Flats: Perfect for Dinner and a Movie

By Kelly Hagerty 

On June 15, 2011 Gettysburg College was practically empty except for the small population of students who decided to stay in Gettysburg over the summer. Servo was rarely open and shopping at Giant or going to a restaurant in town was getting expensive, not to mention monotonous. The news of a brand new café attached to the Majestic Theatre spread like wildfire, and I, among several other summer residents, were some of the first customers on its opening day. That café is called “Flats”, and it immediately became a favorite among the Gettysburg population.

“I can’t express how good Flats is. The first time I went I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Pizza for dinner, and wanted to come back for lunch the next day,” says sophomore Chris Conrad.

Once school started, Flats became a favorite for many other college students. The word eventually spread beyond the summer residents to the rest of the student body through word of mouth and various newsletters sent by the college. Due to the knowledge that the College owns the Majestic Theatre, and therefore Flats, some students were wondering if Flats would be integrated in the meal plan, and they now have the answer. The ability to use declining dollars was officially approved the week of September 5^th for sophomores, juniors and seniors. According to the manager, Ashley, the system will be installed within the next two or three weeks, depending on the College’s schedule.  Furthermore, for students still looking for a job, Ashley mentioned that they are always willing to accept applications.

“Flats”, open from 11:00am-8:00pm, is appropriately named for the appetizing flatbread used in every meal. Their menu is split into categories of Starters, Salads, Sandwiches & Wraps, Quesadillas, Pizzas, a children’s menu and Desserts. Every drink except for their homemade lemonade includes endless amounts of free refills.

“My favorite thing about Flats is the bottomless ice tea. Especially the Southern Sweet Mint Tea, paired with the Turkey Avocado Wrap. It’s the best!” says sophomore Kate Forton. A popular favorite among the students of Gettysburg is the personal size margarita pizza, which includes a mozzarella blend, Roma tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic, and brushed with olive oil and garlic.

While most students find the food to be delicious, some are not happy about the correlation between prices and amount of food given. Senior Steve Krzyanowski says, “It’s too expensive for the amount of food you get ($6 for a flatbread personal pizza that is not filling!). I would only eat there if I could use a Gettysburg meal, probably not even if I could use declining.”

Steve is not the only student to express the concerns of price, and one of many to suggest they add the ability to count meals. While that is not an option during the current semester, it is still under consideration for upcoming years.

Despite the concern over price, the majority of students only have positive things to say about the quaint café. Sophomore Wes Jackson recommends it as the perfect place to bring your family when they visit.

“It’s delicious and conveniently located in the Majestic Theatre. Perfect for dinner and a movie. I also attend most of the jazz and wind symphony concerts at the Majestic, and now I’ll have time for dinner beforehand!” says sophomore Molly Walsh.

Flats Original Flatbread Café is only following in Gettysburg’s impressive background in delectable meals. The last time I went to Flats the owner gave me a free brownie for going so often. If you haven’t already been to Flats, make the dinner plans now. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

To learn more about Flats visit eatatflats.com, or call (717) 398-2189.