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Step into a magical garden this Spring as Wisteria returns to 409 on Adams. This seasonal pop-up restaurant, created through a unique collaboration between Lackawanna College’s School of Hospitality and Marywood University’s School of Architecture students, brings a unique dining experience to downtown Scranton.

Experience Enchantment

The centerpiece of this year’s pop-up is the Wishing Tree, where guests, called “Dreamers”, can write down any wishes they have and place them in the trunk of the tree.

“Our goal is to invite people into a story to have an immersive experience that feels otherworldly to them. The Wishing Tree is the heart of Wisteria’s storytelling this year, letting Dreamers become active participants in the magical setting instead of spectators,” said Stephanie Decker, Associate Vice President for Advancement at Lackawanna College.

The setting comes from the creative minds of Marywood University’s School of Architecture students, who have crafted a space filled with wonder and surprise.

“When Dreamers walk in we want to give them a sense of discovery, because there are a lot of new elements to Wisteria this year. As they explore the space, Dreamers will encounter floating candles and terrariums around the pop-up, carefully built into the experience,” said Josh Berman, Assistant Professor of Practice Marywood University School of Architecture.

Savor the Magic

The magic doesn’t stop with the atmosphere. Lackawanna College’s School of Hospitality students have been hard at work crafting a menu that captures the essence of Wisteria’s garden-like setting.

“Wisteria will have a new menu this year. We have a lot of really great drinks and dishes, as well as some crowd favorites from last year that complement the enchanted setting,” said Susan Markovich, Hospitality Education & Enterprise Manager at Lackawanna College’s School of Hospitality.

Magic That Makes a Difference

The magic of Wisteria extends beyond its dining room. Last year, over 1,000 guests helped raise more than $53,000 to support Lackawanna College’s mission. These proceeds fund student scholarships, provide loaner laptops, and ensure classrooms have necessary supplies. Following the success of our holiday pop-up Misfits, Wisteria is set to become an annual spring tradition in downtown Scranton.

Join Us This Spring

Experience Wisteria Wednesday and Thursday evenings from April 9 to May 14, 2025, with first seating at 5:00 PM. Find us at 409 on Adams, located at 409 Adams Ave. in downtown Scranton.

Make your reservation for an evening at Wisteria: https://www.lackawanna.edu/about/409-on-adams/