An eatery known for offering seven varieties of hamburgers, ranging from a mini burger to a half-pound 100 percent all-American beef version to a blazincajun burger, will soon replace Wendys in the WVU Mountainlair food court, according to a Student Affairs official.

Mean Genes Burgersa partnership between Mean Gene Okerlund, of professional wrestling broadcasting fame, and Orion Food Systems of Sioux Falls, S.D.will open sometime during the fall semester, said Amir Mohammadi, associate vice president for Student Affairs.

In addition to a quality burger operation, Mohammadi said the new eatery also serves crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, chili-cheese foot-long hot dogs, chicken tenders, french fries and other offerings.

In addition, Mohammadi said the fast-food restaurant plans to increase hours of operation, offer a breakfast service and carry a nationally recognized smoothie beverage program,”Freshens”something the existing vendor was unable to provide and”one of the most requested food items of students.”

Wendys opened in the Mountainlair food court in March 1990, following an extensive renovation and expansion of the facility. The companys contract expired Tuesday, Aug. 14.

Three fast-food restaurants submitted proposals following a recent Request for Proposals; Mean Genes submitted the successful bid.

Until Mean Genes is operational, a satellite burger operation will be available in the center of the Mountainlair Commons Area.

Mark Elliott, vice president of marketing and corporate industries for Orion, said the company has more than 2,000 outlets nationwide and focuses on meeting the needs of the time-conscious consumer in stores, shopping malls, hotels, supermarkets, college campuses and office buildings.

“Our research showed that a theme-based concept would help to immediately define our distinctive burger brand, and Mean Gene proved to be a relevant image to connect with customers,”Elliott said.

Mean Gene himself will make a personal appearance at the eatery this fall.

Two new eateries are also opening at other campus locations. The Waterfront Cafe opened Aug. 13 at One Waterfront Placethe WVU Foundations new building on Don Knotts Boulevard. The Sports Cafe will open in September at WVU s new Student Recreation Center on the Evansdale Campus.