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CWU Dining Services
400 E. University Way, MS 7588
(509) 963-1591
dining@cwu.edu

Read the latest news and accomplishments from CWU Dining Services


EHS Food Truck CompetitionDining Services and CenterFuse partner with Ellensburg School District for Class Project to Promote Entrepreneurship
Ellensburg Daily Record, Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Ellensburg High School students put their entrepreneurial spirit to the test during a three-day-long food competition, sponsored by Ellensburg CenterFuse. Students used the CWU Food Wagon to cook their menu items and serve directly from the mobile unit. Dining team members provided the students with a real-world application for their classroom knowledge, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for each team.

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Dustin Atkinson headshotDiversity Awards celebration honors 16 influential figures on campus, including Executive Chef Joe Ritchie
CWU Dining Services, Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Central Washington University paid tribute to some of the community’s most influential advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the ninth annual President’s Diversity Awards celebration. Joe Ritchie received a Staff Award for his efforts to build community on campus through cultural representation, authentic cuisine, diet-based programs and menus, and partnerships with CWU student groups.

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Dustin Atkinson headshotCWU Dining Services Provides More Seats at the Table with Diet-Specific Menu Options
CWU Dining Services, Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Dining Services is proud to not only listen to student feedback, but also to implement change and make a difference in the dining experience on campus. The team has rolled out a number of new programs this year to meet student needs and address dietary needs, such as the Purple Paw allergen program, an update to the allergen icons on menus, and the addition of Halal chicken in select locations within the SURC.

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Dustin Atkinson headshotCWU Dining Services Revives a Campus Legend, Opening The Village Coffee, Market, Grill
CWU Dining Services, Thursday, February 16, 2023

The Village Coffee, Market, Grill made its much-anticipated return to the Central Washington University campus in early January, giving the CWU community a convenient comfort-food option it has been missing in recent years. This late-night dining facility ensures that students and other members of the campus community will enjoy past favorites while making new memories.

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Dustin Atkinson headshot

Dustin Atkinson Promoted to Assistant Director of Student Union Dining Operations and 1891 Catering
CWU Dining Services, Wednesday, October 5, 2022

In his role as Assistant Director of Student Union Dining Operations and 1891 Catering, Atkinson provides support and oversight to the leadership teams behind multiple dining concepts including the award-winning Fresh Bar location.

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Dustin Atkinson headshot

Dining Services Recipe Featured in Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC)

CWU Dining Services, Wednesday, July 27, 2022

The Fresh Bar dining concept continues to shine, both on campus and in the national dining services community. A recent MCURC newsletter highlighted Fresh Bar's Superfood Chickpea Salad recipe, which was submitted by CWU Executive Chef Joe Ritchie.

From the MCURC Newsletter:

The Superfood Chickpea Salad from Central Washington University Dining Services' Fresh Bar Concept is delicious while also focusing on health and wellness. It aligns with several Menus of Change principals, including “Move Nuts and Legumes to the Center of the Plate,” “Buy Fresh and Seasonal, Local and Global,” and “Focus on Whole, Minimally Processed Foods.”

Discover the recipe here.


Ryan Dahlstrom headshotCWU Dining Services Wins Prestigious National Award for Fresh Bar Concept

CWU Dining Services, Wednesday, June 1, 2022

The annual National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) Dining Awards celebrate exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning, and new dining concepts that are helping move the campus food industry forward. Central was the only state institution to receive the prestigious honor this year.

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Chefs cooking during Dining eventTapping Into the Strengths of Your Team

FoodService Director, Thursday, June 24, 2021

On this episode of “Dig In,” Director of Dining Services Dean Masuccio shares how his staff has fostered cross-campus relationships and closed training gaps.

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Chefs cooking during Dining eventCWU Dining Services Named FoodService Director's June Operator of the Month

FoodService Director, Tuesday, June 8, 2021

At Central Washington University, which was named FSD's June Foodservice Operation of the Month, the dining team has stepped up by building campus connections, boosting staff engagement and overhauling training.

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Students at social media table during Dining eventCWU Dining Services Tells Their Story through Student Engagement

Campus Dining Today, Monday, May 10, 2021

Over the last year, Dining Services at CWU continued to enhance the student experience on campus.

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Poster of Best Sandwich from Food Management MagazineCWU Dining Services Joins Menus of Change University Research Collaborative

Central Today News, Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Central Washington University Dining Services joined the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC) program this spring after being evaluated on its preparedness and willingness to contribute to collaborative research between all of the member institutions nationwide.

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Poster of Best Sandwich from Food Management MagazineBest Sandwiches Readers’ Choice: 10 Totally Rad Plant-Based Sandwiches from Food Service Chefs

Food Management, Thursday, January 14, 2021

Using mushroom or cauliflower, vegan “chicken” or vegan cheese, these sandwiches take plant-based ingredients to the next level.

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Poster of Innovator of the MonthInnovator of the Month: Central Washington University Dining Steps Up to Offer Safe but Appealing Meal Choices for its Coronavirus-Restricted Customers

Food Management, Monday, January 5, 2021

From debuting a mobile ordering option and rolling out a new healthy eating concept to offering pop-ups, culinary competitions and giveaways, CWU’s foodservice team has tried to maintain its momentum toward building a high-impact campus dining program despite trying times.

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