Parkhurst era begins Thursday

The Parkhurst Dining era at Heidelberg begins Thursday, and the transition has gone smoothly so far, according to the Parkhurst team.

“Everything has gone very well,” said Parkhurst District Manager Paul Weinberg. General Manager Jeff Smock arrived several weeks ago to oversee the transition on campus.

Along with Parkhurst’s commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients for its fresh, made-from scratch approach to food prep, the campus community will be pleased with more menu options and a few other significant changes.

Parkhurst has announced that Columbus-based roaster Crimson Cup will provide coffee service at catering events and in Fireside Cafe Pub, which is undergoing minor changes this summer to draw greater attention to the coffee and to delicious food. Additionally, a new name is being considered for Fireside.

Perhaps the biggest change is coming to the interior of Hoernemann Refectory, which has been completely gutted. New flooring is being installed and several walls have been removed to make way for additional seating, 350 in all. Even with all of the Hoernemann renovations, the quality of the food will be the focus, Jeff said.

The new arrangement will feature a large kitchen with rotisserie, smoker, wok, char grill and flat top. The Oven will serve deli and pizza selections and a large salad bar will be installed with a variety of 48 items, a chop station and soups. A number of other specialty stations are being planned as well.

With increased hours of operation, Parkhurst is also encouraging faculty and staff to dine on campus. “We really feel strongly that the more time faculty and staff spend in the dining hall with students, the more it helps the campus environment,” Paul said.

To that end, Parkhurst has established discounted pricing for faculty and staff who choose to dine at Hoernemann. Meal costs will be as follows: continental breakfast $4; lunch $5; brunch $6.50; and dinner $7. Similar pricing structures are in place for university-sponsored events (such as admission visitors) and a door price for community guests.

The first major event for the Parkhurst team will be New Student Orientation on June 9. Because interior renovations are ongoing, contingency plans have been made to feed those in attendance during the first orientation and three more to follow in June. Parkhurst will be front and center for Alumni Weekend June 16-18 and then, Show Choir Camps of America on July 9-15.

Heidelberg is currently communicating with new and returning students about signing up for meal plans and Berg Bucks through OASIS.

Stay tuned for additional updates and news about our new dining service partner.