SBU Eats: Bringing a Taste of Home and Heart to Campus

At Stony Brook University, dining isn't just about food - it's about community, comfort, and connection. Every day, SBU Eats' dedicated staff works hard to create a welcoming environment where students can feel at home, even while away from their families.

Driven by a commitment to student care, SBU Eats launched "Together at the Table," a hospitality program celebrating the unique bonds formed between students and dining staff. Through this initiative, students can share personal stories about staff members who have positively impacted their lives by going above and beyond, offering a warm smile, or simply being there at the right time. Together at the Table goes beyond serving food; it fosters meaningful interactions that make a difference in students' day-to-day lives. These stories highlight staff members who remember a student's favorite order, offer a friendly greeting, or lend a compassionate ear, showing how small gestures can leave lasting impressions.

Ken Ferro, director of Operations, and Isabella Gallego '28.

The program started with a simple idea from Ken Ferro, director of Operations, who developed a way to obtain feedback from students to gather insights on their experiences and expectations regarding hospitality at the dining locations."The stories that we have been receiving are the moments that matter because they show us that SBU Eats isn't just here to serve meals, they're here to support students." Each student story talks about the awesome conversations, friendships, and ways these bonds have impacted their lives. Throughout the year, there will be exciting new types of Together at the Table events and experiences so that Seawolves can connect, share, and shape the dining program together in fresh and engaging ways.

"We use these insights to increase overall satisfaction and well-being for students by providing a welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and a variety of dining options that meet diverse tastes and dietary needs," Ferro explained. "Our goal is to make every dining experience at Stony Brook feel like home, where students feel valued and supported."

Ferro recognizes the value of listening to students' dining requests and needs. "We want students to know they have a voice in their dining experience," he shared. "Whether it's adding a favorite item or creating a new dish, our team is here to listen." Recently, Ferro and the team added "Uproot Milk" dispensers at the coffee/tea stations at East and West Side dine-in locations. These dispensers provide oat milk, chocolate pea milk, and soy milk for those students with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or those who need more protein in their diet. This addition is yet another way the SBU Eats team demonstrates their commitment to offering diverse options that cater to every Seawolf's needs.

Each week, the dine-in locations offer ten new menu items, which can be viewed in the Nutrislice app and on the digital screens at the venue. With an expanded variety of options, there's something new for every taste and dietary preference, from savory to spicy and everything in between. Some of the new items featured at East Side dine-in include honey sesame Brussels sprouts, spicy turkey sandwiches, sliced beef sandwiches, and tofu schnitzel with mushroom sauce.

Every year, Ferro takes great pride in planning the Thanksgiving Feast at East Side Dining for students who remain on campus for the holiday. His signature mocktail creations always exceed expectations, adding a unique flair to the celebration. In the spirit of bringing students together over a comforting meal, SBU Eats will transform East Side Dining on Thanksgiving Day into a welcoming, restaurant-style space with table linens, floral centerpieces, and seasonal decorations. This special gathering offers students who are unable to travel home the chance to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with vegan and vegetarian options, delicious desserts, and Ferro's specialty mocktails. "We want to create a space where students can come together, enjoy a comforting meal, and experience the spirit of the holiday in the company of their SBU Eats family," stated Ferro.

Through the SBU Eats hospitality program, dining at Stony Brook University has become a space of support, a source of joy, and a reminder of the kindness and camaraderie that exists on campus. Students may come for the food, but they stay for the people who make their dining experiences feel like home.

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