Let's eat! Eastern Michigan University offers wide variety of new dining options

Smashburger, Zingerman’s coffee among new features available this fall; other specialty spots to follow

YPSILANTI – It’s a great time to be hungry at Eastern Michigan University.

New students and those returning to campus, along with members of the EMU community, can enjoy a variety of new dining options on campus covering a wide range of tastes and food styles.

The new features are part of a major overhaul of campus dining services over the next two years, part of an $18 million investment that will result in an overall and significant transformation of EMU campus dining in the months ahead.

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EMU students lined up to order Smashburgers during the new dining spot's opening day at the EMU Student Center.

Among the new spots is the popular chain Smashburger, which opened in the EMU Student Center Tuesday, Sept. 6., specializing in made to order burgers.

Also open Sept. 6, the day before classes began at EMU were Sono, featuring a wide variety of tacos, ensaladas and burritos; Za’tar, which offers Mediterranean fare; and Eagle’s Nido, which offers hot pizza and vegetarian options, or allows you to choose your own salad options. Fun fact: Nido is Italian for “nest.” Also opening during September in the Student Center will be Mondo Subs, with fresh ingredients and homemade chips.

At the Crossroads eating area, located by the Tower Residence Halls, you can build your own Greek Yogurt parfait at the new Chobani spot, which will open this fall. Spots to open with the start of classes Sept. 7 include Innovation Kitchen, which has a rotating menu where you can vote for the next concept; and Create, where visitors can build their own sandwich, panini, wrap or salad.

At the Eastern Eateries, located at the connection of Walton, Putnam, Phelps and Sellers residence halls on the north side of campus, Grill Nation will be serving burgers, chicken and fries; 2mato will offer pizza and pastas; and Cluck will be serving a student favorite: chicken tenders. Fresh made smoothies and a build your own salad bar will also be available, along with on-the-go items.

The Dining Commons, located by Best, Buell, Wise and Downing residence halls, will continue to offer a variety of food options and entrees, changing with each meal.

Eagle Cafés, which are located in McKenny, Marshall and Alexander halls along with Halle Library, will now be serving Starbucks Coffee. Zingerman’s Coffee will be served in the Eagle Café located in the Science Complex.

As part of the new dining arrangements, student and staff meal plan Flex Dollars are now accepted at all campus dining locations. For more information, visit the EMU dining services website.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. More than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information, visit the University's website.

September 06, 2016

Written by:
Geoff Larcom

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400