Loyola University New Orleans Unveils Complete Campus Dining Transformation

Loyola University New Orleans is celebrating the grand opening of its newly renovated dining spaces following a campus-wide transformation completed in under twelve months. The project represents a comprehensive re-imagining of the university’s dining experience — from the renewed Orleans Room to the revitalized Danna Center and the new Starbucks on Freret Street.

A Renewal Shaped by Students

From the earliest planning stages, student input guided every major decision. Surveys, feedback sessions, and campus dining committees all helped shape the renovation priorities — from flexible late-night options to more comfortable social spaces. Students had long expressed interest in bringing Chick-fil-A to campus, and that addition has quickly become a favorite. The introduction of Amazon Just Walk Out technology in the Market directly supports extended service hours, giving students around-the-clock access to quick meals and essentials.

The Orleans Room

The fully redesigned Orleans Room features open seating, warm finishes, and a modern layout that reflects how students gather and spend time between classes. Requests for more hang-out space led to an expanded seating area that now encourages both relaxation and connection. Guided by Sodexo’s One&All dining program, the Orleans Room introduces Simple Servings and Simple Zone stations for guests with food allergies and dietary restrictions, along with digital menu boards for easy navigation.

Menus emphasize seasonal ingredients and chef-crafted dishes that balance creativity and comfort. The renovation transforms the Orleans Room into a welcoming centerpiece of campus life — a space designed for conversation, community, and good food.

The grand opening also featured the Cooking for a Cause event, where students joined Sodexo chefs to prepare dishes for a local nonprofit. Members of Loyola’s Board of Directors attended the celebration, speaking directly with students and gathering feedback about the new facilities.

The Danna Center

The Danna Center has been reconfigured into a bright, open environment with new booth seating, built-in outlets, and improved flow throughout the main corridor. The layout encourages students to linger, study, or meet with friends between classes.

In addition to Chick-fil-A, refreshed locations include Jimmy John’s and Smoothie King, both updated for faster service and modernized layouts. The Market now features Amazon Just Walk Out technology, providing a fully cashierless experience — among the first of its kind in the Southeast. All campus dining locations are also connected to Grubhub, enabling quick mobile ordering and pickup.

The New Starbucks

Located on the first floor of Francis Family Hall, the new, fully licensed Starbucks offers the complete beverage and food menu along with branded merchandise. The café’s contemporary design and street-level access along Freret Street connect Loyola’s campus with the surrounding neighborhood, creating a shared space that welcomes both students and the community.

Behind the Scenes

Significant kitchen and infrastructure upgrades were completed across campus, including new equipment, prep areas, and offices. These updates improve efficiency, support expanded menu offerings, and enhance day-to-day operations for dining staff.

A Transformation with Purpose

The year-long renovation has redefined what dining looks like at Loyola. Every detail — from the seating plans to the service technology — was influenced by how students live, study, and eat. The result is a series of spaces that blend function and warmth, offering flexibility, comfort, and choice throughout the day and late into the evening.