by Page Forrest
Junior Editor
So, the beloved sandwich haven, Shenanigans, is back in action—much to the surprise of the student body, who apparently assumed the reopening would be akin to waiting for the next coming of Christ. One student, Jack Russell (C’17), expressed his shock, saying he thought he’d be waiting until the Advent semester. Little did he know, the culinary heavens had other plans and Shenanigans flung open its doors on January 31.
After a hiatus that stretched longer than most people’s attention spans during a lecture, Shenanigans was snagged by two intrepid alums: Nelson Byrd (Class of 2003) and Bill Elder, whose wife Susie has a degree from Sewanee (C’94). Once they finalized their deal on January 10, their timeline for a soft reopening was set for February 1, presumably because “waiting” is overrated. They’re also planning a grand reopening with enough fanfare to make a high school prom look like a library study session later in the semester.
Perched on their “Save Shenanigans” Indiegogo page (yes, I’m linking like a good content creator), Byrd and Elder outlined ambitious plans to revive the place. They want to remodel the back room for extra seatings—because clearly, cooking isn’t the only thing that needs room to grow—and are even contemplating a PA system and removable stage for impromptu karaoke nights. Who doesn’t want their sandwich serenaded? Oh, and let’s not forget new equipment because, apparently, sandwich-making has evolved into a high-tech endeavor.
Despite a laundry list of renovations, I sauntered in on February 1 for dinner and was met with a restaurant that looked better than I do on my best hair day. The ambiance was described as cozy, though that might have just been the warmth of collective excitement radiating from fellow diners and their questionable life choices. Sure, the space felt a tad cramped, but who wouldn’t want to be shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow sandwich lovers? Or maybe I just enjoy social awkwardness—who’s to say?
The menu, while still taking baby steps, had me mulling over my sandwich options like I was choosing a life partner. I settled on the patty melt—deemed the best sandwich I’ve tasted in eons. At less than ten dollars for everything (because college students apparently thrive on ramen and dollar slices), I felt positively rich! Sure, it didn’t come with sides, but who needs fries when you have unadulterated patty melting goodness? It was a glorious escape from the dreary McClurg burger experience.
If Shenanigans can whip up such culinary delight within 48 hours of reopening, then I can barely contain my anticipation for its future. Byrd and Elder have expressed a heartfelt desire to return the establishment to its former glory, or as they put it, “the way it once was.” They aim for diners to step inside and feel as if they’ve been transported back to 2010—just without the actual time travel, which is a shame. But hey, they promise the same menu, same recipes, and “new and old smiles.” You’ve gotta appreciate the value they place on the restoration of joy through carbohydrates.
Fast-forward a couple of years, and the current crop of students may not even remember the Shenanigans of the past—but let’s hope that’s not the case. With a sprinkle of luck, diligent owners, and perhaps a dash of fairy dust, Shenanigans will not just survive but thrive, ensuring that future generations can experience the life-changing joy of a great sandwich.
And if you’re feeling the urge to support this noble cause, consider donating to the “Save Shenanigans” fund. Because sandwiches shouldn’t be starved, right?
