Revamped Mather Dining Hall
At the start of the fall 2023 semester, the campus community found a renovated Mather Dining Hall, replete with changes from floor to ceiling, including branded blue and gold décor, 36 percent more seating, and an updated layout with new furniture.
“We want to change the vibe for students who are busy with classes, clubs, and sports,” said Toby Chenette, district manager for Chartwells, which operates dining programs at Trinity and on about 300 campuses nationally. “I’d love to see it used in ways it hasn’t before. . . . I really hope it becomes more of a hangout.”
The new seating array raises the total number of spots to 488 and offers seating options. High-top and standard tables as well as booths encourage students to remain in the space to pursue activities beyond eating, such as meeting with study groups. Soft seating at the front of the dining hall invites students to lounge in comfort while waiting for friends.
Booths with electrical outlets facilitate students doing schoolwork on their laptops. QR codes at four food stations enable students to order and then gather drinks or set down backpacks before responding to a text that their dishes are ready. The technology provides a range of customizable menu items so that students have the freedom to mix and match ingredients to create their own meals.
To promote student wellness, the dining hall includes a performance kitchen, which provides a healthy menu platform and options, and an expanded allergen-awareness kitchen, “Delicious Without,” featuring menu options prepared without any of the nine major allergens.
“We wanted the renovation to include components that resonate with students,” said Mark Tarkanick, senior director of marketing for Chartwells. “Students today are more retail focused, and our primary goal was to provide students with a culinary experience that reflects their preferences while still promoting healthy eating habits.”
Sustainability, which is a focus of the College’s strategic plan, Summit, continues to be a central design feature. LED lighting fills the dining hall, which is certified by the Green Restaurant Association, said Chenette.
The dining hall also stays open longer and later, with hours stretching from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends. In addition, the all-access nature of the meal plan means students can visit Mather an unlimited number of times each day.
Chenette noted that when dining staff returned to campus for the academic year, he heard “a lot of oohs and aahs,” adding, “This is set to be a culinary journey that will leave everyone eagerly craving more.”
Photo by Nick Caito
