WVU to expand food and retail options at Health Sciences
After more than a half-century of heavy use, the cafeteria area in the Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University will get a makeover this summer, bringing new food options to the campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
The cafeteria was built in the 1950s when the building was the University’s first hospital. Since the opening of Ruby Memorial Hospital in the 1980s, it has been operated as a branch of the hospital food service. Several hundred people use it daily.
Beginning in May, the cafeteria will close for renovations. A new food court, modeled on the successful WVU Evansdale Crossing project that opened in January, will open later this year.
Fresh Hospitality, LLC, which developed and operates the Evansdale food service, will manage both the renovation and the operation at Health Sciences. Demolition of the existing cafeteria will begin in May, after the end of classes. During the summer, in consultation with HSC students, faculty, and staff, the group will determine what restaurant concepts and other retail services they should to bring to campus.
“Like at Evansdale Crossing, we will have an array of healthy options, along with foods that are popular with all the diverse groups of people who use this campus,” said Clay Marsh, M.D., vice president and executive dean for health sciences. “We have heard many requests for a more attractive dining area and for more varied food options. This will help us meet that need.”
The construction of new food preparation, service and dining areas will be on an expedited schedule with a goal of opening during the fall semester. During the summer, and until the project is completed, an interim food service plan will be in place; details of that will be announced shortly.
Input requested
Several food and retail options are being considered for the renewed space in the HSC.
Possible food and beverage offerings may include:
- Salads
- Chicken
- Sandwiches
- Pasta
- Juice
- Smoothies
- International options
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Barbecue
- Coffee
- Tea
Retail ideas might be:
- Dry cleaning
- Shoe service
- Car drop off for oil change or service
- Convenience store
If you have a preference, please email wvuhealthsciences@hsc.wvu.edu and your suggestions will be forwarded to the group planning the space.