Fresh look, Fresh Foods

Photo by Diego Saldana

Ailys Toledo/Staff Writer

Construction in Fresh Foods has been proceeding all summer long, and students are anticipating improvements in both the facility and the food.

Those who have made frequent trips to Modesto Maidique Campus have been restricted to dining options as the area has been strictly off-limits until the reopening. The changes to Fresh Foods were a needed change; according to University records, the restaurant has not received an upgrade since 2004.

The construction process has been ongoing since the beginning of spring 2013. In a three-phase plan, Fresh Foods has steadily progressed into Phase 3 of the operation.

Felecia Townsend, director of business and services, wrote in an email to Student Media that all necessary state inspections will be completed by Aug. 13.

Restaurant seating and furniture, which have been chosen to create a modern, personalized feel to the establishment, have already been moved in, according to Townsend. The remaining of the kitchen equipment has also been transferred as of Aug. 13.

The project consists of a total upgrade in style, atmosphere and innovation. According to Townsend, some new features will be: state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, new seating and lounge areas and new lighting for a more inviting atmosphere.

[pullquote]“We hope to build community by providing a comfortable, social environment where FIU can ‘break bread’ together,” said Townsend.[/pullquote] “We also hope to enhance the overall learning experience by providing a healthy, nutritious meal to fuel both students, faculty and staff to be worlds ahead.”

In the past, students have not been impressed by Fresh Foods. Many students, especially those who live on campus in dorms that do not have kitchens like Panther Hall and Lakeview, have depended on the university to provide satisfying food.

University students were often unhappy with the dining options offered in Fresh Foods. Colin Seale, a junior statistics major who lived on campus, frequently visited the restaurant because of the meal plan he purchased. Freshmen that live on campus are required to have meal plans; however, they were not always satisfied with Fresh Foods in the past.

“The breakfast was always really good—the omelets and waffles, especially,” said Seale. “But whenever I went there for dinner, I usually did not like what they were serving so I’m looking forward to trying out the new menu.”

Shekinah Harper, a senior journalism major, said she has seen the progress and modernization of the facility, and hopes it will bring great improvements to Fresh Foods.

“When I was a freshman people didn’t really like the food because it was fattening and greasy,” said Shekinah Harper, a senior journalism major. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the changes.”

Townsend said it is Fresh Food’s goal to create a more inviting and personalized restaurant for the FIU community to enjoy. Students and patrons anticipate that whatever is going on behind those construction walls will finally be unveiled on August 23, the first day of housing move-in.

 – ailys.toledo@fiusm.com

About Post Author