CDS wins gold Horton award for The Bowl

Campus Dining and Shops continues to receive national attention for its food service operations, most recently winning a gold award in the 2018 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards competition sponsored by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS).

The Bowl, CDS’ active lifestyle restaurant in the Ellicott Complex, won the gold in the “Retail Sales” category in the competition that recognizes campus food service operations for exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning and new dining concepts.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by our peers from other universities in this way,” says Jeff Brady, CDS executive director. “These awards are among the most prestigious national honors in higher education culinary arts and are a reflection of the talents and hard work of our dedicated staff.”

The Bowl focuses on custom-created greens-, grains- and noodle-based bowls.

The restaurant opened last August replacing Greens & Beans, a self-serve soup and salad bar. Even though The Bowl hasn’t been on campus for long, students are flocking to the eatery to enjoy its healthy food options.

“There’s a lot of options here and stuff that you can’t get at other places,” says Eric Rooney, a student in the School of Management. “There’s much healthier options, they taste good here and it’s right near where all the freshmen live.”

Noah Weisberg, an exercise science major, also enjoys the restaurant because it offers a healthy option for students with meal plans.

“The food seems fresher and healthier, and you have a variety of things to choose from, Weisberg says. “I think the one pound [of food] for $8 is a pretty good deal because it fits under a meal.”

This award marks the first gold Horton award for CDS in the “Retail Sales” category. CDS received an honorable mention in the “Retail Sales – Single Concept” category in 2016 for Seasons — Fresh Café and Organic Juice Bar.

In 2015, CDS won a gold award in the “Catering Online Menu” category for Three Pillars Catering’s website and a silver in the “Residential Dining - Special Event” category for “The Hunger Games”-themed dinner hosted at Crossroads Culinary Center (C3).

CDS also won a gold Horton in the “Residential Dining Concept” category for C3 in 2013.

CDS representatives will accept this year’s award at NACUFS’ national conference, being held July 11-14 in Providence, Rhode Island.