For the first time in three years, there’s been an upgrade happening at the Chaminade University dining hall.

In June, Chaminade began its renovations inside the Silversword Cafe. The project is funded by Chaminade University and Aramark Dining, the food service providers for the dining hall. Aramark Dining contributed a total of $1.2 million for the renovations. The renovations are expected to last until the end of this November, due to a backlog in permitting with the state.

To keep the Silversword Cafe operational, a temporary serving station was set up in the back, and a temporary wall was built to block off the construction being done to the kitchen.

The Silversword Cafe is expected to have new furniture such as tables, chairs, and bench-style seating. It is hoping to create a new hangout area for students with a small section in the corner of the dining hall.  The new furniture has also been delayed due to shipping delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Students are now greeted by new light fixtures and tilings on the walls and floors. There has also been an idea to include graphics on the blank walls. 

“I’m in love with the designs,” said Allison Jerome, vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Chaminade University. “I am excited to see the final product, and I’m grateful that it’s happening.”

Jerome worked closely with Ushijima Architects Inc. to create the new look for the Silversword Cafe. The design offers a modern, minimalistic look for students that was mostly inspired by students through focus groups conducted by Chaminade University.

“I think it’s cool but the design does not match the rest of the school,” said Katherine Gonzalez, a fourth-year Criminal Justice major. “It’s [the Silversword Cafe] very minimalistic and futuristic unlike the rest of the school.” 

On top of the interior design, the Silversword Cafe is now offering ala carte items like coffee for students or faculty who just want to take a break. Students now have the opportunity to control the music being played in the dining room with a modern jukebox app.  

The cafeteria was most recently renovated in 2019 after a flood, prompting repairs to the walls and floors.

Chaminade University has been waiting for the opportunity to make additional renovations to the Silversword Cafe since that flood, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been pushed back.  

Students are hoping to see the finished product soon and feel that it was a much-needed renovation. A cause of concern from students is the horizontal beam near the entrance being too low for tall students. Students find it entertaining to watch tall students dip their heads to avoid hitting the beam. 

“I think the renovations are cool, but they should do something about the beam,” Jannabel Bielza, third-year Biology major said. 

Jerome mentioned that the beam could not be raised due to structural issues, but the doorway to the new serving stations has been raised by another foot to accommodate the taller students. 

“The renovations are a good start for the dining hall,” said Jade Holokai, a fourth-year Forensics Science major.