Chef de Cuisine Andy Kerscher
At a Chef's Table event last fall, Chef de Cuisine Andy Kerscher served seafood small plates, including Old Bay crab arancini with smoked tomato aioli, sautéed mussels in white wine and butter broth with grilled garlic bread, and shrimp salad on buttery toasted rolls.

University of Richmond Dining Services Receives National Awards for Residential Dining and Retail Locations

June 10, 2025
Passport Café, located in the Carole Weinstein International Center.

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Dining Services at the University of Richmond has received three Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards from the National Association of College & University Food Services.

The Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards are the ultimate professional tribute in college and university culinary arts, celebrating innovation in student-focused dining.

UR Dining Services received a silver award in three categories: residential special event, renovation, and retail sales: single concept.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by NACUFS,” said Tyler Betzhold, executive chef and interim executive director of Dining Services. “These awards highlight the partnerships across campus that help the dining services team support our students’ well-being with good, nutritious food and community-building events.”    

Dining Services received the special event award for the new Chef’s Table series, a pop-up style lunch event featuring a unique menu created by a member of UR’s culinary team. Chef’s Table events this year included a plant-based menu from Chef Peter Toreno, surf and turf from Executive Chef Tyler Betzhold, seafood small plates by Chef de Cuisine Andy Kerscher, and brunch favorites by Chef Amanda Boyd. 

FlavUR, UR's newest dining location, is housed in the Well-Being Center.

“The Chef’s Table series allows us to show off what inspires our talented chefs through a productive and creative outlet that can be shared with our community,” said Betzhold. 

Dining Services also received top honors for the renovation of Passport Café, expanding the utility of a beloved campus space to meet the growing demand for global-inspired flavors.

The launch of FlavUR was recognized as an outstanding retail sales concept. FlavUR, which opened in fall 2024, offers customizable bowls, wraps, smoothies, and breakfast items inspired by Latin and Mediterranean cuisines.

UR Dining will receive these awards in July during the NACUFS 2025 National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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