By: Emily Suhr
On Aug. 26, Brooklyn College (BC) reopened the Boylan Hall cafeteria under new management, offering expanded food options and a fully renovated space for students to eat, study, and socialize.
The grand opening, held on Aug. 25, gave the campus community its first look at the redesigned cafeteria. Closed since the start of the pandemic, the facility’s return marks a significant investment in student life at BC.
Regular service began the following day, in time for the first day of classes, under the new vendor, BK Campus Eats, a food service provider for multiple CUNY campuses. Their mission statement, “Let’s Create Spectacular Together,” emphasizes creating a place for students to connect and relax in between classes.
“Colorful murals now adorn the space, and several additional renovations make it more comfortable and inviting,” said BC President Michelle Anderson in an email to the campus community. “The cafeteria is under new management, and I hope you will take advantage of its many food options to help the new establishment thrive.”
In the years following the cafeteria’s closure, BC arranged to have food trucks available on campus to meet students’ dining needs. The new facility offers a permanent solution with a broader range of options, including global cuisines that reflect the needs of BC’s diverse community.
“The cafeteria is now more than just a dining space—it’s a place to ‘Study, Snack, and Repeat,’” said Alan Gilbert, the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration. “We made it a priority to provide halal, glatt kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.”
Open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the cafeteria already has students responding to the changes.
Luis Batista, a senior in his final semester, recalled how limited the previous cafeteria was.
“The last cafeteria wasn’t a real cafeteria,” said Batista. “Before, it was just Saran-wrapped bagels, which was not really worth going in there. This cafeteria is much more detailed, and now they’ve got certified food options. The vibe is right in terms of a chill place to eat.”
Beyond the food, Batista sees potential for the cafeteria to play a larger role in campus life.
“Students have their routines,” added Batista. “They go to their classes, and they leave, so a table where opportunities and events are given, that’s the one thing they could add here. Students would dive into campus life.”
With updated facilities, a wider variety of food options, and regular services, the cafeteria is expected to become a central space for campus life at BC.