After complaining for years about the poor dining options on campus, students return this fall to find a fully renovated food court in Levering Hall. The food court held its Grand Opening Tuesday to rave reviews.
"The new Levering looks great. The freshmen here have it so much better than we did," said junior Brian Shafa.
Gone are the dingy chairs, the over-crowded sandwich line and the Pizza Hut counter. In its place: four new food counters, ambiance music, a vibrant paint job and wild retro lounge furniture. Renovations, which began in May, were jointly funded by the University and Sodhexo Marriott, whose dining contract with the University was renewed last year.
"We wanted to bring something new and exciting. The old furniture [in Levering] was old and gloomy," said Mike Womack, Director of Retail Operations for Sodhexo.
Students have certainly noticed the changes. "The renovations look nice, but the color scheme is a little obnoxious," junior Vincent Luca said.
Nevertheless, most student feedback has been positive, Womack said. Designed using a trademark "Wow!" approach, Sodehexo has expanded food options to include pizza and pasta at Petes' Arena, a Mexican grill at Salsa Rica, sandwiches by Sub Connection and burgers and chicken at Sky Ranch grill.
"We want you to walk in and say "wow.' Everyone at the tables I have visited, they have got that "wow' effect," Womack said. "They say this place is great."
Womack stressed that food quality and variety have been the most important improvements. All four vendors have vegetarian options and Salsa Rica also has vegan options. A fifth venue, Jazzman's CafZ, with coffee and pastries will open in the Levering lobby in early October.
"Decorations are nice, but if people like the food, you know they'll come back," Womack said.
Sodhexo also conducted price comparisons around the neighborhood in order to implement competitive food prices.
The new Levering food court is open weekdays until 2:30 p.m., with Sky Ranch grill staying open until 8 p.m. Students can pay with cash, JCash and meal points.
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