Stokely Memorial Cafeteria to receive major renovation

^{Artist rendering of future Stokely Memorial Cafeteria design.}

(June 21, 2019) JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial construction firm, and Aramark Higher Education have announced a major renovation of Stokely Memorial Cafeteria. The project will upgrade the University community’s dining experience with improved flow, updated contemporary finishes and expanded food options and convenience.

“We are pleased to offer students more variety, convenience and value,” said Rebecca Greenep, dining director, Aramark/Carson-Newman University. “All of the enhancements we are making to the dining program are based on student feedback, and are designed to provide students with even more opportunities to enjoy their meals, as well as their overall dining experience.”

In addition to the improved layout and contemporary finishing, the renovation will add sliding barn doors that can be closed to convert the seating area into an attractive event space. Other additions will include an allergen-free station and expanded made-to-order stations.

“This renovation will bring a completely new feel and function to Stokely,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “We updated the seating area in this same space several years ago, so it’s satisfying to come back and work with Carson-Newman University and Aramark Higher Education again. This is more like a reinvention than a renovation. When students return to campus this fall, they’ll find an entirely new dining space that meets modern expectations.”

The new project, which is already underway, will take place during the summer and is scheduled to be completed by the start of the fall semester.

Around the country, Generation Z is driving new trends in college dining experiences. Students now want customizable meal options, plant-based choices and allergen-free alternatives. In addition, they expect on-the-go convenience, digital payment options and internationally inspired dishes.