On the campus of Auburn University, the 236 room Hotel and Dixon Conference Center features a unique on campus dining facility that is certain to satisfy the most discriminating culinary palate. Here you will find Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar, where campus visitors and the general public come to dine and unwind in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Since the 1980’s, the hotel has catered to a plethora of university business travelers and has also become a popular place for weddings and meetings. The dining facilities underwent a significant renovation in July 2012 when several of their food and beverage venues, Ariccia, Piccolo and Café Sienna, were updated. Ariccia’s 36-seat outdoor patio was a major focus during this renovation. Eight (8) natural gas fired infrared heaters were installed making that often unused outdoor space a more attractive and comfortable place for folks to dine, especially during the late fall and early spring months. In addition to the gas heaters, changes included additional lighting and an attractive pergola to house the new amenities. According to Hans van der Reijden, Manager Director of Hotel Operations, “the outdoor patio has become more inviting and enables folks to stay longer due to the comfort that the gas heaters provide…it’s now warm and cozy”, he said.

“Partnering” with local Gas Utility…

During the renovation process the university discussed the patio project with local contractors, but to no avail. The local gas utility, Alagasco, came to the rescue with seasoned foodservice professional, James Robinson, leading the way. James was quick to engage his company’s service department who handled the entire installation from start to finish! As a result, Hans was quick to point out that “our local gas utility is an excellent business partner and understands the importance of great customer service”.

The place for fresh, rustic Italian cuisine…

This recent renovation helped to create Ariccia’s new, fresher, and sleeker style. The newly designed interior and outdoor patio amenities give the entire restaurant a new world feel while still maintaining the old world culinary concept, all prepared and cooked with natural gas cooking equipment. The cooking line is also of major importance to the university, as it helps to maximize overall production and energy efficiency. And using natural gas and fresh local ingredients help to create simple Italian inspired dishes! Natural Gas…providing more than just a comfortable dining environment!