After a long construction cycle and multiple deadline setbacks from COVID-19—which caused construction prices to spike—and several hurricanes, Eckerd’s John R. Saunders Dining Center opened on May 5. Designed as a new gathering place for students, President James Annarelli welcomed the Eckerd community to eat inside during its grand opening.
Students and faculty alike gathered in the courtyard area in front of the stairs that led inside. These stairs were decorated with a “Grand Opening!” sign and sealed by a blue ribbon that was to be cut.
“I discovered a project priority list from spring semester 2009 that reflected the work assignments to various executive members at that time. There, under my name as then vice president for student life and dean of students, was the following: ‘plans for cafeteria renovations in conjunction with renewal of Bon Appétit contract,’ ” said Annarelli.
What resulted from years of studying and planning is the new John R. Saunders Dining Center. Annarelli noted that the decision to make a new building was to show that the college is dedicated to enhancing student life on campus.
“To students, this is your place to gather after labs and rehearsals, to debrief big exams, to celebrate birthdays and to meet people you do not know yet but you might one day call friends,” said Vice President for Student Success Marjorie Sanfilippo.
She said the school hopes this place will function as not only a dining center for students, but similar to social spaces like the James Center and the Pub. According to Jamey Handorf, assistant vice president of campus auxiliary operations, the plan is to have the dining center continually accessible from open to close beginning next semester. If executed, this means students could go inside to study or grab a small bite in between scheduled meal times.
“I want us to take a second to realize that this is the first new primary dining facility that Eckerd has built since the construction of the original cafeteria,” said newly instated ECOS President Izzy Williams, a rising senior majoring in business administration.
Similar to Sanfilippo, she noted that it will be a special place for students, staff, faculty and ASPEC to come together for meals and discussion. The new facility includes an inside and outside dining area upstairs with a view over Frenchman’s Creek and a lounge area underneath.
“This is by far one of the longest and most fruitful collaborations that we’ve made,” said Ram Venkat, one of the architects on the project from Sweet Sparkman Architects. In the 17 years the project has been underway, he said it’s seen many changes in leadership from the architects, Eckerd and the contractors.
“Even though we’ve gone through so many cycles in the design, the end result and actually seeing all of it…absolutely a treat to be a part of this experience,” Venkat said.
The first hour of its opening was dedicated to a tour around the building until students and faculty were able to enjoy a meal. As Williams noted in her speech, the dining center has a much more “modern” feel to it. Not only is the layout completely different from before, but the dining utensils including the cutlery, plates and cups are all new. The soda machine has been replaced, and older stations have been brought back, including the addition of a new Mongolian grill.
“I’m excited to see all the new faces coming in and to see the smiles of them eating the good food that we have here now,” said Clifford Bacon, who works for Bon Appétit and was operating the new Mongolian grill the day of the grand opening.