Contact: Ruth Corcoran
(570) 472-0365
Construction in the cafeteria began in early summer and was completed in mid-August. It focused on developing a system that would provide students with a more inviting atmosphere and an increased selection of fresh dining choices. New features include a scatter system of specially designed food stations, including grill, deli, salad, desserts, beverages and a display cooking station. “This new system of dining will enable us to serve the freshest food possible, making it easier for students to make healthier meal choices,” said Bruce Deeble, Metz & Associates, Ltd., general manager of dining services at the college. “It will also allow us to prepare many more items to order while increasing serving efficiency.”
“For 82 years, College Misericordia has strived to provide excellence in education and also in the atmosphere that we provide for our students. The renovations in the dining area will help us to continue to provide the best,” said Michael A. MacDowell, president of College Misericordia. “We are delighted that students were so involved in helping plan the design. They had input on everything from the open design of the kitchen to the food station layout and the expansion of the dining room to add 50 additional seats.”The management team at Metz & Associates, Ltd., a Dallas, Pa. based company that provides dining services to the college, worked closely with college administrators to design a layout that would best meet the needs of the students. “We no longer refer to it is as the cafeteria, it is now the dining room, as it truly has a look of a beautiful dining room” said Sister Jean Messaros, RSM, vice president for Student Affairs at College Misericordia.
Two freshmen caught an early look at the cafeteria as they enjoyed a lunch of deli sandwiches and fruit after moving onto campus this week to await the start of classes. Alex March of Lansdale, PA and Maura Haupt of Tamaqua, PA both agreed that the new look is a great improvement over the aging cafeteria they first saw when touring the campus last year. “I think the color scheme is bright and eye-catching and I love the fact that they let last-year’s students had input on the new colors,” March said.“The entire dining room has a much more fun feel than before,” Haupt added. “What I like most about the change is all of the new food choices and the variety of healthier options, such as the new fruit bar. They made it very easy to eat healthy.”
A sleek dark ceiling acts as the perfect backdrop for trendy new lighting, which hangs below. A vibrant color combination of brick and electric blue perfectly complement the polished hardwood floor in the dining room and the blue and white tile floor in the serving area. Abstract artwork adorns one of the walls and the new serving stations incorporate a contemporary polished chrome look with eye-catching signage.“The renovations allowed for a much improved dining environment, which is a key factor in overall customer satisfaction,” said Jim Dickson, vice president, Metz & Associates, Ltd. “This new and improved dining experience is also sure to be a plus for the college in their efforts to recruit new students. The new environment will also provide an opportunity for students to enjoy meals together and connect in a comfortable atmosphere after a long day of studying.”
In addition to providing a pleasant and inviting dining environment, the Metz team at College Misericordia is committed to providing nutritious meals that are fresh and delicious and also reflect current culinary trends. College students with busy schedules, who are generally not known for their healthy eating habits, will find that it is easy to make more nutritious choices in the new dining area. “We realize how important it is to understand the dining needs of our students and deliver innovative solutions to meet those needs,” Deeble said. “In addition, we believe it is our responsibility to take a pro-active approach in improving the nutritional health of the students we serve and to promote healthier eating by offering as many healthy and appealing food choices as we can.”Breakfast time features everything from waffles and omelets made to order, to fresh fruit, yogurt and a variety of cereals. It will make it possible for even those who roll out of bed at the last possible minute to grab a healthy bite to start their day – even if it’s just a piece of fresh fruit to munch on while they’re walking to class. Lunch and dinner will feature an array of choices to suit any taste. From the deli that features a wide assortment of fresh deli meats, breads and assorted sandwich fillings and fixings, to the well-stocked salad bar with its large selection of fresh vegetables and toppings, there is truly something for every appetite. Those who enjoy a heartier meal can choose from one of many daily entrée selections or vegetarian choices at the active station, where a chef will be on hand to prepare a meal right before your very eyes. Students will be able to choose from daily specials, which can include stir fry, freshly carved meats, freshly prepared pasta dishes and upscale salad entrees to name just a few.
College Misericordia and Metz & Associates, Ltd. will formally celebrate the renovations with a ribbon “carving” earlier this week. For more information on the Metz dining program at College Misericordia, contact Bruce Deeble at 570-674-6269.Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, providing dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, nursing homes, school districts, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.
