Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and students at Eastern Connecticut State University like to have it late at night. Thursday Knight Cafe (TKC), commonly referred to by Eastern Warriors as Pancake Night, has been a fixture on campus for years.

According to Nancy Brennan of the Campus Ministry, the event's namesake traces back to its roots in 2006, when Father Larry LaPointe, director of the Campus Ministry, handed out free pizza to students at the Knight House. 

“The reason that Father Larry started Thursday Knight Cafe was to give the students a safe alternative where they could get food and enjoy entertainment or just get together with their friends and remember what they did on Thursday night,” said Brennan.

“Former Vice President for Student Affairs Ken Bedini," she explained, "asked Father Larry if he would like to move the event to the Student Center Cafe, which had just been renovated. The food given out changed from pizza to pancakes, and student workers were hired to cook and hand out the pancakes and plan events for each Thursday night.”

Since then, pancake-loving patrons have swarmed the Student Center Cafe for a night away from their worries. TKC is one of the most heavily attended events on campus, with the line for pancakes spilling out the door and down the hall. Brennan estimates an average of 250 attendees every night, with each student receiving two pancakes – yes, they can go back for seconds. Whether they’re shooting the breeze, shooting pool or cheering their friends on at karaoke, regulars have many good things to say about the weekly syrupy soiree. 

“The aroma of pancakes makes you want to stay forever.” said sophomore Joshua Mora. “Pancakes are the answer, no matter the question,” added sophomore Sam Guppy. 

The Campus Ministry collaborates with numerous campus organizations to coordinate entertainment for Pancake Night, most prominently with the Campus Activity Board (CAB). CAB books musicians to play music for attendees, and CAB will also collaborate with TKC for Spring Fest toward the end of the semester. Music is an especially popular topic, ranging from local bands to students playing their own instruments and open mic karaoke nights. 

Student clubs have also taken the lead on themes and entertainment, including East Harmonies, Gamer’s Guild, Fashion Forward, and the Student Government Association. According to Brennan, TKC’s student workers Alexzandria Smith, Tatiana Williams and Stephanie Galaburri come up with many ideas for entertainment while also flipping pancakes. 

“I would say this job is a joyful experience,” said Williams. “Altogether, we collaboratively decide on what to do for each event and enjoy seeing students at Eastern delighted with each pancake given. I would say that our commitment, teamwork and dedication make this job possible.”