GVSU Opens Mixed-Use Facility With Local Foods Cafe

Grand Valley (MI) State University unveiled its The Connection multi-use facility at the beginning of the school year, reports the Grand Rapids Press. Located adjacent to a new 604-bed residential complex, it features a mix of classrooms and computer labs along with a 254-seat, $7.4 million dining venue with a wireless cafe, round-the-clock c-store, a branded Papa John's Pizza outlet and a food court emphasizing Michigan products.

It is the first such mixed-use facility on the campus where academic and dining spaces are integrated. The food court, called Engrained, includes a deli, salad station, coffee station and Green Plate, an entree station. All three feature daily specials with the menu posted on flat screen monitors along with the list of local vendors whose products were used in the dishes. The goal is to have about two-thirds of the food grown/produced locally.