A 450-seat dining facility opened Aug. 23, the first day of classes, on the west side of Belknap Campus.
WestSide Dining is an all-you-can-eat facility, close to some of the UofL’s largest student residence halls, including University Tower Apartments, and Louisville, Kurz and Bettie Johnson halls. It will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner during the school year and is the primary dining hall for students with a meal plan.
Today is a milestone toward building a more vibrant, active campus community, said John Weber, Student Government Association vice president for student services.
UofL President James Ramsey agreed.
This is a great addition to campus life, he said.
WestSide offers five different food stations under one roof: a deli, Mediterranean food, a traditional American diner, international cuisine and a salad bar.
UofL has been focused on boosting food quality and variety on its Belknap Campus. In the past three years, Damon’s Grill, McAlister’s Deli, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jazzman’s Café and several small quick stop operations have been added. Several franchise restaurants remain on campus, including Papa John’s, Wendy’s, Subway and Chick-fil-A.
The efforts are in response to parents and students calling for more choices, healthier food and longer hours, Ramsey said.
WestSide, at the corner of Third and Brandeis streets, is open to the general public just as any local restaurant. Meal costs range from $5 to $10.