Phi Kappa Tau - Mississippi State University

A L P H A C H I C H A P T E R 3 SERVING UP SUPPORT Restaurateur W. Robin Fant III '81 Explains Why He Donates Time and Funds to Alpha Chi W . Robin Fant III '81 joined Phi Kappa Tau hoping to meet new people and make a few new friends during his col- lege journey. Little did he know how important his Alpha Chi brothers would become. Robin quickly learned that despite their differences, his brothers would do anything to help him when he needed it. "Brotherhood is a big, diverse family that you don't just walk away from," Robin stated, "and that is why I am still active today. It's almost like reliving my younger days. Seeing the guys being devel- oped into men of distinction and character is very rewarding." As a financial advisor to the chapter, Robin works closely with the treasurer and executive council to ensure that Alpha Chi maintains financial stability. On top of his duties as an advisor, Robin serves as president of the house corporation. "The chapter house doesn't create brotherhood," Robin said, "but it is vital in providing our members a place for brotherhood to cultivate. The state of the house is also huge in retention and recruitment." Motivated by his belief that the chapter house is a catalyst for the success of Alpha Chi, Robin chose to offer his financial support. "I wanted to give these guys the opportunity to experience what I did when in school," he explained. Robin also encourages his fellow alumni to financially support the campaign; a chapter house opens the doors for reuniting brothers from all generations. As the owner, operator, and chief technology officer of several restau- rants, Robin knows a thing or two about appearances. "Maintaining top-notch facilities is often what gets people in the door," Robin said of both restaurants and fraternities. With a new chapter house, potential new members, active members, and alumni alike will feel welcomed and motivated to stay. Robin hopes that once the new chapter house is open, Alpha Chi will grow its recruitment numbers and can host events to bring alumni back to the chapter. Robin owns and operates several restaurants under the Eat With Us umbrella and has been a restaura- teur since his senior year at Mississippi State when he managed the Bulldog Deli. During that time, the owner of Bulldog Deli gave Robin the opportunity to buy the business, so he dropped out of school 20 hours shy of a degree and went all in. "The idea of owning my own business was some- thing that I just couldn't walk away from," Robin said. "I made all the mistakes that a 21-year-old would probably make being a new business owner." While he now wishes he finished school, Robin has made a successful career for himself with accomplishments such as co-creating the McAlister's Deli franchise and founding the Eat With Us Group. Alpha Chi brothers have been Robin's biggest supporters throughout his career. "Owning and operating several restaurants is a daily chal- lenge," he said, "so having my brothers as some of my best customers and biggest supporters has been a tremendous help." Forever grateful for the support he's received from his brothers, Robin's ensured Alpha Chi remains a life-changing brotherhood through the Embracing Your Alpha Chi Legacy campaign. If you would like to talk to Robin and learn more about the campaign for Alpha Chi or talk about food, he can be reached at rfant@eatwithus.com. ALUMNI AND ACTIVES GATHER FOR FOURTH ANNUAL CRAWFISH BOIL The fourth annual alumni crawfish boil was a great way to bring Phi Tau alumni and active members together. The chapter saw a great showing and is ready to have even more alumni join next year.

• Cover