Salisbury University has seen a substantial amount of growth and changes over the past few years, giving rise to new businesses in the area as well. Located in the ground floor of SU’s latest high-rise dormitories (Sea Gull Square), the Breakfast Bum brings delicious food and a local arts scene to both locals and college students alike. ShoreBread stopped in this week for a quick chat with owner Patti Tauber and to get a taste of home-style cooking (spoiler alert…we weren’t disappointed).
Serving food all day, the restaurant is located underneath Salisbury University’s dorm, Sea Gull Square. Open from 7:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M. weekdays, until 12:00 on Thursdays, and 1:00 A.M. on Fridays and Saturdays; the Breakfast Bum serves up delicious snacks and meals at all hours. The family-run store provides breakfast treats all day as well as a lunch menu.
The Breakfast Bum has only been open for a year, but owner Patti Tauber has been in the food industry for many more. She was influenced to open a breakfast place because of her grandson’s famous waffle sandwich. One of the customer’s favorite dishes, it is basically a breakfast sandwich, with eggs, cheese, and a choice of breakfast meat, tucked between two waffles. The conglomeration is a hefty handful that leaves no stomach feeling empty. Another favorite on the menu is the breakfast platter, which contains eggs, peppers, onions, and potatoes, seasoned with fresh herbs.
Tauber strives to incorporate as many fresh, local ingredients into her food as possible. “I buy food at the local market and our supplier is a local company also,” Tauber said. The restaurant also helps encourage local artists and musicians. Inside the Breakfast Bum, the walls are adorned with groovy art, provided by local artists. Tauber hopes to display art from University students on her walls as well. On Fridays from 6:00-10:00 P.M., the Breakfast Bum hosts an open mic night where several local artists come out to perform and fill the loop of Sea Gull Square with music and poetry. Many gifted high school students come out to showcase their musical talents as well.
For the aspiring or not-so-talented singer, there is a karaoke night on Saturdays from 6:00-10:00 P.M. Other events include Tie Dye Tuesday offering 10% off meals if customers come in sporting tie dye, and Thirsty Thursday, when customers receive free drinks with their meals. Breakfast Bum does not serve alcohol, so don’t expect to pair a beer or a mimosa with your pancakes.
The conveniently located campus shop is also frequented by many locals. “We get a good mix of students and people from the community” Tauber said. Tauber also noted that her main goal was to have “a place to cook college kids a home cooked meal.” The store completely evokes this sentiment, with each plate made like mom would back home. All the food is made within view behind the counter, while customers receive their dishes by name at the front of the store. And when the food comes out, its hot and fresh off the griddle. The Breakfast Bum is also a great place for a quick bite or a Sunday brunch.
Of course, we couldn’t possibly leave without ordering some fresh French toast and we sure were glad that we did. The breakfast delight came out steaming hot and tasted every bit as delicious as it looked.
