New Wayne Dining Hall
William Paterson University’s $7 million dollar dining hall had its grand opening Tuesday, August 30th after over a year of it being closed due to renovations.
The celebration consisted of speeches by the Director of Hospitality Services Manny Kohli, University President Richard Helldobler and student representative Eric Lynch.
The new Wayne Dining Hall offers students 10 new themed stations “with chef-inspired creations, fresh, made-to-order meals ranging from traditional, slow roasted favorites to locally inspired plant-based and allergen-free options” Helldobler stated in his speech.
In a survey, students asked for more cuisine types including fresh and healthy options. Additionally, they wanted comfortable seating options, allowing for a comfortable place to eat, study and spend time with friends. The 18,000-square-foot space has a buffet-style layout and seating for 530.
“The aspiration to deliver the best dining experience to our students served as a motivation for everyone at the University who worked on the project,” Director of Hospitality Services Manny Kohli stated. He believes that the renovations will make more students purchase meal plans.
Since the beginning of the fall semester, more people have been entering the space than before the renovations began.
“I’d definitely say it’s a big improvement,” said Joshua, a grad student working to get his MBA in entrepreneurship. “The state-of-the-art technology in here, the food is better, there are more staff members and spacing wise, it’s just better.”
The project was first proposed in 2018, with the last renovation being in 1997. Compared to the old model, the new Wayne Dining Hall has an open floor plan and a modern, sleek design.
“I definitely think it’s a better feel,” stated Ayanna, an art major. “Like a cleaner, newer look. Definitely an improvement for the new students coming in and will make more people come to this school.”
The student population has mixed opinions on the renovations, with some thinking that the change is for the better, while others feel it was unnecessary. “This is very hectic, where in the old dining hall everything was calm,” said Asi, a criminal justice major. “You’d go there to relax. Here I feel like it’s just a cafeteria…[the food] is just the same things but fancier.”
University officials plan to host special events at the newly renovated dining hall, such as open mic and trivia nights and chef demonstrations.
For the first time, faculty has the option to choose from one of two meal plans, one costing $95 and the other $285.
“Good nutrition is important to the health of the entire community, especially our students and their ability to perform their best academically and in everything they do,” Helldobler stated.