The Reopening of Stone Cafeteria

Written by Olivia Broadrick

Starting Aug. 20, Stone Cafeteria went under construction. However, to everyone’s delight, it reopened on Oct. 2, right before Family Weekend. 

Students had been using Pinecrest Dining Hall while Stone was being remodeled. Although it was good in a pinch, it was not the cafeteria students knew and loved. Students were eager to return to the lunchroom to enjoy the breadth of food choices and facilities at their disposal.

Stone closed because of renovations to its layout, facilities, and infrastructure. They upgraded in many ways including by expanding the seating layout arrangements and putting on a fresh coat of paint. Even the ceiling wasn’t excluded from this remodel, getting a complete upgrade as well. Although the flooring is still carpet, a newer and cleaner carpet was installed.

In the kitchen area, they added new facilities, including steam-jacketed kettles and a new stove. Moreover, everyone will be pleased to find that more electrical outlets are available to students and faculty, allowing them to charge their electronics as needed.

One student even said, “I love the array of veggies [at Stone]. I’m in regenerative agriculture, so it’s nice to see where our vegetables come from. I like knowing that I can eat sustainably on campus.”

Additionally, there were also the long-awaited cooking stations not available at Pinecrest. The wok stations were a much-appreciated facility on campus, giving everyone the ability to cook the food they would like to eat, a luxury that students were ready to have again.

“It’s quick and easy. The food you can make there makes it possible to cook what you want,” explained an eager student. At the wok stations the students have access to ramen, rice, and plenty of different ingredients like chicken, green onions, mushrooms, eggs, and even tofu for students who are vegan or vegetarian but still want an easy way to get protein in their meals.

Finally, what’s most impressive is that the majority of the construction team was from IAA, who got the remodel done in record time while having to outsource with only a few subcontractors. Overall, the student body as a whole is in agreement that they are happy that Stone is back.