A new school year has brought many new additions to Stony Brook University’s on-campus dining. From better food to modern designs, Stony Brook dining offers students a new eating experience.
Since CulinArt was chosen as Stony Brook’s dining provider in 2017, its updates have included making its retail stores and cafeterias more healthy and diverse in meal options.
Sophomore political science major Chloe Rosette contributes to the improvements of the dining halls through the organization Student Voice on Campus Dining, where she gives feedback on the dining process.
“I think that [CulinArt] has been trying to listen to the students to get feedback, and, at least for the SAC, I think their options are really great right now,” Rosette said.
New modifications in the Student Activities Center (SAC) food court include a variety of Italian skillets, an island of coffee, including Green Mountain coffee and the new Nitro Cold Brew coffee machine and more international meal choices through Global Flavour.
The SAC food court is not the only place adding more culture to its cuisine. Jasmine in the Charles B. Wang Center added Dosa Grill, which will be available every other week.
More vegan and vegetarian options have also been popping up around campus. The grab-and-go items in the Emporium at East Side Dining include roasted veggie wraps. Students can also find more vegan-friendly foods in the Tabler Cafe, which is now open from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends.
“There’s more of a variety [of vegan options],” Rosette said. “That was something we were trying really hard to do.”
Students looking for a more simple, but still healthy, meal can check out the new zoodles machine, an alternative pasta made from zucchini, in Roth Cafe at the Tuscan Bistro. Other homemade pasta and topping options are also available.
Wings and new sandwiches such as the crispy or grilled chicken ranch avocado club and grilled cheese have made their way into Roth Cafe at Smash n’ Shake.
Sophomore biology major Bridget Kavanagh has tried almost all of the new features at Roth Cafe.
“It’s a little bit better than last year, like more fresh. It tastes better,” she said.
While there are now plenty of ways to keep a nutritious diet on campus, there are also new treats to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Students can order a crepe from the all day brunch at Roth Cafe or try the new ICEE slush machine in the Emporium at East Side Dining.
Even more changes are coming to campus. The West Side Dining store is still in the process of a complete makeover; but, in the meantime students can use the temporary convenience store near the West Apartments.
“Plans are already underway for new options for spring so keep the feedback coming,” said Faculty Student Association Director of Marketing and Communications Angela Agnello.
Students can tell Stony Brook their opinions on their dining experience on the Campus Dining feedback page. To learn more about the updates and other new additions, check out the SBU Eats Facebook page.
