Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

Food Works Update Wins Award

Monday, June 23, 2014, By News Staff
Share
Food Works as it currently looks

Food Works as it currently looks

Syracuse University Food Services is being recognized by the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) with an award to be presented at the NACUFS national convention in Baltimore on July 8. The University won a C-Store Best in Business Award in the category of “Updating Your Existing C-Store” for the renovation to the Graham C-Store, which took place in summer 2013. A c-store is a convenience store.

The Graham store, Food Works, first opened in the 1980s as a bulk health food store in the basement of one of the dining halls on campus. It sold vitamins and other items from wooden bins.

In the 1990s, the store evolved to serve healthy grocery selections for students. Food Works also carried a range of products for students with allergies. With a location close to the center of campus, it was convenient for most students.

In the fall of 2011, Food Works moved to the basement of Graham Dining on Mount Olympus. The space was larger, which enabled Food Services to expand the store’s options. The food selection was still geared toward the health conscious, yet incorporated more grocery items for students who live in residence halls.

The first year the store made do with the space as it was. Since it was in the basement, lighting was an issue from the beginning. Before the renovation, the store looked like a c-store masked as an old bookstore. During the summer of 2013, a staircase was eliminated to open up the space for a whole new look.

The updated style has a ’50s throwback feel with a modern flair. The lettering for the signage, the polished metal accents and fins on the wall have a 1957 Chevy Bel Air inspiration. Column lights are custom-made to reflect ’50s styling also. Modern lighting gives the space a funky, fun feel.

When the stairway was knocked down to transform Food Works, it immediately brought the wow factor to the store. The newly unencumbered space, paired with the openness of glass walls throughout the interior and into the corridors makes the store appealing to students in the residence halls.

Food Works before the renovation

Food Works before the renovation

To de-emphasize the impact of the c-store as the students walk down the corridor, an inviting seating area was built into the area in front of the store. It includes sofas and high-top tables, plus computer charging stations and televisions. Sharing this space with the adjacent snack bar has helped increase the traffic flow in the c-store and attracted customers from various parts of campus.

The shelving is mobile so it can be rearranged as Food Works evolves. This offers flexibility to change product layout with minimal impact on the rest of the store. Store product can be shifted easily to create interest and fill with new items.

Since Food Works is in the basement, there is no natural lighting. The architect had to think of a creative way to bring in light. The solution includes the use of energy-efficient T5 general lighting with a custom blue LED cove light for ambiance, and metal halide spots to provide a white punch to highlight the products. The end result is the right mix of lighting for product and space.

All these changes have resulted in a 50 percent increase in sales compared to last year.

 

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Message from Chancellor Kent Syverud
    Tuesday, April 20, 2021, By News Staff
  • Make the Most of Your Wellness Day | Public Health Reminders
    Tuesday, April 20, 2021, By News Staff
  • Falk Professor Advocates for Including Autistic Adults in Research That Shapes Their World
    Monday, April 19, 2021, By Matt Michael
  • Campus Resources Available for Faculty, Staff and Students
    Monday, April 19, 2021, By News Staff
  • Call to Volunteer: Give Back at The Big Event
    Monday, April 19, 2021, By News Staff

More In Campus & Community

Message from Chancellor Kent Syverud

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community: The decision made by a Minneapolis jury today brings the trial of Derek Chauvin to a close. Still, no single verdict can take away the pain and suffering felt across this country after…

Make the Most of Your Wellness Day | Public Health Reminders

Dear Students and Families: With the second Wellness Day approaching tomorrow, I hope you are looking forward to another day of recharging and practicing self-care. We are once again offering a full schedule of activities that promote well-being and engagement,…

Campus Resources Available for Faculty, Staff and Students

The trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd is reaching its final phase, with jury deliberations to begin early this week. Coverage of the trial and constant reports of racially motivated violence weigh…

Call to Volunteer: Give Back at The Big Event

Join us for Syracuse University’s largest student-run day of community service, The Big Event, an annual opportunity for students to support local nonprofit organizations within the city of Syracuse. The Big Event will be hosted on Saturday, May 1, from…

Dining Centers to Resume In-Person Dining Monday, April 19, at 11 a.m.

Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff: With more and more community members receiving COVID-19 vaccinations and as infection rates on our campus gradually decline, Syracuse University is taking action to expand indoor, in-person dining options. Beginning at 11 a.m. on…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2021 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.