FAMU’s Improved Residence Dining Hall Reopens

Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Residence Dining Hall or “Top Café” has a whole new look.

Located in the Student Services Center, the Residence Dining Hall reopened just in the time for the first Convocation held on Friday, September 10, 2021. President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., proudly announced at the Lawson Center. President Robinson and wife, Sharon Robinson, were the first visitors served for breakfast the morning of the opening.

“With the opening of the Hub on the southside of campus, and the new renovations to the main dining hall, we now have two world class eateries right here on campus,” said Carey Brown, assistant director of operations for Business and Auxiliary Services.

The Top Café first opened its doors in 2000. In 2017, a terrace seating space known as “the green room,” which added a scenic view of Bragg Stadium, was added to the rear of the café increasing its seating capacity to 625. The new renovations include updates to the main dining area and the “green room” such as a high-energy, LED accent color pendant lighting package, an entirely new seating package, all new lighter finishes and flooring, and much more.

“We are extremely excited about the remodel – a fresh, new look. The huge signature salad bar and deli in the center of the space, as well as the new bakery, breakfast area, Mongolian Grill and coffee station are welcome additions, and added conveniences for our customers,” said Tripp Goodwin, general manager for Metz Culinary Management.

The Mongolian Grill offers a hi-top counter and highboy seating for upfront visibility to watch the cooking action. The new coffee station offers a variety of flavored coffee beverages at the push of a button.

Visitors to the Residence Dining Hall are served a variety of delicious entrees and food options from new, state-of-the art market serving stations. LED monitors display the menu items served at each station giving customers an easier view of what is available.

“We are excited to see the transformation and enhancements to the Student Services Center upstairs dining facility,” said Michael Smith, interim assistant vice president for Finance and Administration. “This compliments the new HUB facility on the Southside of campus.”

With the re-opening of the Residence Dining Hall, the Food Court has resumed its operations. Visitors can choose to order from popular spots such as Pizza Express, The Chopping Block, WingStop and Tropical Smoothie. Orders for Food Court locations, as well as Chick-fil-A, Poblano’s and the President’s Dining Room may be placed in advance using the GrubHub mobile app. Kiosk ordering is also available for restaurants in the Student Services Center. Notifications are sent directly to guests’ phone when orders are ready for pickup.  Curbside pickup service will also be available soon for Food Court locations.

The new remodel is aligned with FAMU’s strategic priorities, said Rebecca Brown, interim vice president and CFO for Finance and Administration.

“Having a sleek, modern, state-of-the -art facility not only provides a great dining experience, but also expresses our commitment to remain relevant to the culture and needs of our guests,” she said.

Both the Residence Dining Hall and THE HUB are open during the fall semester. Both locations serve breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays. The Residence Dining Hall also serves brunch and dinner on the weekends. THE HUB is closed on weekends. All other campus dining locations will also re-open in the fall.