The updates made this past summer to Perkins Student Center’s dining space at the University of Delaware are just the beginning toward transforming it into a collaborative, student-centric environment, with new, exciting, innovative dining selections.

Combined with feedback from UD students received through dining surveys, Dining Services worked closely with Student Centers and a student committee to develop the vision and decide on design choices, like colors, styles of seating and more. Future improvements will be made continuously through the summer of 2020.

Social spaces to meet, study and eat 24/7

The new seating areas in The Scrounge, which welcomed students back to campus this fall, were designed with community in mind. They offer unique areas to meet and different styles of collaborative seating for groups of all sizes. All reflect the UD brand making the space a campus destination for activities, exchanging information and eating.

“I love how it is coming along,” said Samantha Akumiah, student customer service representative for Residence Life and Housing and participant on the student committee. “The upgrade has made The Scrounge a more inviting place to come sit and study.”

“I'm looking forward to the new food options and can't wait to see what restaurants will be added to the area,” she added.

In the future, the new “feature wall” will have operable partitions that will allow the space to be adaptable to meet demands at various times throughout the day. This will also ensure that open community spaces will remain accessible for students 24/7, not just when eateries are open.

New Dunkin’ coffeehouse

Dunkin’ will become a stand-alone store that will deliver a unique coffeehouse experience. It will move from its current location to a more centrally located area of Perkins, where the information desk was previously located. The information desk will be relocated closer to the new Esports Lounge and Arena. The new home of Dunkin’ will enhance the building’s interior and increase visibility for student activities and promotions.

The new dining operation will be constructed over the winter of 2020 without affecting the operating hours of the existing Dunkin’ in The Scrounge. It is expected to open in time for spring semester.

Indoor, outdoor diner along Academy Street

The idea for a diner-like restaurant was generated from results of recent student surveys conducted by the Resident Student Association and Dining Services, where students expressed the desire for all-day breakfast and staple comfort foods. The diner, which is expected to open in time for fall 2020, will operate independently from other dining stations and Perkins Student Center, allowing it too to stay open late. Glass doors will extend the experience beyond the existing building closer to Academy Street.

Rotating menus and local restaurateurs

The existing food service areas will be made into flexible spaces to allow for one-of-a-kind, rotating culinary experiences and new menu possibilities. Dining Services also plans to partner with local restaurateurs to bring in new, exciting options regularly.

Convenience store with quick, on-the-go eats

The Scrounge’s convenience area will continue to cater to those with limited time. As future plans come to fruition, it will grow to offer a wider variety of quick eats, more popular snacks and new beverage selections.

These exciting changes have been planned out so they can be completed without interrupting service to the campus community. Dining Services’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts (@DiningUD) continue to be a resource for information on-campus dining updates.