Tag: University Dining

Bye-Bye Bubble

Construction crews began demolishing the Bubble this week.  By early next week, remnants of the temporary seating area should be completely removed from the Brickyard.  We’ll pause here for applause…

 

What's left of the Bubble in the Brickyard.

The Atrium will be closed until August, while construction crews renovate the kitchen and finish the seating area.   Check out the picture below to see the lighting that has already been installed in the seating and lounge space.

 

New lighting fixtures in the Atrium seating area.

 

Signs of Progress

This past Wednesday after many comments and suggestions from students, we placed directional signage in the Atrium!  Now when you enter the Atrium you are met with two options: go forward to dine at Delirious, Zen Blossom, Wolfpack-To-Go or Brickyard Pizza and Pasta or turn left to get in one of two lines for Chick-fil-A.

As we were hanging the signage, we heard many positive comments.  We hope that this instruction will solve some of the congestion issues that many of you voiced in the Atrium Satisfaction Survey.

Let us know what you think by commenting on this post or by commenting on our Facebook page!

 

Atrium Food Court Signage

Atrium Food Court Signage

Chick-fil-A Signage

Chick-fil-A Signage at Food Court Entrance

Chick-fil-A Signage

Chick-fil-A Signage Near Queue

Satisfaction Survey Sparks Communication

This past Monday, we released an Atrium Satisfaction Survey to see how you felt about the new concepts, the flow, the signage and more.  We’ve received over 800 replies in just three short days!  And your input has been invaluable. Keep it coming!

While we continue to receive feedback, I would like to address some of the concerns that many of you voiced:

>Meal Equivalencies

This was a hot topic.  We’ve aimed to provide a variety of tasty food options at reasonable prices, and we understand that trying to fit options in the equivalency rates are harder now.  But diving into some back story that we’ve mentioned on our Facebook page, if you compare our equivalency rates to neighboring institutions like UNC and ECU, you’ll see that the equivalency rates are not meant to cover the entire price of the meal, however, we do offer one of the highest equivalency rates around (ours is $5.75 for lunch and dinner compare to UNC who has no equivalency rate, students must place money in their “Flex Account” to purchase food at non-dining hall locations, similar to our Board Bucks program).

To plan out your purchases before stepping into the Atrium, consult the online menu with pricing.

> Traffic Flow

Having witnessed the Atrium during peak hours, I completely understand the frustration that some if you may feel when all you wanted was a quick lunch.  We have been working on signage to help alleviate this problem.  It should be up Monday afternoon!  We are also still waiting on signage for the front entrance that will help lead students to Zen Blossom, Delirious and the Wolfpack-To-Go cooler.

> Condiments, Silverware and Plastic Bags

Last semester, we began placing silverware, condiments and napkins in the Bubble to avoid congestion.  We understand the inconvenience of walking into the Bubble, but it is only temporary.  The new seating area will open in August 2011!  In the mean time, we’ll look into the possibility of making a few of the suggested changes.

> Cooler Items

Many of you have voiced that you would like to see some different types of items in the cooler section.  We aimed to provide a variety of health-conscious as well as tasty snacks, but it’s still a work in progress.  We’ll continue to make changes to the selections based on customer preferences.

> Extended Hours of Operation

We’ve mentioned this before, but we’ll be happy to do it again…They’re coming in August 2011!

> Recycle Bins for Eatery Containers

Currently, there are recycle bins located throughout the Brickyard where you can recycle eatery containers.  We’ll contact our friends at Waste Reduction and Recycling and see if we can get one placed closer to the outside of the Bubble (placing one inside could interfere with pick-up times since the Bubble closes at 4:30).

Speak Now

This past Monday, Technician ran an editorial entitled “Who wants a 24 hour C-Store on campus?”  According to the Technician, the possibility of University Dining extending hours in locations is possible, if the student demand exists.

Comic in the NCSU Technician by Brian Schultz

We completely agree!  We invited students to discuss the topic on our Facebook page and boy did we get a response (20 to be exact).  One of the things we heard in the Technician and online was…extend the Atrium hours of operation.

Done.  In August 2011, when the Atrium seating area is complete and the Bubble is long gone we will extend our hours of operation to better fit the needs of our campus community.  With the library only steps away from the now desired destination, I can sympathize with students.  When hunger calls, convenience is key, and sometimes a Chick-fil-A sandwich with pickles is the only thing that can satiate your appetite.

Although the Atrium is only one of our many locations, we have discussed the possibility of extending hours in other locations (and no it wasn’t in a dark back room).  It was actually in Talley student center last semester.  We asked selected students to attend focus groups on dining halls, the new Talley Student Center and Centennial food service.  We received a lot of greet feedback and based on the population we surveyed, we found that students have a demand for food service on campus, but only until 2:00 a.m.

So we’re asking. What do you think?   Is there a demand for food service past 2:00 a.m.?

Atrium Menu at Your Fingertips

The Atrium is in its second successful week of operation.  Along the way we’ve received a few suggestions, including giving you an online menu with pricing.  Without further ado…

Post the menu on your fridge or inside your notebook and share with friends!  We know how important it is for items to fit into equivalency rates for each meal periond.  With this handy guide, you’ll never have to guess again!

A Noteworthy Reaction

Randy Lait, Director of Dining Services, Greets Students

A Preview Party was held Sunday for lucky Golden Ticket recipients and guests.  Chancellor Woodson and student body president Kelly Hook were in attendance! Guests were welcomed into the Atrium by our very own “Willy Wonka” Randy Lait, senior director of dining and hospitality services. Upon entering, guests were delighted with the sleek new interior colors and decor. At each location, Atrium employees were dishing out samples of the new cuisine including, custom salads, wraps, Asian wok creations, sushi, pizza and pasta.

Sushi Samples at Zen Blossom

The Atrium opened its doors to the campus community this morning and the food and atmosphere have students buzzing! Check out what’s been rolling in on our Twitter page:

  • “got sushi for lunch…#bow #ncsu”
  • “eating a spicy chicken sandwich @ChickfilA in the new #ncsu Atrium. Looks awesome inside!”
  • “I’ve heard good things about the new Atrium!”
  • “Kudos to @ncstatedining for an awesome Atrium preview party tonight. The facility & food are amazing.”
  • “The new Atrium is so great! Fantastic job.”
  • “Overheard at the Atrium Golden Ticket Preview…”Man I’m coming here everyday.”
  • “Omg the Atrium is so awesome!!! Everyone needs to come tomorrow. Thanks @ncstatedining.

Salads Your Way at Delirious

Don’t just take their word for it! Visit our newly renovated location this week.  Get a “First Look” by watching a video from the Preview Party.  To view additional pictures visit our Facebook page.

A Golden Opportunity

If you’re one of the many students, faculty and staff on a quest to find a Golden Ticket to the Atrium Preview Party, you’re in luck!  University Dining is withholding VIP tickets for SIX lucky guests at next week’s “Night Owl” event.

If you’ve been scratching away at Golden Tickets in the C-Store locations trying to reveal a winning ticket, we are giving you 3 nights to win!   But with our knock-out line up of entertainment and late night brain food, you hardly need another reason to come!

Night Owl is a semi-annual event that takes place each semester during exams.  The event is December 7-9 in Fountain Dining Hall from 9:oo to 11:00 p.m.

Check out the schedule of events below and RSVP on our Facebook page to be eligible to win a Golden Ticket to the Atrium concepts on January 9 and other prizes!


December 7
-Local Artist+Art
-Hosted by University Housing, Campus Police and Inter-Residence Council
-Kenny Shore Live
-Spin Art Painting with State Farm Insurance
-Cookie Decorating
-Board Games
-Prizes and Giveaways

December 8
-Trivia
-Hosted by Dr. John Ambrose, First-Year College and DUAP
-Trivia will begin at 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
-Latin-Inspired Insect Creations
-$100 AllCampus Cash to First Place Winner(s) of Each Round

December 9
-Open Mic with WKNC 88.1
-Co-Hosted by WKNC and Acappology
-Open Mic Night Judged by a Panel of Local Artists
-1st Place: $100 AllCampus, 2nd $75, 3rd $50

Menu: Late Night Brain Food
December 7
Scrambled Eggs, Biscuits, Bacon, Sausage Patties, Hashbrowns, Biscuits, and Sausage Gravy, Deli Bar, Yogurt, Fruit and Salad Bar

December 8
Taco bar, wrap station, gyro station, yogurt, fruit and salad bar.

December 9
Mashed Potato Bar, Philly Steak Bar, S’mores and Hot Chocolate, Yogurt, Fruit and Salad Bar

Cost
One Meal Plan Swipe, $7 AllCampus or $7.50 Walk-In.

New Atrium Venues and Menus Revealed!

Drum roll please…University Dining is thrilled to announce the lineup of Atrium Food Venues and Menus for the grand opening on January 10, 2011.  University Dining chefs and staff have been working tirelessly to create a delicious menu of varying items that will allow food court patrons to get “fresh food fast!”

Delirious: A delightful play on the word “deli,” Delirious will offer diners the ability to add their own toppings, then have the attendant add the greens and dressing of choice for a custom tossed salad. Diners can also chose from a selection of wraps, plus a wrap-of-the-day. Selections will include grilled chicken Caesar, turkey club wrap, ham & cheese wrap, vegetarian spinach wrap, vegetarian wheat wrap, BBQ chicken wrap, and BLT wrap.

Zen Blossom: Fresh-rolled sushi (California roll, Hawaiian roll and tekka maki roll), Asian salads, vegetable egg rolls, rice, fried rice, noodles, and a rotating menu of appetizing wok creations, including beef & broccoli, sesame chicken, sweet & sour chicken, dragonfire beef, zesty pork, General Tso chicken, sweet chili shrimp, and vegetable lo mein.

Brickyard Pizza and Pasta: A wide selection of personal pizzas, breadsticks, and garlic toast, plus a rotating menu of tasty pasta dishes. Pizzas include: pepperoni, cheese, meat lovers’, veggie, and supreme. Rotating pasta dishes include chicken Alfredo, baked ziti, cheese ziti, chicken with mushroom ravioli and vodka cream sauce, tortellini with sausage and smoked gouda sauce, and chicken cacciatore. Breadsticks and garlic toast will also be offered.

Wolfpack-to-Go: Look for a wide variety of pre-packaged fresh items: sandwiches, salads, pitas, wraps, parfaits and other items for when you are on the go but still want something great. These items are made with minimal condiments so they can be dressed according to the diner’s taste.

Chick-fil-A: The new Chick-fil-A will be twice the size of its old location and will now add the spicy chicken sandwich to its lineup.

Like what you see?  Be one of the first to experience the Atrium on January 9, 2011 at a VIP Preview Party by revealing a “Winning” Golden Ticket at any C-Store Location.

Soft Opening: Still a Grand Affair!

In the words of Willy Wonka…”The suspense is terrible… I hope it’ll last.”

As January 10, 2011 nears, we are counting down the days to the debut of the new Atrium food concepts. And like Wonka himself, we have a few tricks up our sleeves!

Stay tuned to find out how you can win a Golden Ticket to be one of the first students to experience the marvelous TASTES that will await YOU inside the new Atrium!

Chick-fil-A: 2x the space, 2x the fries, plus a little something spicy

A Line Just for You Chick-fil-A Lovers

The new Atrium is starting to take shape, and the most noticeable progress is coming in our new Chick-fil-A space. It has its own special queue to channel students toward this beloved destination, which will feature not one, but two counters to keep the goodness flowing during peak times, and four fryers to keep up with the demand for waffle fries.

I confirmed today that our new Chick-fil-A will feature the spicy chicken sandwich, something that should make a  lot of people happy.

We were thinking: what can we do to celebrate the return of the waffle fry and the debut of the spicy chicken sandwich on our campus? Should we have a competition for who’s first in line for them? Who gets the first sleeve of crispy chips? I’d love some feedback, and since we are getting at least 1000 hits a week, those of you who are reading must care.  So tell me: what do you think?

Two counters!