STUDENTS hungry for more dining options are in for a tasty surprise this fall with the opening of a new state-of-the-art Dining Commons at the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby campus.

The new building, which sits at the Burnaby student residence entry, will provide a wide variety of fresh and high-quality food choices with over 40 per cent of ingredients sourced locally in B.C. Global cuisine and plant-forward options will be served at more than 10 new culinary stations, which include a teppanyaki grill, sushi, wok cooking, made-to-order salads and, for those with a sweet tooth, access to soft serve ice cream on demand.

Dining Commons visitors with unique food preferences and restrictions will benefit from an abundance of customizable options, including meals that are vegan, vegetarian and halal. The building further features a range of allergen-free meals and a dedicated made-without-gluten pantry for those on a meal plan with gluten sensitivities. Students will also have access to a dietician to help them make informed eating and meal planning decisions.

“At SFU, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and welcoming campus community for our students—and that includes providing good, healthy food,” said SFU president Joy Johnson on Monday. “I can’t wait to see the new Dining Commons become a go-to destination for students to connect with each other, have a study session or simply enjoy a delicious meal.”

Designed to LEED Gold specifications, the Dining Commons features 28,000 sq ft of sustainable dining space, including 500 indoor seats and large skylights that make use of natural light. The building further boasts a large outdoor patio and a mezzanine with a variety of seating configurations, including family-style tables, bistro, and bar seating. Combined with ample access to electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi, the Dining Commons is an ideal location for students to eat, socialize and study alone or in groups.

The building was officially unveiled on Monday during a grand opening celebration attended by students, faculty and staff, as well as government and community partners.

“I want to congratulate Simon Fraser University for creating amazing spaces and services such as this, which will also serve the 386 students soon to be living on campus when the new student housing building opens early next year,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “Investing in dining facilities and student housing is a great way we can support students so they can focus on their studies, doing what they came to school to do.”

The Dining Commons will be open 24 hours a day during fall and spring terms and is available to students who live in residences and are on a meal plan, as well as to students, faculty, staff and visitors at posted meal rates. Similar to the existing dining hall, visitors have unlimited access to all food stations for their meals. The SFU community can also experience and learn from guest chefs, cooking demonstrations, theme nights and more.

“There has been a lot of anticipation among students for the new Dining Commons,” said Emmanuel Adegboyega, undergraduate student and president of the Residence Hall Association. “I’m really excited that it will be open in time for the fall semester, and I know students are going to enjoy all the new food options and great new space.”

The expanded dining space is critical in supporting the growing number of students living at SFU’s Burnaby campus through the university’s five-phase Residence and Housing Masterplan. Phase 2 is currently underway and will provide an additional 350 students with on-campus housing by the end of 2023. Once completed, the master plan will see 3,250 students living on Burnaby campus by 2035.

Fast Facts

• The Dining Commons will be open 24/7 during fall and spring terms
• The new building features 28,000 sq ft of dining space with over 10 culinary stations
• Over 40 per cent of ingredients served at the Dining Commons are locally sourced in B.C.
• A significant amount of sustainable Canadian wood was used both in construction of the building and in some of the locally built tables. All food waste will also be composted.
• The vast majority of dishware and cutlery are reusable, which helps eliminate single-use dishes and cutlery
• SFU is a Fairtrade Gold Campus, using many Fairtrade-certified ingredients in meal preparation.

For more information on the Dining Commons, visit www.sfu.ca/food/dining-commons