Beginning this semester, ETSU’s dining services will be hosting two guest chef programs that will invite local restaurants and community members to share new foods with students.
“One program that is going to be new this semester is that we are featuring local restaurants in the dining hall,” said Bethanie Dye, Sodexo Campus Services marketing specialist. “We’re looking at increasing our partnerships not just within the university but within the ETSU community as a whole.”
Two local restaurants will take over a station in the dining hall during a meal period and serve items from their menu. If possible, chefs from these restaurants will be present to share their stories and recipes with students.
Additionally, the dining hall will feature dishes from community members and ETSU faculty. These home cooks will be invited to be a part of the cooking process in the dining hall and to share the story behind their recipe.
“One thing we definitely believe here is that food brings people together,” said Dye.
The goal of the Guest Chef Series is to connect students and faculty with the Johnson City community and to experience new foods. The dining hall is meant to be a place for gathering, and these events will promote a healthy and exciting environment for students.
The Guest Chef Series will continue expanding in the future.
“We want to make sure that no matter what the meal period is, what day it is or what kind of day they’re having, that they’re going to have a good meal here,” said Dye. “It’s going to be engaging; they’re going to have fun.”
Another event series ongoing this semester is “Around the World” which will feature food of varying regions. The dining hall will be partnering with relevant faculty and student groups to create authentic cultural experiences. For example, the German club is being consulted on food and music for an upcoming Oktoberfest event.
“We want students to be able to broaden their minds, broaden their horizons, reach out beyond what they normally would,” said Dye.
The “Around the World” series is also an opportunity for international students to feel seen and appreciated while attending ETSU.
All mentioned events are included with meal plans and are at no additional cost.
The Dining Hall is currently hiring. Positions start at $10 an hour and are flexible with schedules! Visit etsu.sodexomyway.com for more information.
To stay up to date on the events in the dining hall text ETSUeats to 82257 and follow @ETSUeats on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
