By Pamela L. Moore
Florida A&M University, the highly anticipated newest dining facility, THE HUB, is open for business and feeding students, faculty, and staff.
Located on the south end of campus, adjacent to FAMU Towers, THE HUB is a welcome addition to house several of the services provided by FAMU’s Business and Auxiliary Services and its partners.
THE HUB provides 10,872 square feet of multi-functional space that features a 330-seat capacity dining hall, which includes a beautiful, spacious outside seating area, a satellite business center, convenience store, and a cozy private room for special events. The contemporary design, as well as the many attractive attributes, is sure to make THE HUB a favored spot for the campus community to enjoy.
Rebecca Brown, assistant vice president for Finance and Administration, said the facility elevates the campus dining experience.
“Presentation is everything. We want our students to be proud of not only the services they receive, but the locations they visit to be served,” she said. “We believe they will be very proud of the look and feel of THE HUB.”
THE HUB dining hall includes all new, state of the art kitchen appliances and food stations, and a new pizza oven. All menu options offered at the Residence Dining Hall located in the Student Services Center will also be available at THE HUB.
Carey Brown, assistant director of Operations for Business and Auxiliary Services, said the new facilities don’t disappoint.
“Dining guests can expect the same quality of service at THE HUB that they enjoy at the Residence Dining Hall,” he said. “Consistency in service is very important to us.”
Metz Culinary Management, FAMU’s dining provider, will service both dining locations, as well as the other locations across the campus.
“We are committed to providing food options that meet the lifestyle needs of our customers at our dining locations,” said Tripp Goodwin, general manager for Metz Culinary Management. The cozy, bright and colorful seating arrangements in the dining hall create a fun and welcoming look and feel. The outside dining area features comfortable leisure seating as well as a beautiful outdoor fire pit.
The satellite Business Center gives students, faculty and staff located near the south end of campus a more convenient option for print services, mailing and shipping. These services will be provided by the Ricoh staff. Students residing in residence halls on the south-end of campus will have access for mail pickup at THE HUB location. Mail pick-up for all other campus residents will remain at the Business Center located in the Student Services Center.
“The Hub was primarily constructed to provide south-end campus residents convenient access to food, mail and copying services,” Rebecca Brown said. “However, the services are also available to faculty, staff, community and alumni.”
The convenience store, known as “The Pit”, is the first of its kind on FAMU’s campus. The Pit offers an array of snacks, beverages, personal items and other accessories for purchase. Starting June 14, the operating hours will be 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.
“As our customers’ needs grow, we are committed to grow to meet those needs,” Brown added.
The cozy, private room in THE HUB can be reserved for special events. This meeting space features a lovely fireplace creating a comfortable atmosphere. The private room has a maximum capacity of 25 persons. Catered dining services are available through Metz Culinary Management.
THE HUB is open 7 days a week. The hours of operation are:
Monday – Friday: Breakfast 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.; Lunch – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Dinner 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: Brunch 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Dinner 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Seated dining is available.
For more details about the menu items at THE HUB, please visit The Hub – Florida A&M University Dining Services (metzfamu.com).
