Students returning to Lipscomb University this fall are finding new food choices in the Student Center, with more on the way.
In addition to new paint schemes designed to make dining facilities "homier," the Food Court offers a new franchise - Orville and Wilbur's, which specializes in chicken selections, said Rick Graham, general manager for Sodexho, which manages dining services at Lipscomb.
"Our grilled chicken in the Dining Hall is in such big demand every day that we decided to offer more chicken selections," Graham said.
On the way but not quite here is "Jazzman," which will replace the original Bisons Corner and offer such items as Seattle's Best Coffee, espresso, gourmet salads and sandwiches, freshly baked muffins, biscotti and home-cooked cookies, Graham said.
Even popular services have undergone improvements this summer, particularly at SubConnection and at the Uncle Dave's convenience store, which offers an expanded range of items, he said.
One of Lipscomb's unique food service offerings - Nouveau dining - returns Thursday, Sept. 4.
"The Nouveau experience is very different from anything else we do on campus for the students," Graham said. "We like to think of it as an educational process for some people who do not visit or enjoy fine dining regularly.
"This 'fine dining restaurant' allows university students to relax in a comfortable accompanied by the full service of any great restaurant" but is only offered one night per week, in the university's President's Quarters, he said.
Nouveau is student-influenced and operated, Graham said. A three-course dinner is served by candlelight with "real china, silver and glassware," accompanied by soft background music. Servers are students and each wears a black chef jacket, black pants, and a white half-apron.
"These uniforms make every person sharp and distinctive. Incorporating this trend is another example of Nouveau's efforts to provide real-life experiences to our student community," Graham said.
Reservations are required and may be made at 615.386.7641.