The Tavern has served students food and drinks for over 40 years.
Courtesy of Aubrey Carr | The Crow’s Nest
By Aubrey Carr
After over two years of demand from students, campus favorites the Tavern and The Campus Grind once again accept payment in Bull Bucks.
The updated Bull Bucks system allows students to pay for their coffee or snacks using funds uploaded directly to their student ID, eliminating the need to bring cash or card.
According to Dennis Bixler, co-owner of The Tavern, the Bull Bucks system went down toward the start of the COVID-19 pandemic so the university could upgrade security measures.
Originally, the project was expected to take significantly less time, but several setbacks delayed its completion.
“We ran into an issue with having to purchase new machines for both restaurants. However, USF agreed to absorb this cost,” Bixler said.
“Months later we were told that in order to use the new machines, we had to be processing through USF’s network. Previously, we could process through our [Internet service provider]. We were told that we would need to install fiber optic cables to our building which would run upwards of $10,000.”
After a year of obstacles, Rudy Diaz, system administrator for the campus, offered an affordable option: a satellite running from the university to The Tavern.
“Once the plan was approved, Rudy and John Diaz, along with their team, met with me over a few days during spring break. We were able to setup a new switch and cables to the new card terminals and other devices needed for network access,” Bixler said.
“We are currently set up on USF’s network with Bulls Bucks terminals and Wi-Fi hot spots in both restaurants.”
According to Bixler, Bull Bucks is a major source of additional revenue for The Tavern and The Grind –– the re-addition of the student payment option helps connect the pair to the community.
Courtesy of Aubrey Carr | The Crow’s Nest.
“These restaurants are not part of USF, but they have been a staple for students and faculty for many years,” Bixler said.
Bixler said he’s spoken to many students who had no idea what The Tavern and The Grind were when they first got to campus, but once they visit, “they love the vibe and the food.”
Sharing a building, The Tavern offers an assortment of local beers and classic pub-style food and The Grind provides a variety of coffee and light cafe eats.
“There’s a long history here, about 40 years as a restaurant. Over the years, The Tavern has befriended many USF students and faculty, along with employees of [The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission], Coast Guard, Albert Whitted Airport, as well as locals.”
“My wife Stephanie and I, along with my daughters, Lindsay and Emma, are very grateful and proud to be part of this place and look forward to meeting new students.”
