North Dakota State University announced that the Union Dining Center will close at the end of this fall semester for a comprehensive renovation, scheduled to reopen as the Union Market in fall 2025. The updated dining space will introduce a variety of new dining options, enhanced ordering technology and improved seating areas designed to better serve the needs of the campus community.
Upon completion, the Union Market will feature several stations catering to different tastes and dietary needs. The Breakfast Nook will provide morning essentials like pastries, coffee and quick breakfast options. Comfort Cuisine will bring back popular NDSU favorites, including popcorn chicken bowls and sesame orange chicken. Greens and Grains will offer customizable salads and grain bowls, adding a health-conscious choice with allergen-friendly options, while Grab-n-Go will supply a selection of ready-made sandwiches, salads and hot items for students on the move.
Roxxane England, director of dining and leader of the Union remodel, said that the eateries within the Union Market are designed to offer “delicious, high-quality menu options that can be fully customized to exactly what you are craving.” She added that the Grab-n-Go station would also feature fresh, pre-prepared selections to accommodate students’ busy schedules.
In addition to its revamped dining options, the Union Market will incorporate modern ordering technology aimed at reducing wait times during peak hours. Mobile and kiosk ordering will be available for convenient pickup, and a centralized checkout system will allow diners to choose items from multiple stations and pay in a single transaction. England expressed enthusiasm for the upgraded seating areas, noting that they will offer a variety of options to suit both quick meals and longer study sessions.
“Our customers are going to love our newly updated seating spaces where you can hang out for a long study session or catch up with friends,” she said. The space will include booths and additional power outlets to accommodate students’ needs for comfort and productivity.
To ensure the new dining options reflect student preferences, NDSU Dining partnered with a food service consultant in 2022 to gather feedback. Surveys and focus groups with students, faculty and staff provided critical insights that influenced the project’s direction.
“Surveys were sent out to the campus community, and focus groups were conducted with students, staff and faculty to discuss data and gather information,” England said. “Their recommendations were used to align customer priorities into the project planning, including adding a branded chicken concept and keeping Burgers at the U.”
The Union Market will also allow flexibility in payment options, including block meal plans, Dining Dollars and traditional payments. Dining Dollars will allow students to use funds at branded concepts, such as Panda Express, or purchase items outside the traditional meal plan, like a Starbucks Refresher at the Minard Coffee Shop.
Though construction often comes with challenges, England emphasized the team’s readiness to handle unexpected issues. “Construction always comes with challenges and surprises,” she said. “Fortunately, we work with great partners that support us in expecting the unexpected and ensuring that the end result always meets our high quality of standards.”
The Union Market remodel is part of NDSU’s broader commitment to improving campus facilities and adapting to changing needs. Renderings of the new design will be displayed on campus as the project progresses, and updates on construction will be available through NDSU Dining’s website and social media platforms.
The new Union Market is expected to become a central hub for students and staff, reflecting the university’s dedication to creating a dynamic and functional dining space.