Renovation and Transformation of the University of Pittsburgh's Premier Dining Facility

Steve Schurr - Chartwells Higher Education

Over the course of 18 months, the University of Pittsburgh undertook a major renovation of its largest dining facility, transforming it into a modern, student-centered hub while maintaining continuous service throughout construction. This session explores the strategic planning, innovative solutions, and strong collaboration that made this possible. Attendees will learn about the phased construction approach, creative temporary dining solutions, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the implementation of accessible dining practices.

We’ll showcase how the reimagined dining space enhances student satisfaction with expanded capacity, flexible dining environments, and new culinary experiences like Table 33 (Latin American flavors), Kokumi (Western-Asian inspired dishes), The Briny Pickle (custom sandwiches), and the Farm Stand (plant-forward options). The transformation prioritized inclusive programming and diverse dietary options, creating a dining experience that reflects the campus community’s needs.

Following the renovation, student satisfaction surged — with a 45% increase in satisfaction with food variety, a 38% increase in satisfaction with food quality, and a 46% increase in satisfaction with the availability of on-trend menu items.

Participants will walk away with practical strategies for navigating large-scale renovations while maintaining essential services and driving meaningful campus impact — offering a proven model for transformational, student-focused dining projects.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand strategies for maintaining uninterrupted dining services during major construction, including phased approaches and temporary solutions.
  2. Gain insights into creating inclusive, student-centered dining spaces that enhance satisfaction through culinary showcases, flexible environments, and diverse dining options.
  3. Explore best practices for stakeholder engagement and accessible design to foster a supportive campus community and elevate students.

CPE Available

  • 1 Credit: Management Services