “We want to make sure it is a safe environment for our customers and staff, so we want to make sure we are approved by the city.” 

Being a multi-cuisine restaurant, The Yard will feature many different food options. Such as BA Burrito, Larry’s Pizza, Saigon Noodle and Shadrachs. Each of these options will offer a variety of food, however, Le was especially proud of Saigon Noodle. “Jonesboro has never had an authentic Vietnamese restaurant and finally it is here,” Le said. 

While all of these different cuisines will be offered in the future, not all will be open right away. At the launch of the restaurant on Monday, Saigon Noodle and Larry’s Pizza will be open with BA Burrito soon to follow. Le emphasized that The Yard wants to open in stages to keep their customers coming back to order something new again. As for Shadrachs, it is uncertain when they will be open exactly but hopefully it will be closer to around summertime. 

The Yard offers many different food options, but they will also be offering drink options as well. Following the launch, a fully stocked bar operated by Brickhouse will open.  Made from an old boxcar, this bar is the center focal point of the whole building with the words “The Yard” displayed in yellow on top. The bar will only be available to  individuals that are 21-years-old and up with a valid ID.

Despite adversity and city permits, The Yard is now ready to be a part of the A-State community. “We are excited and ready to be a part of the student’s community,” Le said. “I’ve heard a lot of stories where after 9 p.m. students get done doing homework and want something to eat nearby, however, they don’t have that luxury. Now they have that accommodation right here on campus.” At opening, The Yard will be operating from 10:30 a.m. to around 9 p.m. Later, when the bar and Shadrachs open, The Yard could open earlier and close later, staying open as late as 12 a.m.

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