A spot to eat and drink full well
Full Well Café opens through campus collaboration to promote student well-being
K-State students have a healthy new option on campus with the Full Well café.
Full Well Café — a collaborative initiative between Housing and Dining Services, the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, or DASSA, and the Staley School of Leadership — is the newest addition to the campus food scene.
Located in the Leadership Studies building, the café serves as a hub for student well-being, connection and nutrition.
This partnership exemplifies K-State's commitment to student well-being and highlights the importance of cross-department collaboration.
By combining expertise in student support, dining services and leadership development, the café serves as a model for how different campus units can work together to provide holistic resources for students' health and success.
“When we listened to students and other community members, this type of space was high on their list — a place where they can gather, enjoy healthy options, be comfortable and connect, which matches the overall feeling in the leadership studies building,” said Mary Tolar, dean of the Staley School of Leadership. “The partnership with Housing and Dining, and the way we connected with one another in developing this project, really resonates with the mission of the Staley School and with DASSA. We share a deep commitment to our students’ growth and wellbeing, and to this spot that we love full well.”
The café officially opened in April with a well-attended launch event, drawing students, faculty and staff to celebrate this new addition to the campus community.
“Full Well Café is more than a café — it’s a campus touchpoint for connection and well-being,” said John Green, associate director of retail operations for Housing and Dining Services. “It reflects our shared goal of promoting student thriving through healthy, intentional offerings.”
Full Well Café promotes healthy options for students, faculty and staff
A highlight of the café’s menu is its unique selection of superfood bowls, which include bases like acai, dragon fruit blast, chia seed pudding and blue majik spirulina. These vibrant bowls are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and other health benefits, offering students, faculty and staff a nutrient-rich option to fuel their day.
In addition, Full Well has partnered with a local business, Hungry Chickpea, to offer a variety of fresh, healthy salads, crafted with ingredients like mixed greens, lean proteins and a range of colorful fruits and vegetables, providing a satisfying, vitamin-rich meal.
The café’s launch is aligned with DASSA’s strategic plan, which emphasizes fostering a healthy campus environment through student-centered initiatives. The collaboration between departments furthers this goal, creating new opportunities for students to engage with healthy choices and leadership development.
The name “Full Well” is inspired by the first line of the university’s alma mater and serves as a reminder of K-State’s commitment to holistic student support, encouraging Wildcats to live, learn and lead full well.
The café is open with the following operating hours through the rest of the spring semester: Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Summer hours will vary; see the Full Well Café website for the latest hours of operation.
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