Historic Van Zile serves up a new approach to campus dining

For Kansas State University students balancing classes, work and extracurriculars, finding time for a meal can feel like another item on an already crowded to-do list.

Angela Villamayor is familiar with that feeling. A Van Zile resident, community assistant, architecture major and member of the K-State Marching Band, Villamayor often leaves evening band rehearsal just as Derby and Kramer are nearing closing time.

"Since Van Zile closes at 8 p.m., I'm way less worried about making it back in time for dinner, so it's my go-to option," says Villamayor.

Nearly 100 years after it first opened its doors, the newly refreshed Van Zile Dining Center welcomed diners back this fall, with a clear mission to support Wildcats like Villamayor who need flexible, convenient options that fit their busy schedules.

K-State dining center refreshed with student needs in mind

That kind of flexibility is exactly what Housing and Dining Services had in mind when they started the planning phase of the Van Zile Dining Center renovation. Through an app-driven mobile ordering system, students can order meals and select a pickup time that fits their schedule, a distinctive addition to the K-State Dining space.

"Meeting the needs of students is always at the center of our decision-making," said Mary Molt, associate director of Housing and Dining Services and assistant professor of food, nutrition, dietetics and health. "Through conversations with residence hall students, it became clear that a dining facility with greater flexibility and a welcoming space to connect with on- and off-campus friends was needed within Housing and Dining Services."

The renovated first floor of Van Zile delivers on those priorities by offering extended service hours, ordering convenience and an energetic atmosphere that encourages connection and community.

While the original 1926 Van Zile dining room was left intact, the rest of the first floor received a complete overhaul, adding updated features such as a grab-and-go self-service area, community gathering spaces with comfortable seating, booths and tables, and new retail locations to support both on-campus residents and off-campus students.

In addition to the ability to order ahead at the dining center, students can grab upscale craft beverages, coffee drinks, and a variety of fresh bakery items, sandwiches and other grab-and-go foods at Cornerstone Café at Van Zile.

The Market is another retail space that provides a range of everyday essentials, including drinks, snacks and personal care items.

Van Zile's new take on dining, driven by student demand, complements other campus eateries

According to Molt, the Van Zile project was driven by students' desire for a dining venue that complemented, rather than duplicated, the traditional all-you-care-to-eat services available at the Derby and Kramer dining centers.

Meeting the needs of students is always at the center of our decision-making. Through conversations with residence hall students, it became clear that a dining facility with greater flexibility and a welcoming space to connect with on- and off-campus friends was needed within Housing and Dining Services.

While professional staff researched best practices and emerging trends in the collegiate food service industry, student voices played a vital role in shaping the updated dining and community space. Housing and Dining Services leadership engaged extensively with student residents to better understand the features they most wanted.

"We considered industry trends and successful practices from other institutions," Molt said. "The voices of our own students were the most important factor."

Van Zile Dining Center was designed around two popular concepts among college students: a grill and a wrap-and-bowl station. These options provide menu variety and flexibility while supporting the order-and-pickup service model that students requested.

"What I love the most about the Van Zile Dining Center is how easy it is to order online, pick up, and then go to a space where you can study or head to another class if needed," said Allison Konrade, Van Zile resident, community assistant and dining center employee.

As a busy student and on-campus worker, Konrade has to move quickly from place to place, eating on the way to class or sometimes taking her food to her room.

"Living in the Strong Complex and having a nearby dining center is so nice and convenient, and one of the best parts is that the food is always delicious," Konrade said.

Each meal order comes with an entrée, two sides and a fountain drink, a format that works well for students like Villamayor, who will often save her sides for a snack later.

"Being able to just take my food with me and eat while I work is amazing for productivity," Villamayor said. "And advance ordering means I never have to wait in line."

Konrade pointed out another advantage for the residents of the Strong Complex: protection from extreme temperatures.

"On the days that are very hot outside, I don't have to leave the complex to grab lunch or dinner," she says. "In the winter, when it begins to snow, that will be very important for all Strong Complex residents."

More than a meal: Van Zile first floor offers students another home away from home

Van Zile isn't only serving up fresh meals to go. The first-floor area also serves as a community gathering space where both on- and off-campus students can hang out, study or just relax.

The original dining area now includes a sunken baby grand piano, adding ambiance and a focal point for visitors enjoying the space and a good meal.

"The design intentionally fosters camaraderie and connection in a welcoming and collegial environment," says Molt. "We know Van Zile will become another room in our students' 'home away from home.'"

Molt anticipates that Van Zile will become a hub of campus life for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors alike.

Campus upgrades continue with Strong Complex renovation project

The Van Zile Dining Center renovation is part of a larger Strong Complex renovation project. Phase one included the recent transformation of Boyd Hall into a living-and-learning community for K-State Honors students. It is now home to nearly 300 residents. The next phase of the project is underway and includes renovations to Putnam Hall, with full occupancy expected in fall 2027.

For Derek Jackson, vice president of Housing and Dining Services, the Strong Complex renovation is an opportunity to preserve an important part of K-State's history, while adapting those spaces to meet the needs of today's students.

"What I am most proud of in this project is the ability to take historic buildings and advance them well into the future — delivering new dining concepts that address the ever-changing student life," Jackson says.