CREDIT: PROVIDED BY DAN PATERSON
The Out Back Shack is now operating a patio in the SUB courtyard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Out Back Shack (OBS) has officially re-opened its patio for the remainder of the summer, and is waiting on Fanshawe’s approval to open its indoor dining room.

The reopening comes in the same week as several hundred students return to campus to complete their winter term work leftover before the College locked down its doors due to the spread of coronavirus.

Like any other restaurant in Ontario, things are going to look a bit different than before. According to food and beverage manager Dan Paterson, the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU)-run restaurant has taken numerous measures to ensure patrons are protected from COVID-19.


Staff will be equipped with personal protective equipment, social distancing protocols have been put into place, and contactless payment will be implemented. There is now a choice between using sanitized menus and reading the menu using a QR code.

There will also soon be an option for online ordering for on-campus delivery and takeout. Staff will deliver anywhere on campus, including resident buildings, free of charge. Once the OBS’s new ChowNow online delivery and takeout option can be accessed through fsu.ca, and the OBS App is available for download, customers can get 20 per cent off for their first time ordering.

“The pandemic has had significant impact on OBS,” said Paterson. “We do hope that we will be able to continue some night events with limited numbers, and implement new policies and procedures while still continuing to provide a pleasant dining experience.”

The patio location has changed to the Student Union Building courtyard. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular dining room hours will resume in September from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with delivery until 10 p.m. once the app is launched.

“This has been a challenging time for staff, but we are happy to return and continue to provide students and faculty with a positive experience at OBS,” said Paterson.

The OBS patio and online takeout orders are the sole food service available on campus for the remainder of the summer. All Chartwells locations will be closed until September.