Not every campus has an abundance of space to experiment with the additions of custom booth seating and high-end cafe tables and chairs, but Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX did. The setting for the Moody Center Dining Hall, also known as “The Caf” was perfect for students to get to know each other while enjoying an atmosphere that makes them feel at home.
In an article referencing the University’s Dining Hall’s opening, a current senior at Hardin-Simmons, said the cafeteria was small and dated before renovations. “ I think we needed to renovate it so that we could fit more students, and it would be more comfortable,” said the senior.
The same article describes a sophomore student’s excitement about the new, open floor plan. The sophomore states the cafeteria is, “Very open, making it easy to see people.” They continued, “I think it’s a good place for everyone to get to know one another.”
Supporting Interaction
Along with the expansion and redesign for The Caf, HSU Dining services started planning out upcoming events and spending time to ensure things remain exciting for students. New recipes that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences were developed and a lot of time and effort was put into the project by all involved. The HSU community was even invited to write words of encouragement on the beams and drywall as the project progressed.
Major Design Choices
As you walk into the space that was once the small, dated Moody Center Dining Hall, you’ll see an open dining arrangement of solid surface cafe tables and commercial grade dining chairs and stools. That’s where students can jump straight into meeting with friends or enjoying delicious offerings at the cafeteria with their time between classes.
The space also features rows of brand new standalone banquettes upholstered in HSU’s school color and diamond-tufted high-back booths in a quiet alcove area. All of these items were manufactured and procured from One Source Retail & Hospitality’s one-stop-shop-style portfolio of campus dining furniture.
Throughout the process, One Source Retail & Hospitality listened to HSU’s specific needs. For example, One Source Retail & Hospitality’s Director of Project Management, Claudia Perrault contributed insights and detailed seating specifications in order to bring HSU’s design concept to life.
Hardin-Simmons celebrated the newly remodeled and expanded dining hall with a dedication ceremony to kick off the 2023 school year. The Caf was under construction for two years and now seats up to 560 students at a time.
Working with the College’s Mission
Carneal Chambliss, Marketing Coordinator for HSU Dining Services shared, “ We want the cafeteria to be more than just a place to eat: we aim to foster a sense of community.” Chambliss shares The Caf’s upgrades on the official HSU dining services instagram page.
Anyone who visits The Caf will undoubtedly see students collaborating, socializing and meeting casually and comfortably. This is a stark change from the dining hall experience before the redesign.
From lively Esports lounges to hopping bookstores on the floors surrounding the cafeteria, the college’s many different clubs now have a central hub to convene. In an article announcing the dining hall’s dedication ceremony, Mary Burke, Communications and Content Strategy Specialist at HSU, writes the space, “Has created a buzz on campus.”
With the new college cafeteria, the HSU family can continue to deliver on their vision of catering to the culinary and social needs of its students in an environment that makes them at home. And, according to an HSU excerpt highlighting statements from prospective students, when it comes to answering the question, “What makes HSU different?” You’ll often hear that word: “Home.”
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