Belmont Delays Caf Renovation

Belmont Vision Multimedia, Zach Watkins

Belmont has turned down the heat on its proposed renovations to the Harrington Place Dining Hall, delaying them to the summer of 2026. 

Last spring, Belmont announced new dining options including Neely Deli, Shake Smart, two 24-hour convenience stores and a UCook station in the dining hall. 

The UCook station will provide access to fresh ingredients and multiple cooktop stations, allowing students to prepare food in a safe, supervised environment that supports their individual preferences. 

However, as the summer progressed, Belmont realized that it had too much to do and not enough time to build the UCook station. 

“Rather than to do a poor job, we decided to wait and do it next summer, when we can give it full attention,” said Keith Chapman, associate vice president of Belmont’s Auxiliary Services department. 

Transfer student Tiffany Sword said that she is disappointed by the renovation's delay. 

“I'm a transfer, and when I was in community college, I got to cook at home... I was super hyped about this cook your own station,” she said. 

Kelli Davis, director of auxiliary services technology and business analytics, met with student groups and sought feedback on the concept before it was put into place. 

“Based on feedback from key student groups and our Auxiliary Student Board, survey responses and the strong interest generated by last year's story, we know this is a concept that resonates,” said Davis.  

People who use the dining hall frequently were intrigued by the announcement of the renovations. 

“I think their vision was pretty interesting, cooking your own meals... under the assistance of a chef. So, for people who are passionate about cooking, I could see the appeal,” said senior Madi Price.  

The idea of having a UCook station wasn't only Belmonts.  

“Sodexo proposed the UCook station as part of the program going forward, and we thought it would be a great change of pace in the dining hall,” said Chapman. 

Davis says that although Belmont is disappointed to delay the renovation, they are committed to implementing the UCook station and are looking forward to “several exciting enhancements” that will be announced soon.  

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This was written by Olivia Abernathy