After undergoing a complete renovation, Marshall Dining Services announced the grand opening of the new food court in the Memorial Student Center yesterday.
"It brings a lot more choices to our students," said Stephen Kopp, president of Marshall University. "This establishment is not just a place to eat, but serves as a meeting place for social gatherings and study."
Kopp said he hopes the new food court will be more financially and time efficient for students who are on a meal plan.
Sodexo funded the renovations. The company studied student focus groups to determine which new restaurants to bring in. The first step was the construction of a full service Starbuck's that began in January of this year and the construction of others began in May.
A Sodexo food operations manager said they hope to see positive feedback from the students.
"We improved the food court to provide a new look and provide an additional concept," said Cheryl King, operations manager of Sodexo campus services at Marshall University. "One of the biggest gains we receive are the students reactions when they see the change."
"We will do whatever it takes to deliver a better quality of service," said Karen Kirtley, assistant vice president for administration.
The food court now houses three brand new venues such as Ultimate Baja, Sub Connection and Freshens Smoothies along with Chick-Fil-A, Pizza Hut, Huntington Market and Panini's Grill. The establishment provides seating for 270 people including 50 in Starbucks and offers free refills.
The grand opening ceremony was open to the public and provided product sampling as well as prize drawings.
The food court is open Monday - Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Drew Hetzer can be contacted at Hetzer3@marshall.edu.
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