Cox Hall Food Court will be closed from May 15 until Aug. 12 for its first major kitchen renovation in 52 years. More than 9,000 square feet of kitchen and employee/office space will be gutted and transformed into a state-of-the-art, efficient workspace.

The renovation calls for upgrades to most of the kitchen equipment, appliances and finishes that are currently used to serve nearly 4,000 daily customers during the school year.

The renovations will primarily focus on the kitchen, offices and loading dock area, but expect a few changes to the dining area as well, says Kenneth Hemmer, interim executive director of the Food Service Administration.

"We're making a few front of the house efficiencies that will create a better flow when you're entering and exiting the food court," says Hemmer. "Some of those changes will consist of moving the soup bar to a different location for better flow, and adding a second line to the deli area for efficiency."

Count on lighter fare and healthier choices next academic year, adds Todd Schram, general manager for Sodexo, the food service provider for Emory Dining. Continuing efforts to support sustainability, "we're moving toward using more locally grown and organic products," says Schram. "The more noticeable changes in the front of the house will be speed of service, freshness and new sustainability efforts that include encouraging the use of dishware over paper."

New Dunkin' Donuts, choices at the DUC

Other Emory Dining changes include the expansion of vendor options available at the Dobbs University Center (DUC). Many of the Cox Hall Food Court menu options will be available in The Fly By in the DUC.

Dunkin' Donuts will also join the food options at the DUC come June, replacing Einstein Bros. Bagels.

"We're confident that we have some great options," says Hemmer.

When the DUC reopens after its regularly scheduled closing from May 9 to May 29, Emory Dining will offer special meal bundles for breakfast and lunch at a discount to all DUC visitors. The all-you-care-to-eat format will offer a wide variety of food choices, including a salad bar, house-made soups and the famous Dobbs pizzas.  Breakfast bundles will be sold in five ($6/meal) or 10 ($5/ meal) increments. Lunch bundles will also be sold in five and 10 meal increments for $8/meal and $7/meal respectively. The Advantage Card will be available starting May 29, and may be purchased at The Fly By @ Food E U or at Dining at Dobbs.

For more information, contact Emory Dining at 404-727-8960.

Visit emory.edu/dining for a list other summer dining options on campus.