University of Rochester - Danforth Dining Hall

JME partnered with Aramark and Mancini Duffy TSC to reimagine a dated 14,500 square foot dining hall as a vibrant, flexible foodservice destination. Anchored by Aramark’s Fresh Food Company model, the design prioritized transparency, variety, and community building to create an inviting, student-centered experience with minimal reliance on traditional back-of-house space.

Highlights include three self-contained kitchen pods delivering diverse, exhibition-style cooking, each operating as its own compact production hub to improve speed of service and menu agility. A trayless operation, recycled materials, and energy-efficient systems advance sustainability goals while supporting day-to-day durability. The renewed layout and bold aesthetics foster social connection and clear wayfinding, contributing to a tripling of weekly patrons and an annual revenue of 4.5 million dollars. The result is a redefined student dining experience that strikes a balance between operational adaptability and a lively, contemporary atmosphere.

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