CampusDiningTodayNationalEdition2024 - 16

2024 RESIDENTIAL DINING FACILITY OF THE YEAR
GRAND PRIZE:
Liberty University
REBER-THOMAS DINING CENTER
Liberty University, awarded the NACUFS Loyal e. Horton
Dining Award grand prize for residential Dining Facility
of the Year, is being recognized for the exceptional
reber-Thomas Dining Center. This accolade highlights
the university's dedication to providing a superior dining
experience through clear communication, diverse culinary
options, and a commitment to sustainability.
The reber-Thomas Dining Center prioritizes customer
satisfaction by ensuring operational hours are clearly
displayed, maps are available for easy navigation, and
personalized menus with allergen information are provided at
each unit. The daily-updated menu on the Liberty University
Dining website keeps the community informed about
offerings. Additionally, digital kiosks broadcast event details,
and dining brochures and wellness cards are available at
the entrance. engaging over 10,000 followers on Instagram,
Liberty Dining amplifies communication and receives realtime
feedback to continually improve the dining experience.
Transparency in nutritional information is a cornerstone
of the dining center's offerings. Menu screens display
detailed nutritional breakdowns and allergen information,
and the reber-Thomas Dining Center webpage provides
station-specific details. The nutrition page features PDFs on
gluten-free items, allergen navigation, dairy-free options,
and healthy meal recommendations. Special dietary options
are consistently offered, and the Allergen Friendly station,
devoid of 8 of the 9 most common allergens, ensures
minimal cross-contamination risk. The gluten-free zone offers
various options, and the Simple Zone provides allergenfree
snacks for approved students. Professional nutritional
counseling and weekly tabling events further emphasize the
center's commitment to meeting diverse dietary needs.
With 27 dining options, the reber-Thomas Dining Center
ensures a diverse and ever-evolving culinary experience.
The culinary team monitors emerging food trends and
incorporates them into the menu, offering a 5-week rotating
menu complemented by pop-up events and specials. The
dining center regularly organizes themed events and vendor
takeovers, such as the " reber-Thomas Dino Center " and
" Ghastly Gourmet " menu, to keep the dining experience fresh
and exciting.
Inaugurated in August 2023, the reber-Thomas Dining
Center represents a significant milestone in Liberty
University's infrastructure development. The expansion
has doubled the facility's size, introduced diverse seating
options, and facilitated extended dining hours. Operating
from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on most days, the center efficiently
serves the growing customer base, with a 27 percent
increase in customer count observed from fall 2022 to fall
2023. Sustainability is a key focus, with initiatives such as
collaborating with local orchards, using eco-friendly to-go
containers, and incorporating batch cooking and visual
education on portioning. The building is designed for
energy efficiency, further showcasing the commitment to an
environmentally conscious dining experience.
2024 Residential Dining
Facility Award Winners
GOLD:
Liberty University
SILVER:
Montclair State University
Rider University
Stevens Institute of Technology
The University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Florida
University of Lynchburg
BRONZE:
Carleton University
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CAMPUS DINING TODAY | DINING AWArDS
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