Dining Hall Update

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Response provided by Dorrie McClintock, Executive Director of Hospitality and Campus Services. 

Philbrook will remain closed on weekends. We want to address the weekend closure directly because we know this change has been frustrating for many of you, and we’ve heard your concerns.

Here's what led to this decision: we reviewed dining data from last year and found that weekend traffic at Philbrook was significantly lower than weekdays, while our overall operating costs remained the same. To balance the budget, we made the difficult choice to consolidate weekend dining at Holloway.

We understand that data doesn't capture the full student experience. Yes, Holloway is busier on weekends now, which may mean longer lines and a space that feels more crowded. We're actively monitoring this and making staffing adjustments to improve wait times and comfort. Data shows that our overall weekend dining numbers are below prior years, and we are not close to reaching capacity at Holloway, but we know there is room to keep improving the experience.

Access to quality, convenient meals for our students and community remains a top priority, and Dining has added several features to enhance the weekend dining experience:

  • The Sizzle Station at Holloway Commons features a rotating griddle menu with items like breakfast classics, steak and cheese, and other made-to-order favorites.
  • Weekend brunch has been expanded to include more savory, lunch-style dishes, providing greater variety and satisfying mid-day options.
  • Pop-up dining experiences, including Build-Your-Own Poke Bowls and other themed specials, will continue throughout the semester to add fun and variety to meals.

There are also several convenient options available across campus:

  • Meals to Go for Unlimited Meal Plan holders are available at HoCo daily and at Philbrook on weekdays—perfect for when you’re short on time.
  • Community Kitchens in many residence halls to warm up leftovers or prepare simple meals.
  • The Campus Connector stops right at HoCo’s entrance and runs every 25–30 minutes, making it easy to get there for a meal any day of the week.

We're committed to ensuring that Holloway provides the quality dining experience you deserve. Please keep sharing your feedback as it helps us make real-time improvements.