Kutztown University completes $8M dining overhaul; 24-hour meal plan to launch

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Along with the excitement of Kutztown University’s 150th anniversary celebration this school year, students are rejoicing with this month’s completion of the Cub Cafe on campus.

The $8 million, eight-month renovation in the McFarland Student Union building doubled the seating capacity and brings interactive service and upscale food prepared to order, all in an open concept.

It was part of a three-part student dining renovation that is part of the university’s $165 million, 10-year, 20-project master plan announced in 2013.

The second part of the dining overhaul, the new Cub Café has a gathering space where students, faculty and staff can interact and socialize, and serving areas that include a grill, international station, deli, soup/salad area and bakery.

“The renovation of the Cub Café provides our students with a modern, social dining environment, designed around their needs,” said Gerald Silberman, vice president, administration and finance for Kutztown University. “This facility complements the university’s … academic programs and is another way we are supporting success.”

The first part of the dining overhaul was complete in 2014 when the Bear’s Den in the student union was renovated to include a Starbucks, art studio/gallery and a new study area with updated and expanded technology. This fall, with the completion of the final part, Kutztown University will be the state’s first university to offer a 24-hour-access meal plan.

The existing 14,100-square-foot facility was expanded, adding 4,388 square feet, transforming into an all-you-care-to-eat market-style dining facility – in time for the Jan. 19 spring semester.

Aramark, the university’s food service vendor, preps, cooks and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for students seven days a week, with a variety of freshly prepared food, which could include vegan and Mediterranean dishes.

The café includes five seating areas, including a glass-enclosed porch with Adirondack and rocking chairs. Boyle Construction Management of South Whitehall Township was the general contractor for the project.

“This is just an amazing change,” said Kent Dahlquist, director of housing, residence life and dining services at Kutztown. “It was really worth the effort the university put forward. The excitement is by far one of the highlights of my 24 years.”