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Elevating Your Dining Experience

Dining Hall/Great Hall Renovation Begins November 2025

Simpson College’s new dining hall will enhance student recruitment and retention by offering more food choices and a modern, welcoming environment. With students eating up to 500 meals a year on campus, improved dining experiences foster stronger campus connections. Key upgrades—like a new entryway, more natural light, and a link to Great Hall—will create a positive first impression for visitors. The space will support healthy living through fresh menus, better air quality, and views of Buxton Park, nourishing both body and mind.

 

 

 

 

Dining Project Q&A

Construction is set to begin in late November with an expected completion date in early August 2026—in time to begin serving students for Fall Semester.

On Monday, Dec. 1, the first day following Thanksgiving break, all dining will transition from Pfeiffer to Kent.

Yes. Serving hours will continue to be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Patrons will enter from the Atrium. A checker-stand will be located just inside the main doors to the dining area. Your meal swipe will allow you to access all-you-can eat dining, just as you do currently in Pfeiffer.

Several food stations will be available:

  • The open station next to Millie’s (where Boba Tea was last year) will become the pizza and pasta station.
  • Tyler’s will continue to offer grille selections and two homestyle serving stations will be added along the east side (similar to main line in Pfeiffer).
  • The SubConnect location will continue to offer made-to-order sandwiches and salads.
  • The Convenience Store (C-Store) will be relocated to the entrance of the Spirit Shop. Your flex (as well as credit/debit or cash) will continue to work.

Millie’s will continue to be a stand-alone coffee shop that accepts cash, credit, flex, and meal-exchange options.

All existing seating options will remain inside the dining area, as well as those in the area by Millie’s. Overflow seating will be available in Black Box. Additional seating within the Atrium and throughout the first floor of Kent will also be provided.

The availability of more food serving stations in Kent should help reduce line stress to some degree. While avoiding peak times when possible is always a good strategy, taking advantage of grab-and-go options (Simply to Go) and the use of the Green To-Go Boxes will also be beneficial.

The project design team will be tabling again in the Kent Atrium the first week of November. Stay tuned to see final designs, test out furniture options, get your questions answered and more.

Restored Great Hall Will Be Lively Gathering Space

Great Hall has long been a cherished space for music recitals, student dances, and community events, once praised by Dr. Robert Larsen ’54 for its exceptional acoustics. The upcoming renovation will restore its former vibrancy, reviving it as a hub for performances, student gatherings, and everyday campus life. It will serve not only as an event venue but also as a flexible space where students can dine, collaborate, and relax—bringing back the best of Great Hall and transforming it into a true campus living room. View the full rendering.

 

Other Questions?

Matt Hansen

Matt Hansen

  • Vice President for Student Development
  • Dean of Students
All Faculty & Staff