NSU Market Café Renovations

TAHLEQUAH, Okla.  — Northeastern State University began renovations for the University Center’s Market Café this summer with the goal of elevating its appearance and functionality.

The café, located on the second floor of the University Center, received several updates, including new flooring, millwork and new surface tops. Chris Adney, vice president of Auxiliary Services, said portions of the café were updated a few years ago but that it was time to modernize the entire location to create a cohesive look. Additionally, contractors demoed walls to create an open floor concept and improve the flow of the overall space.

“The budget for this project was approximately $120,000,” Adney said. “That includes the funding for the architect, construction and materials used for the renovation. With the renovations, we managed to open the space, making it more functional and aesthetically pleasing. We were also able to install a large island for a cereal bar.”

Adney said the project has been in the works for a while, with the budget being officially approved by RUSO earlier this spring. Updates began at the beginning of the summer and are about 95 percent complete. The final details of the project are expected to be completed this fall.

“The project was funded by auxiliary funds which are funded differently from the rest of the institution,” Adney said. “Auxiliary funds are funded by revenue generating sources like the bookstore, meal plans, housing, fitness center and the motor pool to name a few.”

The remodel marks a significant milestone for NSU, showcasing the ongoing efforts to create an environment where students can not only enjoy a nice meal but engage in a community-building atmosphere.

“The updates provide students with a fresh, clean and welcoming environment to dine in,” Adney said. “For residential students, this is their kitchen and dining room. The University Center is their home away from home, so creating a clean and refreshing space for them is important.”

Students are not the only ones taking advantage of the updated café. Commuter students, faculty, staff and community members are also able to purchase meal plans or dine in with card purchase. The café is an all-you-can-eat buffet style that ensures there are options for all.

“The Voluntary Meal Plan is available for faculty, staff, commuter students and the public to purchase, or they can use credit and debit cards,” Adney said. “It’s open to everyone whether they have a meal plan or not. We see a handful of faculty and staff that frequent the area each week, and we’ve even seen the new university president, Dr. Hanley, a few times.”

To find out more information about the Voluntary Meal Plan, visit www.offices.nsuok.edu/housing/Commuters.aspx. For information regarding the University Center and Market Café hours, visit offices.nsuok.edu/auxiliary/UniversityCenter/.

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NSU's newly renovated Market Café offers an updated space for students and campus community members to dine. 

Renovations to NSU's Market Café include the installation of an island for a cereal bar.