New University of Georgia dining hall boasts fresh look, food program

The University of Georgia now has a new dining facility that accommodates a revamped approach to food preparation and serving.

The two-story, 1,000-seat Bolton Dining Commons replaced and expanded the university’s former dining facility, which was located at the same site. The new building was designed with an emphasis on exhibition cooking and small-batch production to promote freshness and quality food practices, according to a press release from Bruner/Cott & Associates.

“Bolton Dining Commons represents the kind of large, multi-functional, campus dining hub for which Bruner/Cott is increasingly being recognized,” Dan Raih, principal in charge with Bruner/Cott, said in a statement. “Conceived as a frontrunner in higher-education food service facilities, it will serve the campus and its students well for years to come.”

The building also includes a convertible 200-seat private event space and 4,000 square feet of offices and administrative space.

Here’s how Bruner/Cott describes the design, per the press release:

“Set in the midst of student activity on campus, Bolton’s form is articulated with an exterior palette of brick, granite, cast stone, glass, and metal panels that complement the existing campus architecture.

A “front door” entrance provides a recognizable icon visible from Georgia Quad to the east, while an entrance facing Tanyard Creek provides easy access from the campus high-rise district to the west.

An upgraded pathway system along Tanyard Creek, including a new pedestrian bridge, proffers enhanced campus connectivity as well as space for informal gathering. Natural lighting and outdoor seating enhance the student experience.”