University Announces Changes to Campus Dining Options

When students return to Rockhurst University in the fall, they’ll likely notice some differences in Massman Hall.

That’s because of the new food service contract between Rockhurst and food service provider Chartwells that took  effect at the end of the spring 2014 semester, Monday, May 19.

Chartwells will soon begin renovations to the Thomas More Dining Room and the lower level of Massman Hall to make way for a number of new dining options — renovations that the company will perform as a capital investment and which are set to be completed at the beginning of the fall 2014 semester. The changes and renovations reflect the input of student focus groups.

“We are extremely excited about the dining changes coming to Rockhurst this fall,” said Matt Quick, Ph.D., vice president of student development. “Our students are our focus, and these changes address feedback and suggestions we’ve gained from them. The enhancements to our campus dining program and facilities will help create a more dynamic and energetic dining program that is aesthetically pleasing and meets student demand for nationally recognized brands.”

In addition to the physical transformation, the new contract between Rockhurst and Chartwells will also include the following changes:

•           The Thomas More Dining Room will become a new dining area, featuring HearthStone Ovens,  with hearth baked pizza, pasta dishes  and sandwiches;  the Fresh Market and deli; an all-American-style grill; the farm-to-table style Exhibition Station; a fresh bakery; a vegetarian/vegan/ made without gluten and an allergy- free zone; and MyPantry, a self-assisted kitchen.
•           The Rock Room in the lower level of Massman Hall will also take on a new look and slate of new options, with Subway, We Proudly Brew Starbucks and an Outtakes convenience area.
•           The Pub will be transformed into an Einstein Brothers Bagels with a full menu of breakfast and lunch options, smoothies and specialty drinks.
•           The first floor of the University’s new academic building, Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Hall, will also feature a Roasterie café with specialty drinks and bakery items, set to open with the building in fall 2015.
•           A wide variety of meal plans for residential students, including plans that combine all-you-can-eat points in the dining room with credits similar to the current “Hawk bucks” and “anytime” dining plans.

Chartwells has also announced plans to revamp meal plans for commuter students and faculty and staff, while new vending options throughout campus will allow payment via Rockhurst ID cards.

Chartwells and Rockhurst remain committed to recycling, composting, utilizing local producers and using ingredients like cage-free eggs and hormone-free milk in the campus dining options with an eye toward sustainability and environmental responsibility.

“Chartwells is proud to begin a partnership with Rockhurst,” said Dan Eusebio, Chartwells regional manager. “We look forward to further enhancing the living and learning environments on campus with the addition of national brands and residential dining concepts that will better serve the entire campus community.”