By Bob Holmes

A $4 million renovation of the Columbia International University Dining Hall is underway that will feature a traditional serving line plus, a multi-station elliptical, expanding nutritional options to meet the diverse culinary needs of local and international students. 

Bryan West, the CEO of Hallmark Dining Services, the company that supplies CIU’s food services, says students will enjoy unique dining experiences including a service point called “The Oval.”

“The Oval will include our Crisp & Bountiful salad bar, Signature Soups, made-to-order deli items, including Mange Frais, our take on beautiful European sandwiches,” West wrote in an email interview. “The Black Iron Grill will feature burgers, sandwiches, and paninis. Dessert is new and fresh with our Knead concept featuring fresh-baked cakes, pies, tortes, and cookies in addition to soft serve AND hard-pack ice cream with a variety of toppings!”

Other new concepts include Nonna’s Cuccina featuring freshly prepared pizzas, flatbreads and “a variety of chef-inspired signature pasta entrees.”

West says one of Hallmark’s brand new concepts called “Showcase” features world flavors that rotate every two to three weeks “creating a completely new destination in the dining room.”

The first four concepts featured this fall will include Gemisto (Mediterranean), Griglia Fresca (fresh Italian flavors), Huarache (Mexican Street Food) and Sabai (Thai Fusion).

“These incredibly popular retail concepts from Hallmark’s brand portfolio are being brought to the CIU residential dining program exclusively to augment the many choices everyone is sure to enjoy,” West said.

In addition, Hallmark’s Healthy Habits program is being introduced this fall with valuable tips and ideas for making healthful selections.

“Digital signage located at every station will provide a fantastic visual platform for sharing information in a fun and creative way!” West said.

Students will choose between two meal plan options — one with 10 meals and another with unlimited meals, giving students the opportunity to come and go as much as desired. New Dining Hall hours are 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Students will also enjoy some new seating, including a variety of upholstered banquettes and high-top community tables.

The current McKey and Rickard meeting rooms will still be available for special events and located approximately in the same area they are now.  

Renovations are scheduled to be complete by the fall semester.

Meanwhile, the $20 million William H. Jones Global Business & IT Center is also scheduled for completion by the time students return this fall. The Center will be a training ground for best business practices at home and abroad, for business as mission, and a hub for Monticello Road community business development.

Columbia International University ranks #1 among colleges and universities in South Carolina by BestColleges.com. Excitement is growing on campus with CIU’s first baseball program in development. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.