Interior of Gilhooley’s
The Xavierite
Saint Xavier University (SXU) officially re-opened Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon on Mar. 30, 2026. As a newly redesigned student space, it offers a place for relaxation, connection, and community as part of the broader Innovate 2028 strategic plan.
Gilhooley’s, along with the entire shopping center it resides in, was donated to SXU by Richard Dreihaus in 2004. Gilhooley’s continued its operation as a restaurant/bar until the university decided it was no longer financially viable to continue, while other buildings in the plaza became the SXU Health Center and Counseling Center.
The space, which had been closed for several years, now features recreational activities such as ping pong, air hockey, board games, and a pool table.
Gilhooley’s pool table
The Xaverite
Students are able to order select menu items for delivery to Gilhooley’s from the campus Starbucks and Country House Kitchen during specific time frames throughout the day. At the moment, they are only accepting payments from Cougar meal plans and Cougar Cash, with a minimum spending of ten dollars for all delivery orders.
Katy Thompson, Vice President of Student Life, shared that the reopening of Gilhooley’s was “funded through strategic initiative resources tied to the Innovate 2028 strategic plan” and aims to modernize campus spaces to better serve students. She explained that the university recognized “a growing need for flexible environments where students can both study and connect,” making the former Gilhooley’s location an ideal space for redevelopment.
Student input played a key role in shaping the space. Thompson stated that the redesign was completed “in close partnership with the Student Government Association (SGA),” and includes amenities students specifically requested, such as games and a more inviting atmosphere.
SGA President Ethan Coe said “Student government strongly advocated for creating more student-centered spaces on campus.”
“I think that was a big effort from [the] student government,” Coe said. “We were really passionate about opening student spaces.”
Coe explained that Gilhooley’s was not the first location considered. “We looked into the breezeway… but it didn’t work out just because of the climate in there,” he said. “So when we were looking at other places… we toured Gilhooley’s again, and it mostly looked the same. And I was like, if this could be the last thing I do as student government president, that would be awesome.”
Coe cutting ribbon on opening day
The Xavierite
For many students, the reopening fills a gap in the lack of social spaces on campus.
“Just walking around… it’s really only the library,” Coe said. “You have to be quiet in there. It’s not exactly super social. So just slowly inching towards that kind of space is important.”
Thompson emphasized the role the space may play in improving student engagement and retention, key goals of Innovate 2028. Attendance will be monitored, and hours may be adjusted based on student use, reflecting what Thompson described as a “responsive, data-informed approach.”
**Correction 4/10/2026: Formatting for photo captions in article fixed**
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