Murfreesboro, TN - A Murfreesboro icon, Demos’ Steak and Spaghetti House, is making a flavorful return to its roots with a brand-new location inside Middle Tennessee State University’s Student Union Building. The grand opening, set for this Monday (8/25/2025) morning at 9:30AM. It’s a celebration of community, tradition, and True Blue pride.

Founded by Jim Demos and now run by MTSU alumni Peter and Kristin Demos, the restaurant has long been a staple of Rutherford County dining. Now, students won’t have to leave campus to enjoy the comfort of Demos’ signature dishes like chicken and rice soup, penne pasta with house-made sauces, and hearty lasagna. The new eatery is designed with student life in mind, offering quick, satisfying meals that fit between classes and campus commitments.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature appearances by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, university mascot Lightning, and the Demos family themselves—including their son Jamey, who will manage the new location. The first 100 students in line for lunch will receive swag bags, and one lucky Blue Raider will walk away with a “Demos’ Golden Ticket,” good for free meals all semester.

Kristin Demos, vice president of brand and marketing, expressed excitement about the launch, calling it a full-circle moment for the couple, both of whom earned sociology degrees from MTSU. “We are thrilled to be part of the Blue Raider community,” she said. “This campus shaped us, and now we get to give back in the most delicious way.”

The restaurant’s journey to campus began with a successful pop-up appearance in fall 2022 as part of MT Dining’s “Local Restaurant Row” initiative. After rave reviews, the opportunity to establish a permanent presence was a natural next step.

MT Dining’s Rachel Hunter noted that Italian cuisine ranks high among student preferences and praised the addition of Demos’ to the university’s growing roster of alumni-run eateries, which includes Just Love Coffee and Nashville Chicken & Waffles.

With its slogan “run on real food,” Demos’ aims to serve up more than just meals—it’s bringing a slice of Murfreesboro history and a whole lot of heart to their first floor eatery in the Student Union Building.