University of Richmond's Dining Services wins two national awards

May 18, 2016

University of Richmond’s Dining Services has received two 2016 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards from the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS).

Heilman Dining Center won the Silver award for Residential Dining Concepts category, and Passport Café won the Silver award for Retail Sales.

Heilman Dining Center was applauded for rotating weekly menus, specifically the options on the Mongolian Grill station, including seared seafood, quesadilla/burrito/taco bar and ramen/pho/poke bowls. The Dining Center was also recognized for numerous events, including special food items celebrating holidays.

Passport Café was honored in the category of Retail Sales, noted for offering weekly specials celebrating food around the world and vegetarian/special dietary dishes. Passport was also recognized for its support of local vendors by selling local offerings of coffee, sushi, organic desserts and gelato and healthy grab and go options, including sweet and savory yogurts.

Both venues were noted for promoting the UREdibleBytes app for easy access to nutritional info at both locations, as well as sustainability efforts.

Named after NACUFS’ founder, Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards celebrate exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning and new dining concepts. NACUFS provides an avenue for sharing ideas and creative presentations in campus dining services, and award winners are considered models for other institutions to follow.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by our peers from other universities in this way," said Cindy Stearns, assistant director of marketing and special programs. "These awards are among the most prestigious national honors in higher education culinary arts and are a reflection of the talents and hard work of the staff."

Stearns will accept the awards on behalf of Dining Services at the NACUFS national conference in Anaheim, Calif. on July 15.

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