New Dining Options Include Expanded Market, Sushi and Boba

August 25, 2023 | News, UToday, Student Affairs
By Kirk Baird



An expanded Market location with kiosk vending options and a student-requested fast-casual sushi and boba option are two of the new Main Campus dining options when fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 28.

Previously located on the first floor of Thompson Student Union, The Market @ Student Union has been relocated to the second floor, replacing the space previously occupied by Huntington Bank. The larger space offers an expanded selection of food and drinks, new meal exchange items and two unique kiosk vending options, Bleni Blends and Just Baked.

As seen on “Shark Tank,” Bleni Blends is a smoothie vending machine that offers freshly blended smoothies in less than a minute. All smoothie options are dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan. Just Baked is a baked goods vending kiosk offering White Castle sliders, molten lava cakes and other items.

Both kiosk options will be meal plan friendly, accepting dining dollars, dining dollars plus and credit and debit cards.

“Relocating and expanding our Market location in the Student Union will provide students with more selections, as well as exciting new kiosk vending options that suite a wide variety of tastes,” said Aaron Skees, director of marketing for Rocket Dining.

New to campus is Fujisan Handcrafted Sushi, which replaces Wild Pie in the Student Union. Fujisan will feature more than 15 unique sushi options and boba.

“Speaking with students during our spring focus groups, we heard loud and clear that students wanted a sushi and boba option and we are excited to welcome Fujisan Handcrafted Sushi to provide just that in the Student Union,” Skees said. “Students can also purchase Fujisan products at our two Market locations, Market @ Student Union and Market @ Ottawa East.”

Rocket Dining retail locations also will see expanded menu options and increased limited-time offers this fall.

•  True Burger will now offer a hot dog, chicken sandwich and cheese fries;

•  Paper Lantern will expand its menu to include new recipes featuring shrimp, black pepper chicken and new sauce options;

•  Tu Taco will add steak as an entree option for tacos, burritos and bowls; and

•  Subway will offer create-your-own pizza as a part of its standard menu.

The Eatery @ Student Union will serve breakfast and lunch beginning with the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 28. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Food Hall @ Ottawa East will be open weekdays for lunch and dinner from 2 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 2 to 8 p.m. on Fridays. On weekends, the Food Hall at Ottawa East is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Saturday, Aug 26.

Rocket Dining will continue to offer a daily allergen-free meal for students with food allergies.

 “The safety of our students with food allergies is our highest priority,” said Lisa Langhals, Rocket Dining dietitian. “We strongly encourage students with food allergies to register with both the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources, and myself, so that we can provide the appropriate accommodations and help them dine safely on campus.”

For more information, visit Rocket Dining’s Dine on Campus website or social media accounts on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.