At the beginning of the spring 2025 semester, a new dining space was introduced to the University of Dallas. Officially titled “the Retail Food Court,” this development is part of a broader renovation campaign for campus beautification that has been in the works since summer 2022. The new dining space is a welcome addition to the campus.
Robert Watling, vice president for finance & administration and chief financial officer, said, “The primary objective of this initiative has been to enhance the dining experience for UD students, and key themes that emerged included a desire for a warmer and more relaxed atmosphere, a greater variety of food options, authentic international flavors, enhanced customization and new technology.”
Aramark and UD worked together in this process. Scott Bates, executive director of facilities and capital projects said, “The university entered into a renewed partnership with Aramark for Dining Services. The university and Aramark understood that more dining options and student-focused spaces were needed. As a result of this partnership and understanding of the need for expanded dining options, the new retail dining space project was initiated.”
In fall 2023, approval was granted by the Board of Trustees to move forward with the project. Watling said, “[Aramark’s] design team worked diligently on schematic plans from late fall 2023 through spring 2024, leading to the start of physical construction, which began with the relocation of the bookstore and welcome center. These renovations continued through summer 2024, culminating in the issuance of a certificate of occupancy in January 2025.”
This all followed an online survey with nearly 500 responses and focus groups with residential students, upperclassmen, graduate students, commuters and faculty and staff in fall 2022.
The renovations do not stop here. According to Watling, the university has many more plans for future projects.
“One potential consideration moving forward is ensuring that any future updates to the Haggar Café complement the aesthetic of the newly renovated dining space,” said Watling. “While this is not necessarily a challenge, it is something we will need to thoughtfully address to maintain a cohesive campus experience.”
The response surrounding the dining space has been large and varied. While the space may need some getting used to, it is slowly being acclimated to and accepted by the UD community.
Mary Ann Panganiban, senior business major, said, “I was shocked. At first, I didn’t like the design because of how contemporary it was for Haggar, and the difference was jarring. It’s grown on me since then. I’m pleased that there’s a variety of seating. They’ve got the tables that are out in the open and the booths in the corners that are more private if you need to study and be unbothered. The food is amazing too. I highly recommend the bacon-avocado wrap; it’s a 10/10.”
Cullen Craig, junior economics major, said, “I think it was a great investment because it serves multiple purposes. This is now a new place to study, eat and meet new people. I guess the only negative would be asking if this was the most pressing need for the school. Maybe improving or making another dorm might have been more beneficial. But ultimately I’m very pleased with the new area.”
Carey Christenberry, director of admissions, said, “The biggest concern I think everyone had was how the new space would affect that Capp Bar, because that is sacred ground. The flow of the Capp Bar is still not quite right, but overall, it is a very good improvement. It looks good to all those who visit UD. It’s a great place to take guests. The food that I’ve tried has been excellent. It actually adds to Haggar’s liveliness, which also helps when we have visitors.”
Dr. Gregory Roper, dean of students, said, “The huge pros are that it does provide so much more space for students to rest, socialize and study; that the ladies who traveled to Atlanta to learn the new menu did a great job, because all of the food I’ve had so far has been really great; [and] the presidential dining room is going to be a great addition for when important guests come to the campus. On rainy and cold days, it’s already become the new Mall.”
In an attempt to make the new space part of UD culture, a growing debate has been going on about a new name. Some popular suggestions are “The Burrow” and “The Groundhog Café,” shortened to “The Hog.”
While not everyone can currently agree on a name, Kate Pioch, junior English major, said, “I think this new posh space should be called ‘The Hog.’ We need to reclaim this area for the UD zeitgeist, and the name is fittingly ironic and iconic.”
Upcoming projects in Haggar include renovations to the Rathskeller, the Forno and the Haggar Café itself. An official grand opening ceremony for the Retail Food Court will be held on Feb. 20, 2025 at 4pm.