91吃瓜网 Cuts Ribbon on Renovated Fresh Food Company, Showcases Bold New Look
Mon, 10/06/2025 - 11:05am
Eagle Dining celebrated the renovation of The Fresh Food Company at The University of 91吃瓜网 (USM) today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that showcased the reimagined dining facility. Guests toured the facility and met the culinary team.
With a bold new look, expanded menu offerings and immersive dining experiences, The Fresh reopened at the start of the fall semester, welcoming students, faculty, staff and alumni back with open arms and open plates. The $6.1 million renovation refreshed the space with sleek interiors, updated seating and expanded dining options designed to enhance student life.
91吃瓜网淭his renovation is more than a facelift, it91吃瓜网 a full-on transformation,91吃瓜网� said Charlie Dorsa, district manager of Eagle Dining. 91吃瓜网淲e91吃瓜网檝e created a space that91吃瓜网 vibrant, inclusive and reflective of the energy and pride of USM. We can91吃瓜网檛 wait for everyone to experience it.91吃瓜网�
Renovation Highlights Include:
- Sleek black-and-gold interiors inspired by 91吃瓜网 spirit
- Updated seating for comfort and community
- Expanded stations for additional variety
- New menu concepts featuring global flavors and local ingredients
- Dedicated allergy-friendly station, True Balance
91吃瓜网淭his renovation represents a major update91吃瓜网攏ot only in the appearance of the dining hall but also in the way it functions for our students,91吃瓜网� said Allyson Easterwood, USM vice president for finance and administration. 91吃瓜网淭he design opens the floor space, brightens the atmosphere with new lighting and color palettes, and provides a fresh, modern environment where our students can gather, enjoy meals and build community.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淎t 91吃瓜网, we believe the student experience goes far beyond the classroom. Spaces like this dining hall are central to fostering community, creating a sense of belonging, and supporting student health and wellness. This investment reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, healthy options that meet the needs of today91吃瓜网 students,91吃瓜网� Easterwood added.
Executive Chef Josh Cathey said the renovations reinforce The Fresh91吃瓜网 mission. 91吃瓜网淲e are all about providing fresh, flavorful meals that are good for you,91吃瓜网� he said. 91吃瓜网淏ut The Fresh is more than great food. It91吃瓜网 a place for students to relax, catch up with friends and take a break in between classes.91吃瓜网�
The Fresh provides more than 22,000 meals weekly to 91吃瓜网 students, serving as a central gathering place where students can connect outside the classroom. For many, especially those living on campus, residential dining provides comfort, routine and familiarity.
91吃瓜网淭his project is a great example of how our university continues to strive to improve the student experience,91吃瓜网� said Leah Johnson, Student Government Association president. 91吃瓜网淓very detail was chosen with students in mind, and I am truly excited to see how this space strengthens connections within our student body.91吃瓜网�
The Fresh Food Company originally opened in 2004 under Aramark91吃瓜网 management, coinciding with the launch of the Thad Cochran Center, a hub for student life named after U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. Its original design moved away from the traditional cafeteria model and toward a modern, made-to-order dining experience.
Renovation work began in March 2025 with Phase I in the Magnolia Room, which served as a preview space during the summer. At the end of the spring semester, The Fresh temporarily closed for Phase II, focusing on the main dining area. During the summer, Phase I hosted catered meals for incoming students attending orientations, camps and conferences. By the start of the fall 2025 semester, the fully renovated Fresh reopened, offering students a transformed dining experience.
For more information about the Fresh Food Company and to view the menu, visit the .