Columbia Student Opens Up Restaurant in Dorm Room that Becomes Big hit

An economics student at Columbia University is running a restaurant out of his dorm room that has become so popular it’s booked from now until Christmas.

Jonah Reider, 21, has been interested in food since he was a young boy, and now he is balancing his time between his studies and his culinary expression as his new restaurant, Pith, is open for business four nights a week in Hogan Hall, according to the New York Post.

Reider’s restaurant does have menus but rather serves a four-course gourmet meal that costs customers anywhere between $10 and $20. He described his restaurant on Yelp:

PITH is an innovative and relaxing dining experience in a student’s apartment. Meals are prix fixe, varying between $10 and $20 per person. Most meals begin with a board of excellently curated cheeses, olives, homemade pickles, and hot bread. Between 5 and 8 courses follow, showcasing fresh vegetables, seafood, and meats. Wine and cocktails are offered for an additional price.

Seared scallops, Chanterelle Polenta, date and chile oil

Reider opened Pith only two weeks ago and is already receiving incredible feedback. He told the New York Post:

“I didn’t expect it to be so popular.”

Beet and orange pepper shavings

Although he is booked solid until Christmas he has a waiting list for prospective reservations.

Mahi mahi, lime, peppers

Reider does not make a profit from Pith. He says his restaurant is more of a project than an actual business and he only charges his customers for the cost of the ingredients.

Yellow tomatoes, Fennel seed, wet salt

His roommate, Jordan Walters, says it is a fun project, but that it may eventually run its course because their studies are more important. He said:

“It’s definitely a lot of fun, but it can be a strain since we have to study. I guess now with his fame, we’ll have to have a discussion.”

Share this Article