The National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) has awarded Cal Poly Campus Dining and its Via Carta outdoor community space a bronze tier recipient. Camus Dining earned the 2023 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for Retail Sales – Single Concept/Multiple Concepts/Marketplace.
“Via Carta was designed to be a dynamic celebration of the Central Coast, and it’s great to be recognized for the engaging gathering space we’ve created on campus,” Jess Dozier, Campus Dining director, said. “Via Carta takes full advantage of the beautiful San Luis Obispo weather and creates the opportunity to get outside, put down your devices, relax, socialize and enjoy a meal together.”
The Retail Sales category recognizes outstanding retail locations on campus that have innovative features and techniques. Through collaborative partnerships with other Cal Poly departments and outside contractors, Via Carta was completely revamped in just two months to create an outdoor space with comfortable shaded seating, inviting planter boxes with built-in seating and parklet-style landscaping. Located directly outside Campus Market, Via Carta is the fourth in a collection of outdoor community spaces that have been created to further support student success and enhance the campus experience for all members of the Cal Poly community.
With a new mobile kitchen, a barbecue pit and food truck area anchored by a vibrant mural, Via Carta is a festive space that can host events and serve as a daily gathering spot for the campus community to meet, eat and connect.
The NACUFS awards celebrate exemplary retail spaces, menus, presentations, special event planning and new dining concepts, and provides an avenue for sharing ideas and creative presentations in campus dining services.
Winners are listed online at: https://www.nacufs.org/Awards/LoyalEHortonDiningAwards.
