Campus Dining and Shops has received the Grand Prize in the 2023 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards presented by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS).

CDS previously had received a Gold Award in the category of Retail Sales – Single Concept/Multiple Concepts/Marketplace for One World Café, UB’s international eatery and community space for faculty, staff, students and visitors. As one of the highest-scoring entries, One World Café and CDS became eligible for the Grand Prize, which was announced at NACUFS’ recent national conference in Baltimore.

“It’s truly a great honor to be recognized by our peers from other universities,” said Eric Blackledge, executive director for CDS. "These awards are among the most prestigious national honors in higher education food services and are a reflection of the incredible talents and hard work of our dedicated staff.”

CDS submitted a 52-page book entry for the Horton awards that highlighted all the major components of One World Café, including menus and meals, facility design and merchandising, marketing, nutrition and wellness, and overall “wow factors.”

Named for a NACUFS founder, past president and highly regarded innovator, the Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards are the ultimate tribute in the campus food service industry. They recognize exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning and new dining concepts, and provide an avenue for sharing ideas and creative presentations in campus dining services.

This marks the fourth Grand Prize and eighth overall award that Campus Dining and Shops has received.