By: Lily Dalton
Contributor
From early-morning breakfasts to lunch or late-night dinner, Connecticut Hall serves as a go-to spot for many students to grab a bite to eat and recharge amid their busy days.
With several food stations and a variety of options, students can find something to satisfy their hunger all at one stop.
“Conn has a lot of variety but also a lot of consistency, so you always have something that you’ll like when you come,” nursing major Gianna D’Eugenio, a sophomore, said.
Connecticut Hall, or Conn as many students refer to it, is the university’s traditional dining hall. The eatery operates in an all-you-care-to-eat format, with various food stations and menu options to accommodate different preferences and ensure all students have a positive dining experience.
“Since there are a lot of options, I never get bored,” nursing major Gianna Caridad, a sophomore, said. “You can always go to the wrap station, get fruit, get salad, get a sandwich; there’s just always something for everyone.”
Conn offers 10 different food stations, designed to satisfy any appetite.
Options include Sizzle, a traditional grill and griddle; Granary, featuring breads, spreads, and cereals; Chef’s Table, offering made-to-order chef-inspired dishes; Classics & Co., serving homestyle entrees; and Rustic Roots, featuring vegan options.
“I love the chocolate milk and the cereal station; it’s always such a good breakfast corner,” sociology major Alex Lobner, a sophomore, said.
Students can also choose from Slices, a pizza and pasta bar; Plant Forward, a traditional salad bar; Stacked, a classic deli; and gluten-free entrees.
The Simple Zone also provides a dedicated pantry with gluten-free, peanut-free and tree-nut-free options for customers with various allergies or dietary restrictions.
“They have a lot of food options here, including accommodations for allergies or anything like that,” D’Eugenio said.
Students can also view the daily menu and dining options through the Southern Dining website.
Among the vast selection of food available, some stations have become students’ favorites, particularly the wrap station.
“The wraps are my favorite thing to eat; there’s just so much versatility,” sport management major Jackson Wilkes, a sophomore, said. “They just hit different.”
The Stacked station tends to be a fan favorite, as students are able to customize and “build their own” sandwiches.
“I like the wraps because I can always customize them how I like,” Caridad said.
Behind these popular stations are the faces of the dining hall staff, who help keep daily operations running smoothly.
“I love seeing students enjoy the food here,” Deli and Salad Bar department staff member Gessina Rossi said. “I’m so happy seeing the kids talking to me; I talk back to them, and they love my sandwiches.”
Since Conn is the only traditional-style dining hall on campus, many students make frequent visits.
“I usually come to Conn for breakfast and dinner,” Caridad said. “If I don’t come here for lunch, I’ll usually go to Stu.”
For meal plan holders, Conn allows students to swipe in once per hour, and casual diners are welcome to pay at the door.
“Going to Conn just works well with my schedule; it’s easy, I can choose what I want, and I don’t really have to wait in lines,” Lobner said. “I want to save money, and I have a full meal plan, so I want to utilize it.”
With a welcoming environment and a broad selection of meal options, Connecticut Hall strives to offer something for everyone to enjoy each day.
