Betty's Market Receives National Recognition

Sign above a door to Betty's Market. (Olivia Abernathy)

Betty’s Market, Belmont’s on-campus marketplace, won a Gold Award in the “Retail Sales: Marketplace of the Year” category from a national organization that oversees university dining.

Located in Wiseman Hall, Betty’s Market opened last year, serving as an option for students who don’t want to eat in the dining hall and don’t have time to run out to a grocery store.

 It sells snacks and drinks in addition to pantry staples, frozen dinners, produce and hot meals.

“The Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards is the ultimate professional tribute in college and university culinary arts,” according to the National Association of College & University Food Services’ website.

“The award... celebrates exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning and new dining concepts. NACUFS celebrates the innovative ideas and successful implementation of these programs.”

Chuck Coutoure, Sodexo resident district manager, said in a Belmont press release the award highlights Belmont’s commitment to meeting students' needs.

“This recognition confirms that the investment in creating an innovative and student-centered retail experience has had a meaningful impact,” he said.

Some of the specific criteria used to evaluate the awards are:

• A menu that reflects culinary trends and the target audience’s preferences

• Special dietary options readily available

• An imaginative, creative and unique concept

Belmont student Kayley Smith said she agrees that the menu options meet the award’s standards.

“We were here through the summer, while we didn’t have the dining hall or the tent, and this was the main source of meals,” said Smith. “They always had a variety of things. Overall, I think it has a well-rounded menu.”

On the other hand, student Emma Dunn said that the menu options are hit or miss.

“I would say it’s dependent on the day and what’s been picked over,” said Dunn. Some days, she said, the produce just doesn’t look as good as other days.

The award criteria also stated that recipients should have creative, unique spaces. And indeed, Smith and Dunn both said that Betty’s Market's grocery store design makes it unique.

Dunn said she has a friend from Lipscomb University who has remarked that her university doesn’t have anything quite like Betty’s Market.

“Most campuses, you can’t just walk down the steps or walk from your dorm to go get eggs or milk, or an easy, simple meal,” Smith said.

Written by Olivia Abernathy