Summer updates coming to USI Dining locations

When the Spring Semester ends and students disembark for their summer break, USI Dining will begin some renovations on various dining locations across campus.

The Loft

The USI community can expect to see numerous changes to the stations located in The Loft. Wrap Station, located inside the front door to the right, will become a plant-based station. Hometown and other stations will see an improved ability to keep food items hotter than current capabilities. 

The Asian Station will receive the addition of countertop drop-ins which will provide the ability to serve guests quickly with a ready-to-go option for those on a tight schedule. Guests will still be able to customize their made-to-order options.  The Tex-Mex Station will increase in size by one square footage and include the addition of in-house tortillas made fresh.

The Pizza Station will now offer pasta casserettes for a grab-‘n-go option and large pizza pies to be chosen, given a spin in the pizza oven, and then allow the guest to choose a variety of toppings such as Grippos, fresh herbs, cheeses and some vinaigrettes or sauces to drizzle on top. The Pasta Station will convert from gas-fueled burners to six induction burners. Induction burners are quicker, more energy-efficient, and better for air quality. 

The two center islands, which house desserts and a salad bar, will be removed and supported by one U-shaped center island that will include a salad bar, soup and hot and cold dessert options. This U-shape will allow a team member to be centered in the space and readily available to fill, clean and assist in any way. The new space will also give USI Dining the ability to create some action-based cook-to-order items periodically.

The Sweets Spot

The dessert shop located just outside The Loft will get a name change to reflect the adjustments to its menu.

“We’re looking to incorporate some grab-‘n-go sandwiches, salads and soups along with the sweets that are typically shown in the current pastry case,” says Rebecca Diamond, Director of USI Dining Services. 

Guests will have the ability to choose a grab ‘n go option or have items heated in a quick MerryChef oven. There will also be some made-to-order options as USI Dining will move a grill and fryer into the kitchen space. 

“The goal is to utilize this space for students with Red, White, and Blue meal plans who struggle to make it to The Loft within its current operating hours and give them a meal exchange option,” adds Diamond. “We may move some Hometown features from the day into this space after The Loft service hours to provide that nutritious balanced meal students may have missed.”

Chick-fil-A

The renovations planned for the Chick-fil-A restaurant will mainly focus on back-of-house items. More service and production areas will be added to enable more efficient and speedy service. However, according to Diamond, there will also be some additions to the menu such as ice cream and drink options along with the recent addition of macaroni and cheese.

USI Today will continue to update the campus community with more information and photos of these renovations as the summer goes on. Stay tuned!