A modest renovation for The Bean is expected to take place during the summer of 2021 and be complete prior to the start of fall semester.
One of the biggest changes to be expected on this renovation are new countertops. The Icewells sitting on the counters are going to be switched to new units and inserted into the countertops.
“It makes it easier that we will not be having to be dumping ice into them; they are going to be refrigerated units,” said Jay Robertson, head supervisor of Dining Services.
The Salad Bar and Soup area are also going to be slightly renovated by installing soup tanks that are flush-mounted.
“We think this will make it easier for students to serve themselves soup instead of it being higher on the counter,” said David Casida, senior director of dining services.
The colors of all the walls are going to be changed to more “aesthetic” colors. Graphics will also be added to some of the walls and glass windows. There is also going to be an installation of vinyl wrap on some of the walls in the dining room.
Renovation of the smoothie area has not been confirmed yet, as the possible changes and improvements are still in the talks.
“They still have not figured out if they are doing anything different with Blends,” said Robertson. ” We are talking about making it a creamery station were we will be moving all of the ice cream related products in.”
The renovation was meant to be completed during summer 2020, but it had to be postponed due to the setbacks brought by COVID-19.
“The Bean’s renovation will be done by summer,” said Casida. “It will not be a complete makeover, but rather a small upgrade; a refresh.”