As a recent grad himself, Adam El-Dika (BSc 2014) believes he has a good understanding of students. He hopes to put that knowledge to use as co-owner of a new restaurant on the UWindsor campus.

“Three things are key to ensuring students come back,” he says. “A wonderful atmosphere to greet the guests, good service, and the quality of the food.”

Mare Nostrum restaurant and bar opened this week in the space adjacent to the Education Building. Its name is derived from the Latin for “our sea,” a Roman term for the Mediterranean. El-Dika says the region’s cuisine forms the basis of the menu.

“It’s good fresh food and will be student-friendly with regard to prices,” he says.

Besides a variety of salad options, he points up wraps and lunch combos, as well as a selection of pasta dishes, with plenty of choices for vegetarians and vegan—which have proven popular on campus. El-Dika and his business partner, chef Ahmad Sanji, worked in this same space under a previous owner.

“I started off busing tables, then was promoted to host, server and finally manager,” says El-Dika. “It has set me up to manage my own place, with an emphasis on ensuring people will have a good time.”

He hopes the restaurant, with a capacity of 71 indoors and 34 on an outside patio, will receive a license to serve alcohol by September. Find more information, including a menu and hours of operation, on the Mare Nostrum Facebook page.