Swope Dining Room Gets Facelift
The Swope Dining Room has a fresh new look, completed just in time for spring conferences and the busy summer season. The dining room and adjacent servery area received a much-needed renovation this winter, transforming the space into a more modern facility with exciting new options for visitors.
“After 10 years, the MBL, in conjunction with Sodexho Food Service, decided that it was time for a change,” says MBL Director of Housing and Conferences, Bill Villineau. “It wasn’t hard to see that a wholesale renovation was in order. The space was old, the equipment dated and in bad repair, and it was time to turn it up a notch.” Earlier this year, after an RFP process last summer and fall, the MBL retained Sodexho to continue to provide all dining and food service needs for the MBL and Jonsson Center operations.
A renovation committee made up of Susan Goux, Homer Lane, Deb Deering, Richard Cutler, Bill Villineau, and Dennis Cronin, was formed last fall to review what was in place and where the space needed to go. Funds were approved for the renovation and an architect was hired to begin the design process in earnest. “The committee recommended a modern design with elements of Cape Cod and the sea life that surrounds us,” says Bill. “The result will no doubt be a topic of discussion for some time to come.”
In addition to a completely new serving area, guests will notice such changes as fresh paint and battens on the walls; a newly refitted salad bar; and concept dining including Global Chef, Garden Toss, and the Stacks Deli all wrapped up in the redesigned servery allowing for a dining experience unfettered by lines. “Diners will be encouraged to move from station to station in any order they like rather than sliding a tray along a cafeteria counter and waiting for those ahead of them,” says Bill. “Want to start with dessert? Be our guest. This will truly be dining without borders.”
A new grill, griddle, and display cooking area allow selections to be prepared and created while the customer watches. In addition, “Grab and Go” items are located in a front and center display case for those pressed for time. New hot and cold serving areas and a new carving station keep food at the ready for early arrivals or late risers.
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Sodexho Welcomes New Staff
Judith Taylor has joined Sodexho as conference coordinator and meeting planner and will handle all aspects of conference and catering coordination for the MBL. Cheryl Green has returned to Swope from the Jonsson Center to take on the role of Food Service Manager. Cheryl replaces Dennis Cronin who has moved from the MBL to pursue opportunities with Sodexho at Newbury College in Boston.
Café to Expand Hours This Summer
Say goodbye to late night munchies. From June 1 to August 31, Café Swope will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM for pizza, soda, and other snack foods. Housing and Conferences staff are exploring the possibility of entertainment on some evenings.
Introducing the “MBL Card” Discount Program for Meal Purchases
What is It?
Starting June 1, MBL employees receive a 10% discount on meal purchases when they use their “MBL Card” (formerly known as “One Cards”) through a declining account.
How it Works
It’s easy. Make a deposit onto your MBL Card at a Sodexho register and receive that same amount in declining credit. Simply swipe your MBL Card at the time of your meal purchase and you will automatically receive a 10% discount. Discounts are good at both Café Swope and the main dining room.
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