Brewer Dining Hall undergoes renovations

 

Bridget Steiner, center, sophomore engineering major, goes through the salad line Sept. 16 with Abby Duke, sophomore nursing major, in the recently renovated Brewer Dining Hall. | Photo by Anne Richoux

When returning students entered Brewer Dining Hall, they noticed many changes since leaving campus for summer break.

Planning for the newly remodeled dining hall began two years ago when Aramark leaders began collaborating with members of Union’s administration.

“The decisions and factors that went into the remodeling were the size of the renovation, time frame available for the renovation between Centrifuge camps and the start of the fall semester and budget,” said Tony Meek, director of dining services.

“Union and Aramark had several discussions on the ability to complete the renovations in the time frame available, and with the cooperation of our construction team, we did accomplish the completion in the allotted time frame.”

All parties felt that traffic flow needed to be improved in the serving areas, along with the area’s aesthetics.

“The food service areas have received new station décor, lighting and flooring,” Meek said.

“This remodel has doubled the selections on the salad bar [and] new pasta bar, as well as the Home Line selections.”

Drink stations also have been moved outside of the serving areas.

“All of these renovations have significantly improved the traffic flow in the food service area,” Meek said.

Holly Harris, senior double major in Spanish and TESL, noticed the changes immediately.

“I was pleasantly surprised with the renovations over the summer and the way they improved the atmosphere in the dining hall,” Harris said.

Other changes that students can look forward to include food quality.

“Food quality has always been a top priority,” Meek said.

“[While] I am hearing a lot of positive comments about the new menu selections this semester, we are always looking at ways to improve the food services to our guests.”

The price of meal plans will not be affected by the decision to remodel the dining hall.

“[Aramark and Union] have no plans to increase the price of the meal plan due to these renovations,” Meek said.

Several renovations were completed in Brewer Dining Hall over the summer, such as reorganized food lines and new lighting. | Photo by Anne Richoux
Admissions counselor Melanie Taylor gets a soda from the newly located drink machines in the dining area of Brewer Dining Hall. The relocation of the drink machines was one of several renovations completed during the summer. | Photo by Anne Richoux
About Alana Hu 21 Articles
Alana Hu, news editor for the Cardinal & Cream, is a senior public relations major and is vice president of professional development for Union's Public Relations Student Society of America, and a freelance writer for Baptist Corporate Communications in Memphis, Tenn. She is a former intern of Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. and Make-A-Wish of the MidSouth.