Attention! Calling all Food Enthusiasts at Southern Virginia University

By Jake Hanchett

There are some exciting changes coming to Southern Virginia University’s dining options. After shutting down in the spring, many of campus’ food options have been returning over the past few weeks and there is more to come.

The University currently has the Cafe where students can choose from three separate styles of food: Dorado, Homestyle, and World Cuisine. They also have the Marketplace where grab and go items can be purchased if you need to get a quick bite to eat.

“We will be reopening the Garden Place within the next week to week and a half,” says Chris Packer, vice president of operations at Southern Virginia University.

Many students have wondered when the beloved smoothies will be coming back. The wait is over! The Garden Place would like to open between 9am-6pm or 10am-6pm, but depending on demand and logistics, the exact times are to be determined. In The Garden Place the smoothie bar will return along with premade wraps and salads.

Nathan Presslar ’24 adds, “I’m looking forward to the smoothie bar. They are nice because they are tasty, healthy, and quick.”

The staff members who work in food preparation for the University, will be given new uniforms that have the “Knight Eats” logo with anime tags. This will give staff the sense of belonging and unity and help students know who is serving them.

As for the Cafe, the three main options: Dorado: Homestyle, and World Cuisine are not going anywhere. However, there will be a new fixed menu that will allow for students to plan and look forward to their good meals throughout the day. An example of the fixed menu would be: Chinese Cuisine on Monday nights. Desserts will also be brought back to the menu in the cafe. These will include: cakes, cookies, and the famous ice cream.

Chris Packer states, “Consistency helps. We want to create a positive experience for those who are eating and working. As well have a more social, positive atmosphere. Especially at this age you want to be social and be with friends and see other people.”

Packer emphasized how important eating together with friends and looking forward to a good meal is for college life. With these new updated changes, the hope is to get students to interact more with each other, as well create lasting memories.

Packer also suggested that students can help to decrease the wait time for their food orders, by trying their best to not all congregate in the food lines at the same time. While not always possible, if students do have the ability to space out, do it. Packer explained that this would allow staff to have enough time to prepare, make, and ring up the customer without being completely overwhelmed.

Also, the cafe is hiring! Contact Chris Packer for details regarding food service employment below.

Chris Packer, Vice President of Operations:

Work Phone: 585–576–0433

Email: chris.packer@svu.edu