SJU Dining introduced a new option for food service called Food Lab in Campion Food Court just in time for the new semester to begin. While Burger + Fries is replacing Grille Works, Food Lab offers a different, healthy option for cuisine every two weeks. 

For the past two weeks, Food Lab offered Greens to Go, a customizable salad bar. This week, Food Lab will be serving sandwiches.

Brendan Ferguson ’22, a recent graduate who is pursuing his MBA in food marketing, is working with Aramark on the development of Food Lab. Ferguson described the new addition as a food concept.

“We want to give students healthier options, to get fresh ingredients, and to get a good meal in aside from your typical Hawk Wrap or burgers and fries,” Ferguson said.  “Once SJU Dining figures out how to really perfect this concept, they can get even more creative. It could segue into other options offered on campus.”

Ferguson revealed that Food Lab may be offering burritos and customizable rice bowls in the future.

“I think it would be a great addition to the concept, especially with the popularity of those meals now. Everyone loves Chipotle, so we want to replicate popular concepts,” Ferguson said.

With SJU Dining Services requesting feedback from students every two weeks, student opinions and dietary desires are finally being heard. 

“I like the changes they’ve made to the dining hall. You can tell they’re putting in more effort to make the food better, because it needs to be better,” said Aidan Driscoll ’25.

Michael Ordille ’26 said he was satisfied with the current Food Lab rotation of Greens to Go because he feels there should be more salad options on campus.

“I would like to see a continuation of the salad bar. I definitely think [Food Lab] is a spot where if you want a healthier option, they’ve got the best,” said Ordille. 

While SJU Dining Services cannot take action for each and every student suggestion, all requests will be considered if brought to the bi-monthly focus groups held in the Campion Student Center conference room. 

Food Lab is still testing the waters but is gaining popularity among students quickly. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and is closed on the weekends. SJU Dining has ensured that Food Lab accommodates for food allergies, preferences, and special dietary needs and will continue to improve as the concept grows.