Acansa Dining Hall Refresh Creates New Options for Students
JONESBORO – Students, faculty and staff at Arkansas State University will have a new dining experience by August as a $3.5 million renovation of the campus’ main cafeteria operation is underway.
A-State’s food services provider, Sodexo, is funding the upgrades as a part of its contractual obligations. The teardown to the bare walls of the cafeteria side of Acansa Dining Hall began last weekend, and is scheduled for completion in early August prior to the start of the fall 2019 semester.
“Our students have asked for new dining options, and we know that it was time for an overall refresh,” Chancellor Kelly Damphousse said. “I think everyone who eats on campus will be happy with what our partners at Sodexo have planned.”
Last year, some upgrades in the food court side of Acansa were made, and another change is set with the addition of a “pop up” vendor that will change menus regularly.
“It may have Southern comfort food for a month, then it may have Asian fusion next,” said Craig Johnson, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary services. “It will give Sodexo’s chefs a chance to have a variety for our students on campus.”
While the construction is underway, the dining hall will continue to operate for summer school residents and on-campus camps in a temporary tent location on Heritage Lawn.
“The kitchen area is still operating, and we have air conditioning in the tent,” Johnson said.
As a part of the renovation, new dining stations are planned, including one that will focus on gluten-free and other special dietary needs.
“While it was time to refresh the look of Acansa Dining Hall, we also took into consideration the requests of many students that want to have wider options for their on-campus meals,” Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Len Frey said.
To view updates on the renovation progress, follow the A-State Dining Services social media on Facebook or Twitter.
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