Presidential candidate Ron Paul walked into Peg’s Glorified Ham and Eggs in downtown Reno Monday to applause from supporters and the surprise of Trevor Weaver.

Weaver, who graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in December, jumped up from his meal when the 72-year-old Republican wanted to shake his hand.

“It was a surprise,” Weaver said. “It’s nice that he comes out to local places. He doesn’t go to the big chains.”

Paul, the only Republican candidate to come to UNR this election cycle, stopped at the diner as part of his Nevada campaign stops before Saturday’s caucus.

Paul said he expects the college crowd to show up to the caucuses. At UNR the Ron Paul Pack is the largest student club for any Republican candidates and the only one recognized by the student government.

“(College support is) one thing that we’ve been working on real hard and that’s one thing that will make a difference if they do come,” Paul said.

He said he stopped at Peg’s for lunch to reach out to undecided voters and the general public.

“Boost their enthusiasm,” he said.

Some locals spread pro-Paul information over their tables so they could talk to uninformed patrons. Others merely wanted to see the candidate.

A line formed around the bar a few minutes after Paul’s noon visit. It’s unknown how many were there to support Paul.

Some, like Weaver, did not know Paul was showing up.

Scott Walker, a 23-year-old Spanish major, came to Peg’s with three friends for food, not a meet-and-greet.

“It’s a bonus,” he said. “I’d like to shake his hand. I’ve never gotten to shake a presidential candidate’s hand.”

Paul, trailed by his camera crew and some local media, made rounds through the diner, answering questions and shaking hands of most of the patrons.

He eventually took a table in the corner with some campaign workers. He didn’t sit much as newcomers approached him for questions and greetings.