August 27, 2014 – A sweeping re-design of Laurentian University’s iconic Great Hall has transformed the old cafeteria space into a contemporary, “Marché-style” dining venue under the name Fresh Food Company.
“The Great Hall has always been a focal point of campus life. This is the centrepiece of our expansion of food and beverage service, and it represents a signal moment for the university,” said Laurentian Vice-President, Administration Carol McAulay today at the Grand Opening. “Over the past few years, we’ve consulted widely with the university community about dining and other amenities on campus, and we’ve enhanced those options accordingly.”
Described as a “restaurant-style experience” in the heart of Laurentian’s Sudbury campus, the Fresh Food Company dining space will offer healthy meals, prepared fresh at 12 separate ‘cooking stations,’ including the Deli, the Mongolian Grill, and the Dessert/Waffle Bar. The Fresh Food Company will offer more local produce and locally-sourced food products, as well as daily specials and vegetarian options. It will be operated by Laurentian University’s food and beverage provider, Aramark Food Services.
“We know from our research that students want fresh, made-to-order meals, served in a comfortable environment where they can hang out with their friends,” said Brian Struthers, Regional Vice President for Aramark. “The new Fresh Food Company delivers this enhanced, restaurant-like atmosphere, and we believe it will become a great campus hub for both food and social interaction.”
Marché-style dining will allow unlimited choices at set rates for each meal period. Meal plan payment options will be provided for students in designated residences, with other meal plans available to staff and faculty.
Laurentian University has expanded food and beverage services on campus in the past 2 years, with the addition of a Starbucks location, the Bistro in East Residence, a Subway sandwich shop and, most recently, a Topper’s Pizza outlet.
“Our vision was to create a range of dining options in our various campus neighbourhoods,” said Laurentian’s Director, Housing and Food Services, Ben Demianiuk. “This is an expansion of menu options, but it’s also about enhancing the social amenities of campus life by adding new, welcoming spaces where people can gather, study or socialize,” he said.
Laurentian has embarked on an ambitious $50 million dollar modernization and renewal program entailing upgrades to classrooms, labs, study and social spaces over the next three years. The modernization program is outlined in the University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan.