Campus Dining Adjusts Hours and Menus for Holiday Break

With Thanksgiving break nearing, “Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)” is gearing up for a reduced dining schedule. As many students will leave campus to spend the holiday with their loved ones, WSSU Dining Services will modify mealtimes, staffing, and menu options as the demand decreases. 

General Manager Jason Swanger says the aim is to maintain reliable access while operating realistically during the holiday slowdown. “Thanksgiving week always brings a big drop in foot traffic,” Swanger explained. “But we want students who stay to know they will still have consistent meals and a place to eat.” 

Starting November 25th, the Thompson Center cafeteria will revert to a brunch and dinner schedule. Retail locations, such as Starbucks and Chick-fil-A, will shut down for the break and reopen Monday. Swanger said the cafe also will have a limited comfort food menu and a special Thanksgiving themed dinner on Tuesday. “We want to offer something warm and familiar before students head into the holiday,” he said. 

Students who are staying on campus say the new, reduced hours make a big difference. Jordan Bennett, a sophomore who is staying due to a work obligation, said, “I was worried about food access since most places shut down. Knowing the café is still open makes the break feel less stressful.” 

Freshman Maria Lopez said having dining available helps ease the feeling of spending the holiday away from home. “This is my first Thanksgiving not going home,” she said. “It makes me feel better knowing I’ll still have meals and a space to go.” 

As the break draws near, dining services remind students to plan ahead by taking the revised schedule into consideration and by exploring holiday meal offerings. The university hopes to make sure that students staying on campus will enjoy a reliable and welcoming dining experience throughout the week, even as it reduces operations.