Naz Dining Commons gets a fresh update

Nazareth University Dining kicked off the semester with a newly renovated Dining Commons, including remodeled guest and serving areas, the launch of Sodexo’s One & All brand, and more variety to the menu. Through it all, student feedback and satisfaction have driven the changes.

"Everything you see in the Dining Commons this fall started with listening to our students," said Brian McGahan, Senior Director of Campus Operations and Auxiliary Services. "They told us what they wanted, and our dining and facilities teams worked together to deliver it. This is just the beginning, and we'll keep asking for their input as we plan the next phase." 

Partnering with Nazareth’s Sodexo facilities department, the Dining Commons received new stations, flooring, paint and signage to provide a refreshed and modern look.

“Their collaboration and commitment have been instrumental in bringing these improvements to life, and we truly appreciate their partnership,” Naz Dining Marketing Manager Kadijah Brack-Rowley said. “We're looking forward to continuing to work together on next summer's renovations and enhancing the dining experience even further.” 

Students got a say in new seating options during a recent Furniture Fair, when seven furniture vendors had samples of campus dining furniture set up to have students test and vote on their favorites. The next phase of renovation begins in May 2027 with seating and additional floor renovations.

“We want students to have a voice in our dining program, and what better way to select furniture than by hearing directly from them?” Brack-Rowley said. “Creating an inviting and comfortable dining environment is an important part of the overall student experience, and this event gives students the opportunity to help shape the spaces they use every day.” 

Sodexo’s One & All brand provides the commons with a sense of identity, helping to foster belonging through inclusive spaces, customizable menus and meaningful moments of connection, creating a home-away-from-home environment for students. 

“With the new branding comes more variety and elevated recipes,” Brack-Rowley said. “Adding simple things can make a big impact, like English muffins and croissants added to the breakfast station, giving students more customizable options.” 

Providing students with the dining options they want has driven many menu changes, such as including student-favorite mac & cheese in the new pasta rotation and Flyer Favorites station to ensure students get to enjoy it more often.  

“We've received feedback about bringing more fresh foods to campus,” Brack-Rowley said. “While we have always prepared meals using fresh ingredients, being able to showcase these products in the new salad and smoothie bar area has really added a ‘wow’ factor. Bringing fresh options to the front of the Dining Commons, along with highlighting our fresh and local partners has helped reinforce that message.” 

Enhancing the menu offerings has been a big focus on the dining program, with several new additions this semester: 

• Expanded vegetarian offerings, with a vegetarian entrée always available at Flyer Favorites and elevated plant-based bowls at Grown 
• New dining experiences, such as a French toast bar, açai bowls, and Rochester-specialty garbage plates 
• A new toppings bar featuring fresh whipped cream cheese, both savory and sweet topping options, and an expanded selection of pancake and waffle toppings 
• Rotating hot sandwich specials, such as meatball subs
• Daily specials at the grill, including items like gyros 

The renovations also introduce opportunities for more personalized cooking experiences, such as an omelet bar at Sizzle, where students can build their own omelets while watching cooks prepare the dish in front of them.  

“This experience not only showcases the quality of our food but also enhances customer service and engagement,” Brack-Rowley said. “The other day, I overheard a cook greet a student by saying, ‘Good morning, do you want your usual?’ That interaction made me smile because it reflected the genuine connections being built between our staff and students.” 

As always, Naz Dining will be planning engaging events at the dining hall, including favorites such as the Casa Italiana Dinner and Friendsgiving, and some new experiences including a fun “speakeasy” during Halloween, a live music series, and a cooking class teaching students how to host a party with chef-crafted hors d'oeuvres. 

“We’re already seeing students respond positively to the changes, and what has been most rewarding is seeing them actually engage with the space and the new offerings,” Naz Dining General Manager Bob Fox said. “For us, dining is about much more than just providing a meal. It’s a place where students can take a break, refuel, connect with friends and recharge before heading back to class, work or whatever comes next in their day.  When we can create a space that students want to spend time in and give them a voice in shaping it, that’s when we know we’re making a meaningful difference in their experience at Nazareth.” 

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2026 October
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