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New Cafeteria is “Transformative”

8/24/2017

The only thing missing during yesterday’s grand re-opening of McFall Hall, Collegiate School’s renovated Middle School and Upper School cafeteria, were the TV home renovation show cameras and a dramatic “big reveal.”

Students, parents, faculty and staff who strolled into the refreshed dining space yesterday were enthralled by the open and airy design, which has enhanced not only the usability of McFall Hall, but also provided an aesthetic experience that could rival that of a Shockoe Bottom dining spot or two.

“It’s right-sized [for Collegiate's student population] and I think it’s transformative,” Scott Carson, Collegiate’s Director of Facilities Management and Construction, said of the modernized cafeteria, which features exposed brick walls, beams and steel. “It’s got an industrial chic look to it, but we’re still paying homage to the old McFall Hall.”

The updates to McFall Hall include:

* Expansion from 9,500 square feet to 15,600 square feet

* Expansion from seating for 300 to seating for 450
* Four serving lines instead of three
* A new kitchen with new equipment and increased storage space
* Flex spaces that can be partitioned into meeting rooms

During yesterday’s reception, live music provided by senior Zach Bostic on drums and junior Jack Lerch on guitar played softly in the background as guests mingled and sampled food in several newly-designed food stations.

Executives from Collegiate’s food service provider, Aladdin, were on hand for the reception, as was the company’s lead chef, who is based in the corporate headquarters near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eric Pearce wore his top chef hat and worked with Collegiate’s dedicated Aladdin team to serve up a special fare yesterday, which included a chipotle bar, cinnamon chips, roasted red pepper potato salad, black bean hummus and several kinds of pizza, including barbecue and pineapple.

“This is the culmination of listening and hearing what students wanted,” said Christine Branin, Collegiate’s Director of Auxiliary Services. “We met several times with students in the Upper School and we conducted several surveys. They wanted pizza and more offerings in the salad bar and more opportunities to interact and socialize and not be so crowded. To me, this is the achievement of that.”

Andy Harrison, who operates the Aladdin franchise at Collegiate, said in addition to being grateful to have been a part of the renovation process and now have an opportunity to provide amazing service from the new kitchen, he can’t wait to serve students in the new space.

“One of the things I value most about my job is the connection you develop with students,” Mr. Harrison said yesterday, as he watched students sampling the food. “To see their excitement about this new facility is contagious. It gets you excited and helps you believe in what you’re doing.”

The cafeteria, formerly known as Memorial Hall, was renamed McFall Hall in 2014, in honor of Charlie McFall, Collegiate’s longtime football coach, baseball coach and athletic director who retired that year after 43 years.

Mr. Carson said yesterday that Coach McFall was given a tour of the renovated space about two weeks ago. “The big theme [of his visit] was, ‘What’s the Charlie McFall burger going to be — venison or beef? I’m sure Charlie would be very happy to eat here.”

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