Everyone knows there's no better way to attract hungry college kids than by moving in next door to a University institution like Arch's Frozen Yogurt and offering high quality food at a low cost. Naturally, that's exactly what Zazus owner Pat Lawson did -- locating her restaurant next to Arch's at 2214 Ivy Road.
In the spring of 1998, the innovative, café-style restaurant opened its doors to the Charlottesville area, and students and residents alike got their first taste of the hot wraps and cold roll-ups that Zazus offers.
Zazus Manager Allison Campbell said, "business has been great" ever since.
It's no wonder why business has boomed for Zazus. With 10 choices of wraps that far surpass the daily choices at the University dining halls' Pan Geos, there is almost guaranteed to be something for the pickiest diners. There are even specialty items for kids -- a cheesy rice and bean wrap, or the chicken and cheese wrap -- at a student-friendly price. Since all of the wraps are made right in front of you, it's easy to specify what items you do or don't want in your food.
"Everything is made from scratch right here, [the food] is very good and very nutritious, and there are no preservatives and no MSG," Campbell said.
This is especially good news to the health-conscious diners who walk all the way to Ivy Road to eat at the restaurant. Of course, hungry diners not quite as inspired also will be happy to hear that an orange line bus stop is not far from Zazus, and there is plenty of parking at the restaurant as well.
Walking in the door, diners can expect eager employees behind the counter to greet them and take their order. As diners place an order, the staff asks, "Did you want sour cream on that?" or "What kind of salsa do you prefer -- hot, medium, or mild?"
Once your order has been made, they wrap it in foil, so if you're unable to finish the stuffed roll, it's convenient to bring home.
The seat-yourself dining room is an impressively clean place for diners to finish Zazus' large portions. The Santa Fe Wrap ($4.95) greets taste buds with a spicy mix of marinated grilled chicken or steak (your choice), rice, black beans, cheese or sour cream and a choice of salsa.
All contents are wrapped in what first-year College student Nikki Auer described as "the best tortillas I've ever tasted."
Of course, if you're more interested in a cold roll-up you could try Zazus' Smoked Turkey Roll-Up ($4.95), with smoked turkey, provolone cheese, lemon aioli, apple-cranberry relish, lettuce, scallions and onions wrapped in the same great tortilla.
There are, of course, options other than Wraps and Roll-Ups. Zazus also offers a variety of soups, salads and "gourmet bowls." For $4.95 it's possible to order a bowl filled with a selection of items -- which are essentially wraps without the tortilla. You can choose between the Curry Bowl, the Mediterranean Bowl and the Thai Chicken Bowl. Whatever diners choose at Zazus, it's fresh and filling.
But Zazus does have one drawback. The smoothies, at $2.50 for a small, or $3.75 for a large, aren't very big. There also aren't quite as many smoothie choices as there are at the AFC or Pavilion XI. With a distinctly more yogurt-like taste, it depends on the preference of the diner whether it's really worth the price. There are, however, plenty of other options for drinks, including bottled water, soda, beer and wine.
While Zazus has a limited desert selection, it's doubtful whether or not you'll have room for it after consuming one of the wraps. And if you're in the mood for something other than Zazus' cookies or brownies, Arch's is always next door.
Students who are weary of a trip off Grounds now have the option of getting Zazus delivered as well. Or, if you're in a hurry, you can call ahead for a pick-up order. Zazus really does try to accommodate the needs of its guests and make sure they've been completely satisfied.
Diners who can't get enough of Zazus' quick nutritious food will be happy to hear that the restaurant is planning to expand as well, Campbell said.
She said the Ivy Road Zazus is the pilot store of what Lawson hopes will become a chain.
She added that Lawson knows what he's talking about when it comes to business -- he's a 1973 Darden graduate who's giving back to the University community.
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