Located on the lower level of the Grier Student Center, the 19,300 sq. ft. dining hall underwent a complete facelift in the summer of 2024, transforming the once-ordinary eating space into something extraordinary.
The project – a coordination between Lander and Aramark, the university’s dining services provider – includes a fresh new look and an expanded menu, aimed at meeting the needs of a growing student population.
A popular gathering space on campus, the dining hall serves about 1,800 students and 180 faculty, staff and community members each weekday. Constructed in 1978, it had not undergone a significant renovation since 2007.
What students and guests will notice upon entering is a lighter color scheme and changes in the layout that have created a more open, airy atmosphere. The new floor plan will also help improve efficiency and traffic flow, reducing the amount of time students must wait in line for their favorite foods. Instead of a main line with several smaller stations, the redesign features three spokes of individually branded “storefronts” around a central seating area.
Each station offers a unique flavor profile, such as:
The connected Dawson Room has also been updated with Trattoria, a pizza and pasta station; a deli station serving Boar’s Head meats, and a dessert bar.
The enhancements are not limited to just the interior. Sliding glass doors have been added for easy access to the outdoor patio, where new furniture and retractable shades create a beautiful dining setting with panoramic views of the campus.
Dining Hall Renovations by University Marketing & Communications