Sunset Café opens new dining to MC community

A new dining experience opened to the Maryville College Community on Nov. 1 giving students, faculty and staff a new option to enjoy cuisine. Located in the Clayton Center for the Arts, The Sunset Café is brought to the college by Rocky’s Jamaican Sunrise and looks forward to creating a loyal customer base with the new campus location.

The official ribbon cutting for the new café was held Monday, Nov. 7 by the owner of the parent restaurant Cheryl Williams, Chef Rocky and new manager of the Sunset Café Renetta Ogle who is also William’s daughter. A few words were shared to open the ceremony by Smith, Williams, Ogle and President of Maryville College Dr. Tom Bogart before Ogle proceeded to cut the ribbon thus officially opening the Sunset Café.

Along with the ceremony, free samples of the cafes menu items were served along with a cake for guests to enjoy. Students, faculty and staff were invited out to the café opening to meet the café staff and try their menu items.

Senior at Maryville College, Tessa Wilcox, attended the grand opening along with other students of the college.

“I am excited for this new location,” said Wilcox, “The food is great and the staff is always friendly!”
According to Smith in a statement made in a release on the Clayton Center for the Arts website, the Clayton Center had been in search for several years to find a replacement for what was previously the Silver Spoon Express in the Clayton Center which originally opened in 2010. After the diner closed, the campus community was left with a void they wished to fulfill.

“We were excited when it was suggested that Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise would be the right fit. They have a reputation for great food and they are a perfect fit for a cultural hub such as the Clayton Center,” said Smith. “The Sunset Café will certainly be a benefit to the patrons of the Clayton Center and to our community.”

Parent restaurant, Rocky’s Jamaican Sunrise, is located on East Broadway Avenue in Maryville and has been an established local favorite for years for their authentic Jamaican food. Several student of the college frequent the business, but often other are not able to get there due to transportation issues. Williams and Chef Rocky found this to be a great opportunity to open up their business to members of the community who may not be familiar with the restaurant.

“When the Silver Spoon Express was open, we saw students, faculty, staff, and the broader community take advantage of the chance to join in fellowship,” said President Bogart. “Its closing left a void, but now the opening of the Sunset Café adds a new dimension and award-winning food to the incredible regional asset (the Clayton Center) that we have the privilege of hosting on our campus. The owners are local entrepreneurs and we are excited to partner with them to improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Members of the Maryville College community are encouraged to go down to the Sunset Café and try their authentic Jamaican cuisine. The menu holds a variety of items including chicken breast, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, pulled chicken sandwiches, curry chicken, salads, baked macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice and more. The café hours will be Monday to Friday 11-2 and 5-8.