Campbell’s Marshbanks, re-opened, revitalized

     Colorful mauve and gold walls, individual serving stations, new carpeting and cozy seating arrangements greeted Campbell students when Marshbanks Dining Hall re-opened for business Monday, Nov. 28, after undergoing a complete renovation.
     Physical Plant Director David Martin said the renovation added more than 1,400 square feet to the dining facility and included a new ceiling and floor, new dry-wall, two additional bathrooms, new entry way and a new Presidential Dining Room in addition to the formal dining room. The new dining hall has a seating capacity of over 500.
     “The credit for all of this goes to the students,” President Jerry M. Wallace said at the ribbon cutting. “For years the students have wanted to see food service on campus change, and I’m delighted to see the changes that have been made with their input. I hope it will make their way of life better.”
     Larry Aldridge, director of Campbell’s food service company ARAMARK Corporation, said they’ve taken the dining hall from a café serving line to concept stations. These stations include delicatessen service; a grill for hot sandwiches, French fries and chili; an exhibition station at which everything is made to order; a home cooking station featuring rotisserie meats and homemade staples; a salad bar and another bar that specializes in New York style pizza and calzones.
     “There isn’t just one standard cuisine,” said Rita Gordish, marketing manager for ARAMARK. “There are ethnic varieties, home cooking and gourmet foods, and when the students give feedback, we will respond to it.”
     Student feedback is how ARAMARK came up with their cafeteria design and menu in the first place. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 200,000 employees and serves clients in 19 countries. The company conducted a nationwide student focus group to determine what students really want—“real food on campus and a warm, friendly atmosphere.”
     “I think everyone will really like the variety at Marshbanks,” said Campbell public relations intern, Michelle Efird. “With all of the different stations, the new openness and the seating changes, it’s a lot friendlier.”


 Photo Copy: Campbell University held a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the newly renovated Marshbanks Dining Hall. Front row, from left, Larry Aldridge, director of ARAMARK food services at Campbell; Michelle Efird, president of the Student Government Association, and Campbell President Jerry M. Wallace. Second row, from left, Jim Roberts, vice president for Business and treasurer; Hoyt Taylor, ARAMARK district manager; Dr. John Roberson, vice president for Marketing and Planning; Dr. Dennis Bazemore, vice president for Student Life; and Dr. Dwaine Greene, vice president for Academic Affairs and provost.