08/07/2026
As we prepare for the start of a new school year, here’s a recap of some of the moments that shaped our summer!
Each year, UR sends a culinary team to the Chef Culinary Conference in Massachusetts, where they spend a week with their peers from other colleges and universities learning about food trends, new techniques, and best practices. They also compete in fun competitions and an annual American Culinary Federation cooking challenge. This year our team won silver and bronze!
Team members traveled to the NACUFS conference in New Orleans to learn, meet and greet with colleagues and vendors, and pick up our three Loyal E. Horton Awards!
Staff research, develop, and test new offerings during the summer, then decide whether they make the menu. Look for the new Backyard Barbecue and Yakisoba bars this fall!
During the summer, our team refreshes their station training to keep their skills sharp. Here they are revisiting the art of making a great panini!
Local maker of chickpea tempeh, Chaotic Good Tempeh, visited with samples of their tempeh jerky and answered questions from our culinary team about their small-batch, whole-food fermentation process. Chaotic Good Tempeh is served on the plant life station in D-hall.
Old Tavern Farm stopped by our kitchens to share more about their sustainable and natural market farm, including a sample of their delicious harvest!
Summer is a great time to gather food photography for our retail operations and new Concessions specials!
Before we partner with a local vendor, we always taste-test their products. It’s hard work, but somebody’s gotta do it! Look for Good Vices at the Welcome Class of 2030 dinner this August!
Our culinary team learns from a mushroom enthusiast about the variety of edible mushrooms and the art of foraging.
Learning, connecting, and leveling-up! Our staff came together at the Dining Services Training Fair to strengthen the service and hospitality that makes every dining experience exceptional.