USC opens Asian-inspired dining hall

The University of Southern California’s (USC) newest dining hall opened in August just in time to greet USC students on their first day of classes. Nestled adjacent to an open student lounge, Fertitta Café is a self-developed concept from the USC Hospitality Group that features Asian-inspired cuisine in a sleek, modern setting.

The menu offers a wide range of foods from all over the Asian continent with dishes such as pho, ramen, bahn mi, dim sum, shumai, sushi and more. Authenticity and variety are key components.

“We worked closely with the Marshall School of Business and agreed that an Asian theme would cater to our school’s diverse demographic,” says Kris Klinger, AVP of retail operations for USC Auxiliary Services, Hospitality. “The dean requested a concept that would become a gathering point for students. Students requested more Asian food on campus.”

Fertitta Café was the resulting concept. It has seating capacity for approximately 125 inside. Outside there are benches and tables in the courtyard that connects it to Popovich Hall. (Later this fall, Popovich Café will be re-themed to serve Mediterranean food.)

“These two dining concepts will complement one another and elevate the dining experience for students,” Klinger says.