ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – From increased to-go options and limited seating to Plexiglas shields and Grubhub pick-up zones – Winthrop University’s Dining Services and Sodexo have been busy preparing for the new world of dining COVID-19 has created.
Their preparations have earned the Palmetto Priority status, a state-wide initiative that ensures restaurants are following the best practices and can promise a clean and safe dining experience.
"We're excited to welcome students back to our dining facilities again this fall," said Bryan Harriss, director of dining services. "We've been working closely with health officials on new and improved safety measures and can assure everyone that our patrons' health and safety is, as always, our top priority."
All dining facilities on campus will have limited seating and will encourage social distancing through floor markings every six feet. Sanitizing rotations will occur approximately every 30 minutes. Dining staff will be required to answer questions about their health and have their temperatures checked before reporting to work and will wear protective face gear.
Areas that have typically been self-serve, such as Thomson Cafe’s salad station and drink stations, will now be manned by staff and include pre-packaged options.
Other measures in place include:
*Encouraging the use of Grubhub: between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Dining Services serves more than 3,000 meals. To help prevent crowds and wait times, students and patrons are strongly encouraged to use Grubhub. For all retail locations, people can order, select their pick-up time and pay in advance. Their food will be waiting for them at the specified Grubhub pick-up zone located outside of the DiGiorgio Campus Center.
*Offering more carryout and pre-packaged options and revised menus for faster service, i.e., a limited menu at Chick-fil-A.
*Implementing touchless entryways and cashless payments.
*Creating, potentially, more outdoor seating areas with tables near Thomson, the Campus Green and the West Center.
For more information, including menus, hours and more, check Dining Services' official website at winthrop.sodexomyway.com or instagram.com/winthropdining1.
