Dining Services news

Freshens' changes aim to speed up service, give you more options

Following several weeks of remodeling, Freshens Fresh Food Studio (Freshens) re-opened on Sunday, Jan.12. 

Most of the remodeling focused on implementing a new guest service model. “The students and other patrons now accompany their custom-built entrée(s) through the production process and then pay at the end of the counter” says Thomas George, Dining Services Resident District Manager. 

New Freshens menu items available this semester include the Baja Queso Rice Bowl, Tomato, Cheese and Basil Crepe (vegetarian), Avocado Cobb Salad, and three new vegan and gluten free Wellness Blends Smoothies - Going Green, Apple Kiwi Kale, and Vegan Power Up.

“Freshens has been a partner at the University of Akron since 2013, and we welcomed the opportunity to update the location.  We hope our students continue to enjoy its food and beverage options including the vegan and gluten free alternatives” says UA’s Vice President for Finance and Administration/CFO, Nathan Mortimer.

As compared to this past fall, the spring hours of operation are expanded to 10 p.m. daily. Freshens is located on the lower level of the Jean Hower Taber Student Union and its regular spring hours of operation are:

• Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
• Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and
• Saturday – Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.  

The Freshens/Zee’s Natural location also offers a variety of retail items including all natural beverages, grocery items, frozen foods and more.

An even better on-campus dining experience

To enhance the dining experience on campus, the University’s Dining Services team has put in place a number of enhancements for this spring semester.

• Fresher options: We updated and then elevated the cookware for the Vegan station at Rob’s.  The menu items will remain fresher with smaller batch cooking plus the presentation of the food will be better.
• Superfoods: We have introduced the Vegan Power Bowl as part of our weekly rotation menu. Vegan Power Bowls are superfoods made with grains, legumes, vegetables, savory sauces and broths.
• Chef a la Cart: We will begin the Chef a la Cart initiative to increase food knowledge and spur interactions with students.  Beginning Jan. 29 and continuing once per month, Chef Nick will move about Rob’s with a cart and will feature innovative and tasteful menu items.
• Extended hours: The International station and the Gluten Solutions station at Rob’s will remain open until 3:45 p.m. daily. Historically, these stations closed at 2 p.m.   Additionally, the Vegan Station service hours extend now to 3:30 p.m. daily.
• Theme meals: Our popular theme meals will increase. Twelve theme meals are already scheduled. Please visit Campus Dish to view the dates and themes.
• Zee’s Stores and P.O.D. Polsky: See our all-new “Quick Eats” Grab n Go program menu items, including sandwiches, snacks, salads, sides and parfaits.
• More for people who are vegans or eat gluten free: We have many options available and we’ve put them on our new informational roadmaps, available upon request in dining locations and in the Dining Services office in Robertson Dining Hall.
• Interacting and Listening: A Student Food Committee with students residing in University residence halls has been formed and will meet monthly. Contact Dining Services for more information and dates of meetings.