Commons Dining Services Blends Arcadia Tradition with Needs of Student Body
When people enter the new café in the
University Commons student center—
scheduled to open in Fall 2011—they
will be greeted by a convenience-store inspired
beverage wall, a self-serve
hotdog roller and milkshake machine,
and a variety of meal options, including salads, hamburgers,
and healthier on-the-go items made with
fresh ingredients. These enhanced dining services
blend Arcadia tradition with the needs of a growing
student body.
“Incorporated into the design of the University
Commons are a spacious café, outdoor terraces,
lounges and even a game room that will offer
today’s students the informal gathering spaces that
were so popular with alumni who remember The
Chat or Chatterbox,” says Sara Goodwin, General
Manager of Parkhurst Dining Services.
The Chatterbox originated on the Jenkintown campus in
the 1930s and later became The Chat. Students enjoyed
gathering in the snack bar before and after classes, and
alumni remember it fondly. The Commons will give the
campus community an updated and expanded gathering
space with a lot of flexibility.
“The new food service area will allow for longer hours
of operation, a bigger variety of grab n’ go options and
an attractive service area and eating venue with quick
and friendly service,” says Mimi Bassetti, Director of
Administrative Services at Arcadia.
The Arcadia community will enjoy a selection of
healthy options—such as homemade hummus,
seasonal salads and wraps—as well as made-to-order,
customizable meals offered through the Chef ’s
Feature Station. “The station will include a variety
of seasonal, healthy and fresh menu options that can
be adjusted based on student feedback,” says Gene
Boyle, Executive Chef. “With the expanded space in
the Commons, we’ll have the opportunity to be more
creative. Students are going to love the new café 100
percent.”
These food-service improvements and additions
are all thanks to the partnership between Parkhurst
and Arcadia, and the donors whose generosity
has made the Commons possible. “The University
Commons is a dream come true for the entire
University community,” Goodwin says. “We at
Parkhurst Dining Services are pleased to be partners
in designing dining facilities that will enhance
the social and educational events that make such a
difference for our students.”
University Commons rendering courtesy of Kliment Halsband Architects.
