The forks and knives were placed just so, and the plates full of food awaiting the guests of Longwood’s annual Dine with the Director. As students and a few staff members walked into the Annex of the Grand Dining Hall, they were greeted by Senior Food Service Director Grant Avent, as well as a few other important members of Longwood’s dining staff. This monthly event invites all students and members of organizations to take part in a meal with the prominent members of Longwood University’s Dining Staff. Students are encouraged to come with concerns, comments and even compliments, to let the Dining Services know how they are doing.
By 5:30 p.m., the tables were full of students from multiple organizations who were eager to voice their opinions and offer their suggestions. Needless to say, there were plenty of opinions to be heard. The conversation of the evening began with the complimenting of Dhall’s mashed potatoes that week, as well as the new music.
The conversation then moved on to questioning new meal plan availabilities and the possiblity of POD hour extensions. Some students were even throwing out suggestions such as bringing in more chicken nuggets at brunch and possibly using paper cups in place of Styrofoam cups, which according to SGA President Joe Gills, “are bad for the environment.”
Avent was very open to all of these suggestions throughout the dinner and occasionally responded with an excited, “Oh we can do that!”
While the comments made regarding dining services weren’t all exactly complimentary, members of the dining services took them in stride and were very eager to hear what they could improve on.
We were also reminded of the dining services survey that is available until Nov. 7. “Please fill it out, it helps us so much!” said Marketing Assistant Gina Demarco. Also, don’t forget about the comments section on the dining services website, it’s open year round and members of the dining services team want to hear your opinions!
Dinner attendees also learned a little bit about the plans for more eating options in Longwood’s Upchurch University Center, projected to open in 2017. “Now, I don’t want everyone to get their hopes up too high here, but we’re looking at trying to have an actual Starbucks, as well as a possible burger place and a few other options in the new center,”Avent said.
After a few more comments were made, this month’s Dine with the Director was brought to a delicious close with a heavenly slice of pumpkin spice cake.
