Mahoney-Pearson reinvents the dining hall experience

By Mel Tenkoff 10-01-2026

The Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall looks a little different this fall. The residential colleges that once brought students directly to its doors were demolished over the summer as part of the University's housing plans. But inside the hall, the dining experience is getting a refresh of its own.

To bring students back to a dining hall that no longer sits at the center of a residential community, dining staff members spent the summer rethinking what would make the trip worthwhile.

"We really thought over the summer of how we can, number one, get people to come over to Mahoney-Pearson when they may not be walking that way," said Jenifer Brinkman, district marketing manager, Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services.

The result is a mix of new food options, programming and small changes designed to give the dining hall its own personality.

"What's so special about Mahoney is [the staff] always make everyone who walks in feel welcome," said Jay Romero, a first-year student majoring in sport administration. "Whether it be with foods from different ethnicities every week or the amazing workers, I always feel at home."

At dinner, students can now make their own personal pizzas using tap-in technology at the pizza station. Rotating bowl options bring ramen and pho to the menu on some nights and rice bowls on others, while the deli and salad bar offer familiar favorites with a made-to-order twist. Students can order salads chopped to their liking or turn them into wraps, while the Create Station serves options like quesadillas and fajitas.

Breakfast has gotten a refresh, too, with Daybreak Breakfast Sandwiches quickly becoming a student favorite. "They fly off of the line there," Brinkman said.

Glen's omelets, a familiar favorite among Mahoney-Pearson regulars, are still on the menu as well.

But the changes at Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall go beyond just what is on the plate.

This fall, the dining team partnered with HP Live, a student organization, to bring live music to the building's patio, including Monday evening performances and a Sunday jazz brunch featuring a student band. The semester also kicked off with Milestones' "Love at First Bite," where students made predictions about their next four years, created friendship bracelets and snapped Polaroid photos.

"The events they host always welcome [you in]. My favorite event was when they had a karaoke night and you could sing your heart out, or when Call Me Jack performed," said Faith Ambaye, a sophomore majoring in computer science.

More than a dining hall

The dining hall is even taking on a new role outside of mealtimes. Every Tuesday evening, a literature course for first-year students meets in Mahoney-Pearson's private dining room, giving students the chance to grab dinner before attending class.

These additions have allowed Mahoney-Pearson to feel like more than a place to grab a meal. The dining hall has developed a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Without the same rush of students coming from nearby residential colleges, dining staff members have more opportunities to connect with students and get to know them.

Compared with the bright, open feel of Centennial Village Dining Hall, Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall has a more intimate atmosphere, with smaller spaces and corners that make it easy to settle in with friends.

"I joke with my friends and call it 'Mahomey' because of its homey feel," Ambaye said.

For the dining team, that sense of home and community is at the heart of the experience.

That relationship between students and dining staff members is part of what makes Mahoney-Pearson distinctive. Chartwells employees know students by name, remember their preferences and often see them throughout their college careers. Even after graduation, some students return to campus to say hello to the people who served and supported them along the way.

"The students have that sense of community, develop friendships that are going to last a lifetime," said Michael Ross, vice president of operations for Chartwells.