Read the latest news and accomplishments from CWU Dining Services
Dining 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.
Diversity 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.
CWU 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.
CWU 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.
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.
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.
CWU 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.
Tapping 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.
CWU 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.
CWU 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.
CWU 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.
Best 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.
Innovator 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.