A range of dining facility improvements and increased menu options are coming to Emory’s Atlanta campus this fall. With a soft opening in July, the Cox Hall Food Market began introducing diners to modernized food stations with new vendors and returning favorites.
Renovation of the old Cox Hall Food Court began May 14, 2024, immediately following Commencement, transforming that facility into the new Cox Hall Food Market.
“The old facility had seen no significant renovation in its community-facing areas in 20 years,” says Chad Sunstein, senior director of Emory Dining. “Space was limited by poor line queuing and customer flow.”
As a result, diners often found it difficult during peak hours to navigate vendor locations, pass through checkout lines and find seating. The facility, which had served its patrons well for decades, had become dated and lacked variety and accessibility.
Interior upgrades to the space include enhanced seating to create a more spacious atmosphere.
“Meal exchange” now enables students to make purchases with certain vendors at Cox Hall Food Market using meal plan funds previously used only for Dobbs Common Table (DCT). Eagle Dollars and Dooley Dollars continue to be available for dining at Cox Hall.
In addition to the upgrades, mobile electric carts operated by Cox Hall Food Market and other vendors now provide increased flexibility to meet student demand at various locations, especially during peak hours. The carts, which serve beverages and hot and cold food, supplemented the food trucks that provided additional meal options during the renovation. Unlike the food trucks, the mobile carts will continue to serve the Emory community.
Sunstein emphasizes that student insights helped guide decisions on every aspect of the renovation from hours of operation to furniture options.
“In keeping with Emory practice, input from students and the campus community is at the heart of all the work we do in Emory Dining,” says Sunstein.
Enhancements to other facilities
During the Cox Hall renovation, the DCT and other dining venues across campus scaled up services. The Emory Student Center (ESC) also implemented significant service upgrades.
In spring 2024, DCT expanded seating capacity to 1,000 to accommodate the anticipated demand increase resulting from the renovation in Cox Hall. The additional seating continues to enhance the DCT dining experience for the university community.
“Emory Dining partnered with a student-driven initiative to introduce reusable stainless-steel takeout containers in spring 2024 as a sustainable alternative to compostable single-use containers,” says Sunstein. “I continue to be impressed and proud every time our remarkably creative students bring fresh, viable ideas to the table.”
In fall 2024, students found novel changes in the Eagle Emporium, the convenience store in the ESC. Cutting-edge retail technology now enables students to check in with a credit card or use mobile ordering to select merchandise and exit the store without waiting in a cashier’s line. Charges appear on the shopper’s account and a receipt can be requested online.
In addition, the Eagle Emporium is now open 24/7, except from 8 p.m. on Friday to 8 a.m. on Saturday. The same technology is also used at Swoop Station, a smaller grab-and-go that is part of Cox Hall Food Market.
The ESC upgraded seating in its commons area outside the Eagle Emporium, which enhances students’ dining experience and facilitates community-building in a comfortable, relaxed and spacious atmosphere.
“Whether the need is a quick snack, a leisurely meal with friends, or a special diet, Emory strives continually to meet the preferences of its diverse student body and provide high-quality food from local and sustainable sources,” Sunstein says. “Our goal is to always offer an enjoyable dining experience for every member of our university community and enhance the Emory experience for us all.”
Photos by John Baker Brown Jr., Nicolas Burke and Tina Chang, Emory Campus Life.