A new academic year is bringing fresh flavors, familiar favorites and plenty of new experiences to The University of Alabama’s dining scene.
From student partnerships and new faces to sustainability initiatives, refreshed spaces and expanded menus, Bama Dining has a full plate planned for the year ahead.
Dine in, take out, ReusePass
Diners looking to take their food on the go now have a more sustainable option with ReusePass, Bama Dining’s reusable to-go container program.
The program allows diners to check out a reusable container, enjoy their meal where they want, when they want, and return the container to any of the participating locations when finished.
ReusePass is available now at Lakeside, Fresh Food Company, and Burke Dining Hall.
Ask the cashier for more information when you stop by or sign up today.
Bringing hometown meals to the dining halls
Some of the best meals taste a little like home.
This year, Bama Dining is partnering with the Student Government Association’s hometown meals initiative to bring more variety into campus dining halls.
Through the partnership, students will have the chance to submit what they want to see served and the dishes will be featured at Lakeside Dining Hall on Nov. 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. for the Hometown Throwdown dinner.
Calling all campus cooks
Have a recipe everyone needs to try? Bama Dining wants it.
Bama Dining is creating its second campus cookbook, titled Legends in the Kitchen. This cookbook brings together recipes and the stories behind them from students, faculty, staff, families and members of the UA community.
Whether it is a family recipe passed down for generations, a game-day favorite, a dish that reminds you of home or simply something you make better than anyone else, the cookbook is designed to showcase the people and traditions that make up the UA community.
Selected authors will be contacted and their recipes will be featured in a printed cookbook that will be available for pre-order.
Burke Is back and ready for a new year
Burke Dining Hall reopened last semester and this year the Bama Dining team is continuing to build on its return.
Among the newest additions is One Plate, a new station featuring made-without-gluten options. Diners can also expect their build-your-own options to still be available.
New faces in the kitchen
Bama Dining welcomes Aaron Johnson as its new campus executive chef. Johnson brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and foodservice industry to the role and will help lead culinary development across Bama Dining.
Additionally, Graham Conner joins as the Lakeside Dining Hall executive chef.
Dining hall guests can expect to see culinary creativity firsthand through chef spotlights taking place throughout the year featuring cuisines selected and prepared by the chefs themselves. The rotations will give Bama Dining’s culinary team opportunities to showcase different dishes, concepts and specialties at locations across campus.
Crimson Catering also welcomes Angeleca Sackett as its new director of catering. Sackett will lead the team in developing the catering program with new menu options and pricing to be made available in the coming semester.
Fresh looks for campus favorites
Subway in Alston Hall has an updated look for the new academic year, with a modern update of the Subway brand, a new mobile pickup window and renovated public restrooms.
The Starbucks on Bryant Drive also received a refresh with new comfortable seating options and fresh artwork. The Bryant drive location is also new to the Transact mobile ordering app.
More for lunch and dinner at Fresh Food Company
Mealtime at Fresh Food Company is getting even better this year. FFC has expanded its everyday offerings to include a salad bar, pizza and comfort classics giving diners more variety throughout the day.
The dining hall is also introducing new concepts to its popular restaurant rotation. Red Lantern will feature Asian-inspired cuisine, while new lunch rotations such as Hen & Harvest will serve up chicken drumsticks shaken in diners’ choice of flavor and sauce.
These expanded offerings are part of a broader effort to respond to campus feedback and provide greater variety, including more options for diners looking for nutritious meals.
Familiar favorites return
Several Bama Dining favorites will continue this year, including Fantastic Fridays, when guests can enjoy a discounted meal at participating dining halls.
Fantastic Fridays take place every Friday and offer dining hall guests a discounted price.
There’s more on the menu
Between chef rotations, student partnerships, expanded dining options, sustainability initiatives and special events, Bama Dining has plenty planned beyond the first few weeks of classes.
Throughout the year, diners can look forward to special events and cultural celebrations across campus designed to bring the UA community together through food. From Hispanic Heritage Month programming to events featuring Tuscaloosa’s local restaurants at dining hall stations, Bama Dining will use the table as a place to celebrate culture, connection and community.
And there may still be a few surprises left to serve.
Visit dining.ua.edu or follow @bamadining on social media for dining hours, menus, upcoming events and the latest Bama Dining news.
Contact
Dr. Toni Rebaldo, University Dining Services, tmrebaldo@ua.edu