Newer Commons next fall
The Commons is gearing up for changes, updates to be ready next fall
Elizabeth Tertadian
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: News
Imagine walking into The Commons and seeing multiple food stations, each with its own check-out, delicious food, a fireplace and new seating.
Next fall, students will be greeted with a brand new Commons and food system. On Friday, Nov. 6, the new wing of The Commons was blessed, marking the completion of part one of a two-stage revamp of The Commons.
Now, Bon Appétit and the University look ahead to what is next for The Commons - a complete renovation of its interior. This renovation has been on the books since the start of the project, and will propel UP into its new meal plan system for next year.
"We're treating it like a brand-new opening," said Bon Appétit Manager Kirk Mustain.
The renovation will begin the day after graduation, and continue through the summer in order to be ready to serve students in the fall.
Currently, the project is in its final planning stages, and Mustain is working alongside the University and the CEO of Bon Appétit on the new vision for The Commons.
They are revisiting proposed concepts and deciding which fits best. From new menus and pricing, to the hours of operation and overall dining style, The Commons will look and feel much different next fall.
According to Executive Vice President the Rev. Tom Doyle, C.S.C., the reasons behind renovating The Commons are to provide better food, better service and a better space for students.
The new layout will reflect the declining balance program, which UP plans to implement next fall. The declining balances system will replace the current meal plan options, and students will pay per food item instead of per meal.
The idea is for students to buy food with points, as they can now at The Cove.
Mustian envisions a "food-court-type situation," where there will be seven to eight food type options.
Proposed stations include a pasta bar, soup and salad bar, wok, pizza, and panini and sandwich bar, among others. Additionally, there will be a coffee station with late night baristas.
Next fall, students will be greeted with a brand new Commons and food system. On Friday, Nov. 6, the new wing of The Commons was blessed, marking the completion of part one of a two-stage revamp of The Commons.
Now, Bon Appétit and the University look ahead to what is next for The Commons - a complete renovation of its interior. This renovation has been on the books since the start of the project, and will propel UP into its new meal plan system for next year.
"We're treating it like a brand-new opening," said Bon Appétit Manager Kirk Mustain.
The renovation will begin the day after graduation, and continue through the summer in order to be ready to serve students in the fall.
Currently, the project is in its final planning stages, and Mustain is working alongside the University and the CEO of Bon Appétit on the new vision for The Commons.
They are revisiting proposed concepts and deciding which fits best. From new menus and pricing, to the hours of operation and overall dining style, The Commons will look and feel much different next fall.
According to Executive Vice President the Rev. Tom Doyle, C.S.C., the reasons behind renovating The Commons are to provide better food, better service and a better space for students.
The new layout will reflect the declining balance program, which UP plans to implement next fall. The declining balances system will replace the current meal plan options, and students will pay per food item instead of per meal.
The idea is for students to buy food with points, as they can now at The Cove.
Mustian envisions a "food-court-type situation," where there will be seven to eight food type options.
Proposed stations include a pasta bar, soup and salad bar, wok, pizza, and panini and sandwich bar, among others. Additionally, there will be a coffee station with late night baristas.
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