Students returning to the University of Wyoming this fall will find many new dining options in the Wyoming Union with more on the way.
Earlier this year, interested parties were invited to submit proposals to operate dining services within the Wyoming Union.
"After a thorough evaluation process involving students, faculty and staff, UW determined Dining Services was uniquely positioned to offer a high-quality dining experiences and enhanced customer service," says Darcy DeTienne, Wyoming Union director.
"We are pleased to be working with Dining Services to provide new concepts and food options," she says. "The transition has been moving as quickly as possible and we ask that everyone be patient as we roll out the new program. The wait will be worth it!"
In June, the Rolling Mill Cafe, which features hand-crafted paninis, gourmet salads, Starbucks coffee and made-from-scratch bakery products, opened for business. The Rolling Mill Caf will expand its hours during the academic year to 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Additionally, patrons can expect to see new menu items such as hot breakfast paninis, quiche, loaves of bread and other new products, promotions and weekly specials.
CJ's convenience store continues to operate with little physical change; however, the number of items has expanded. In addition to the expanded convenience items, CJ's features grab-and-go sandwiches and Dining Services' own Sushi Ouji, which is made fresh every day. CJ's will be open from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. during the academic year and will offer limited weekend hours.
By the time classes begin, two additional locations will be open in the Union food court. These are S'Pokes Pizza Company and the Snowy Range Creamery. S'Pokes will provide quick, tasty and affordable options, including pizza by the slice, breadsticks, salads and whole pizzas.
The Snowy Range Creamery will feature Dreyer's ice cream products and handmade mix-in treats crafted on a stone slab. Additional menu items will include malts and milkshakes. S'Pokes Pizza Company will be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and the Snowy Range Creamery from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dining Services continues to negotiate to fill the final two spaces along the food court's back wall. Two national franchises are being explored, including Chinese food and an innovative sandwich concept. However, nothing has been finalized at this time.
"Dining Services is excited about the future and looks forward to collaborative opportunities with the Wyoming Union," says Dining Services Director, Eric Webb. "Our intention is that the campus community will ultimately see longer operating hours, greater menu variety and a commitment to customer service."
Dining Services and the Wyoming Union will continually assess how these new concepts serve the university's population. The primary goal is to offer high quality, convenient menu selections at a variety of costs.
"Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive thus far, and we look forward to what the return of the majority of the student population brings," says DeTienne.
