PHILADELPHIA, PA — Campus dining halls are getting a student-driven makeover as Aramark Collegiate Hospitality announced the launch of The Gathering Place, a new residential dining concept designed to turn everyday meals into a centerpiece for connection, wellness, and school pride.
Developed with direct input from students, The Gathering Place reimagines traditional dining spaces as vibrant community hubs where eating, socializing, and campus culture intersect. Aramark said the concept was shaped through extensive feedback from its Council of Student Advisors and campus focus groups, reflecting Gen Z’s emphasis on authenticity, belonging, and mental well-being.
“The Gathering Place is more than a dining hall—it’s a student-driven vision brought to life,” said Karen Parker, chief marketing officer for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “By listening to students, we’ve created an experience that amplifies school spirit and fosters belonging.”
The concept blends food service with social and wellness-focused design elements, including flexible seating, interactive chef tables, gaming lounges, hydration stations, and décor tailored to each campus. Sustainability and wellness are core to the model, guided by four pillars Aramark describes as Energy, Action, People, and Planet.
Early adopters are already preparing to bring the idea to life. At Cleveland State University, the new space is expected to reflect campus identity while offering menu items created specifically for students.
“The CSU Gathering Place will capture Cleveland pride and create a dining experience that feels like home,” said Vince Phipps, regional vice president for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. He said signature dishes such as the Green Machine Burrito, the ‘Vike It Up’ Grilled Cheese, and Spinach Queso were developed with direct student input.
Aramark said the modular design allows each campus to customize the space, with features including branded welcome walls, pop-up carts for seasonal activations, study pods, community story displays, and chef-led interactive dining experiences.
The Gathering Place is scheduled to roll out at campuses nationwide beginning in 2026, as Aramark looks to redefine the role of dining halls from functional spaces into central gathering points for student life.
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