Lamar University dining hall reopens after major renovations

The Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall at Lamar University reopened this fall after undergoing extensive renovations over the summer, bringing a fresh, modern atmosphere to campus dining. The overhaul marks the first major update to the space in over two decades.

“The dining hall was very outdated. It had not been renovated in over 20 years. It had a very old, closed-up feel to it,” Bryce Sinclair, Chartwells senior director of dining, said. “So, we decided it was time. Chartwells and Lamar partnered up, and we took a lot of the infrastructure down and opened it up. We rebranded all of our stations, added brand new furniture, brand new flooring, etc. This was very much needed for the students.”

The renovation includes new furniture, modern flooring, and an open concept that replaces the previous enclosed layout. The dining stations were rebranded as part of the upgrade, designed to improve the overall dining experience for students, faculty, and staff.

Sinclair said the renovation wasn't just aesthetic. “The main thing that students, faculty, and staff can look forward to is an elevated menu,” he said. “With the new feel, we went ahead and elevated the menu by adding a lot more of an international flair to the menu. The students, faculty, and staff are all a huge fan of the new upscale menu. The ambiance is also much more inviting and has a nice LU feel to it.”

The revamped dining hall now aims to offer a more welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere, with an upgraded menu and an improved environment meant to better serve the university community.