NSU’s food court gets a fresh new image

Beginning in August, NSU unveiled a new food court for students and staff of the university.

Breaking away from the former pay-per-plate style of dining, the new set up allows students the option to purchase an “all you care to eat” swipe during specific, designated times each day for $10.50. The change came after NSU’s dining services spoke with students  about what they would like to see in the dining hall last semester.

“The students’ idea to offer one-price dining periods required extensive remodeling, for example, but it was one that we were happy to help make happen,” said Katryna Vanande, senior director of dining. “Chartwells partnered with NSU’s Division of Business Services, Facilities Management, and Student Affairs to establish the first-ever hybrid dining solution. The a la carte periods cater to the needs of all students and visitors. The one-price dining periods cater to the needs of student residents.” The all you care to eat dining is offered for dinner Monday-Friday, 4:30-9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 4-8 p.m., as well as weekend brunch from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m..

New stations such as Create, 2.mato, Grill Nation, Home Cooking, Mondo Subs and Rooted offer a wide variety of foods from Italian to asian fusion cuisine. Flight Deck also has a new menu, featuring a realistic vegan “impossible” burger, fried ravioli, Pilot’s Power Bowls and much more. Einstein’s, Starbucks and several other favorites around campus have remained the same from last semester.

Students with dietary restrictions now have more options to eat on campus as well.

“Kosher foods can be found in Outtakes at the Don Taft UC.  Rooted offers vegan offerings every day, as do many other stations. There are gluten ingredient-free options daily, including pre-packaged gluten free items in Outtakes.” said Vanande.

In addition, stations like 2.mato and crEATe allow for the customization of meals, which lets students with restrictions control what food goes on their plate completely. “There are options to mix and match dishes. There’s even a station that rotates between Grill Nation, Home Cooking, and Rooted for ongoing variety.” If students have questions about any menu options, Vanande encourages them to visit dineoncampus.com/nova for full menus, ingredients, and caloric information, and to report food allergies.

Alexandria Gartman, sophomore Behavioral Neuroscience major said “it looks a lot more modern and how you would expect a campus dining hall to look like. The menu changes provide a much better selection than last year and I appreciate the nutritional information added at each station.”

To celebrate the new dining hall, NSU is holding a “Name it to Win It” contest, with the grand prize of a free meal plan of $1,495, and four other finalists will receive a $50 gift card. All five finalists will be recognized in SharkFINS and The Current. The deadline to enter is Sept. 15, and all current students are welcome to enter. Visit nova.edu/nameitwinit to submit your idea.

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