Big Red Food Court will open its doors on Feb. 20, bringing a taste of New York City to Ithaca.
Following the unexpected closure of Ithaca Beer Co. in March 2024, College Avenue had a 4,000-square-foot vacancy, sparking curiosity among students about what new establishment will fill the space. The space was bought by Manager Amir Ali in January, and now will be filled by the Big Red Food Court — a New York-style deli.
Bustling delis and New York City food courts inspired Ali’s design of the new restaurant. According to Ali and Chef Sadek Muhsen, the food court’s location in the heart of Collegetown is “ideal for attracting students and locals alike.”
"We saw there are a lot of young people around here," Ali said. "It's a good spot." Muhsen added, "It's the first restaurant [when coming down the street], so it's a very, very good location."
The menu will feature a variety of options, including pasta, salad bowls, shish kebabs and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes such as kofta kebabs. The food court will introduce Yemeni coffee — a unique addition to the area’s coffee scene. For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant will also serve pastries, including baklava.
Ali said Big Red Food Court is designed to be more than just a place to grab a quick bite. The owners aim to make the restaurant a hub for the community and plan to install a big-screen television outside for summer events.
"We have a lot of seating, so people can sit down, have coffee and relax," Muhsen said.
While not explicitly affiliated with Cornell Dining, Ali and Muhsen said they are “communicating with Cornell Dining” and are committed to making Big Red Food Court accessible to students. They said they plan to accept both Big Red Bucks and City Bucks, and will offer a 10 percent discount to any student with a valid school ID — including students from outside of Cornell.
However, a University spokesperson clarified that the off-campus restaurant will not be eligible to accept Big Red Bucks and that a City Bucks application has not yet been received from the establishment as of a Feb. 13 email statement to The Sun.
Big Red Food Court is planning a soft opening during February break, with the grand opening set for Feb. 20 — just in time for students to return to campus.
The owners feel that their New York City-inspired concept will resonate with the Ithaca community. With its diverse menu, vibrant atmosphere and student-friendly policies, Big Red Food Court aims to fill a unique niche in the local dining scene.
"What we’re offering is a New York City style,” Ali said. I don’t think anybody has that here.”
Correction, February 19, 7:40 p.m.: This article has been updated to include a University response to incorrect information about the food court’s coordination with Cornell Dining.
